Sanders Welcomed in One of New York's Poorest Neighborhoods
"Two days before the New York primary, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders toured one of New York City's poorest neighborhoods much to the surprise of local residents.
"Nice to get to know you now," one lady told Sanders, shaking his hand as he exited a public housing project and stopped by a playground in Brownsville, Brooklyn. "I was against you at first."
"I am not so bad as I look on TV," Sanders replied.
"No, you aren't. It is nice to see that you are coming through here. So, you might get our vote now," she continued, before turning to the crowd who had formed around Sanders. "He actually came to the 'hood to get our vote. He shook our hands."
Brownsville has been listed as one of the poorest neighborhoods in New York City, with a high crime rate, too. According to a study by the city last year, 76 percent of the population in the neighborhood is African American and more than 37 percent live below the federal poverty line.
Two city councilmen and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams led Sanders on his tour. The Vermont senator addressed reporters at the end of his visit.
"People should not be forced to live in dilapidated housing where elevators break down and elderly people have to walk eight flights up or down to go and get some groceries," Sanders said. "What this campaign is about is transforming our national priorities, rebuilding our infrastructure, and when we talk about rebuilding our infrastructure, that means rebuilding housing projects like this. Not only here in New York, but all over this country."
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/bernie-sanders-praised-visiting-york-city-public-housing/story?id=38470148
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