CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A big name spoke at the University of Virginia Center for Politics on Thursday night.

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont sat down with CBS News correspondent Robert Costa to discuss Sander's new book, "It’s OK to be Angry About Capitalism."

The book focuses on a progressive takedown of existing conditions that have benefited the country's upper class. In it, Sanders offers a plan for what a change would look like.

"That's kind of what a lot of the book is about: that economic rights are human rights that we have to strive to develop," said Sanders to an audience in Old Cabell Hall.

Sanders is serving his third term in the U.S. Senate. He is the longest-serving independent member of congress in American history, according to the Center for Politics. Many students came out to see him speak.

"He inspires me, he cares about the same things I care about," said Liam Keough, a student at UVA.

"I think the main reason I'm here is to hear how capitalism sucks and I'm excited for that," said Jeremy Siegel, another student.

In the Senate, he led efforts to pass the American Rescue Plan while serving as chair of the Budget Committee. He also sits on the Environment and Public Works Committee where he's focused on global warming and rebuilding America’s infrastructure.

"If we can come up with a Medicare system for all people it will improve the quality of life profoundly for all people in this country," said Sanders.

Sanders is now the chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee where he leads the fight for Medicare for all.