Bernie Sanders nearly storms off ABC News set when asked about AOC in Senate
Share and Follow

He was feeling the Bern of that question.

Senator Bernie Sanders became visibly upset and quickly ended an interview after being questioned about whether Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for Senate.

“Would you like to see her join you in the Senate?” ABC News’ Jonathan Karl asked Sanders (I-Vt.), 83, after the senator praised the “Squad” rep for advancing progressive causes.

Looming over his question, despite not being stated outright, was buzz about whether Ocasio-Cortez should challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who is up for reelection in 2028.

“Right now we have, as I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan, thanks,” Sanders tersely replied, trying to cut off the pre-taped interview with ABC’s “This Week.”

Sanders then brusquely stood right up from his seat and quickly bolted out of the camera, clearly agitated by the question.

“Wait, I got one more — I got one more,” Karl pleaded with Sanders, realizing he hit a nerve. “This is an important question.”

“No, you wanna do nonsense. Do nonsense,” Sanders shot back, annoyed. “I don’t want to talk about inside-the-beltway stuff. I got 32,000 people [at my rallies].”

Karl pleaded with Sanders while he was out of the camera’s view, noting that he asked about Ocasio-Cortez because she was out with the Vermont senator in recent rallies across the country.

Sanders stressed “I don’t want to talk about” the Ocasio-Cortez question before agreeing to sit back down and answer Karl’s final inquiry.

The last question was about whether Sanders was going to run again given the monster crowds he managed to draw over recent days during his “Fighting the Oligarchy Tour” with Ocasio-Cortez.

“Right now I’m very proud that the people of the state of Vermont sent me back to the Senate with 63% of the vote,” Sanders replied. “I’m Vermont’s senator. That’s what I do. And I’m very happy to do it. I am 83 years of age. And I’m tired.”

The Vermont independent was just reelected last November to a fourth term in the Senate and won’t be up for reelection until 2030, by which time he will turn 89. At the moment, he is the second-oldest senator after Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), 91.

Sanders teamed up with AOC to hold rallies across the country in Las Vegas, Denver, parts of Arizona and elsewhere, seeking to gin up opposition to President Trump.

They’ve drawn massive crowds, mirroring the energy Sanders garnered during both his failed 2016 and 2020 presidential bids.

“When I first came to the Congress in the House, I helped form the Progressive Caucus. We had five people in it at that time,” Sanders recounted on ABC’s “This Week.” “Now they have close to 100.

“You got a whole lot of good people. Alexandria is extraordinary. I am so impressed by her work in Congress and her — just, she inspires young people all over the country.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Gov. Pritzker to sign 'Squatter Bill' into law after it passes Illinois House; ABC7 Samantha Chatman reports on Chicago squatting

Governor Pritzker Set to Approve ‘Squatter Bill’ Following Passage in Illinois House; ABC7’s Samantha Chatman Covers Chicago’s Squatting Issues

CHICAGO (WLS) — ABC7’s I-Team learned that Governor JB Pritzker will sign…
Jacksonville teen starts petition to keep MOSH open

Jacksonville Teen Launches Petition to Prevent MOSH Closure

MOSH plans to close its Southbank location at the end of August…
Voters' Zohran Mamdani fears: Letters

Concerns from Voters About Zohran Mamdani: Correspondence

The Issue: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s socialist, anti-police, antisemitic…
Culver's to open 22 new restaurants in 11 states

Culver’s Plans Expansion with 22 New Locations Across 11 States

(NEXSTAR) Wisconsinites and their neighbors are no strangers to the beloved Butter…

Tragic East L.A. Explosion Claims Lives of Three Deputies, Leaving 16 Children Without Fathers

A growing memorial sits outside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department training center…
Minnesota lawmaker convicted of felony burglary for breaking into estranged stepmother’s home

Minnesota Legislator Found Guilty of Felony Burglary for Illegally Entering Estranged Stepmother’s Residence

A Minnesota state senator was convicted of burglary Friday for breaking into…
Trump put down MAGA revolt with help of Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch

Trump Quells MAGA Revolt with Assistance from Fox News Chief Rupert Murdoch

As Jake Blues famously said, “We’re getting the band back together.” In…
Tech CEO placed on leave amid fallout over Coldplay kiss cam footage

Tech Leader Suspended Following Controversy Over Kiss Cam Video at Coldplay Event

The CEO of a tech company has been placed on leave following…