Bernie Sanders Walks Off ABC News Interview After Question About AOC’s Senate Prospects

[Social Media]

 

Senator Bernie Sanders abruptly ended an interview with ABC News after being asked whether Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should join the Senate, expressing frustration over what he called "nonsense" political speculation.

Bernie Sanders stormed out of an interview with ABC News after he was asked if he wanted to see AOC join the Senate...

"You wanna do nonsense, do nonsense!"

LOL... wut?pic.twitter.com/oF8gTe93tk

— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) March 23, 2025

 

The tense moment unfolded during a pre-taped interview with ABC’s This Week, when host Jonathan Karl asked Sanders, 83, if he would like to see Ocasio-Cortez in the Senate. The question followed Sanders' praise for the congresswoman’s work advancing progressive policies. Although Karl did not explicitly mention it, the question alluded to ongoing speculation about whether Ocasio-Cortez might challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in 2028.

 

 

Rather than engage with the topic, Sanders quickly dismissed it. "Right now we have, as I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan, thanks," he said curtly before abruptly standing up and stepping out of the camera’s view.

 

Karl, realizing he had struck a nerve, attempted to salvage the moment. "Wait, I got one more — I got one more," he pleaded. But Sanders, already walking away, shot back, "No, you wanna do nonsense. Do nonsense. I don’t want to talk about inside-the-beltway stuff. I got 32,000 people [at my rallies]."

 

Even off-camera, Karl continued to press him, noting that he asked the question because Sanders had been actively campaigning alongside Ocasio-Cortez at recent rallies. After initially refusing to engage, Sanders eventually returned to his seat for one final question.

 

When asked about his own political future and whether he planned to run again, Sanders gave a more measured response. "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," he said. "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."

 

Sanders was reelected to a fourth Senate term last November and will not face another election until 2030, when he will be 89 years old. He is currently the second-oldest senator, behind Chuck Grassley of Iowa, who is 91.

 

Despite his age, Sanders remains a key figure in progressive politics and recently teamed up with Ocasio-Cortez for a national tour opposing former President Donald Trump. Their Fighting the Oligarchy Tour drew large crowds in cities such as Las Vegas, Denver, and parts of Arizona, echoing the enthusiasm that fueled Sanders' presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020.

 

Reflecting on the evolution of the progressive movement, Sanders recalled, "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. Now they have close to 100." He also reiterated his admiration for Ocasio-Cortez, calling her "extraordinary" and emphasizing her ability to inspire young people across the country.

 

While Sanders remains a powerful voice in politics, his reaction to the Senate question made it clear he has little patience for discussions about political maneuvering—at least when it comes to Ocasio-Cortez’s future.

 

Based on a report by NYP  2025-03-25

 

 

[Tug]

The journalist was trying to sidetrack the conversation old Bernie wasent having it.

[blaze master]

If you're not first...you're last.

[Purdey]

For his age, Bernie is sharp as a tack. Let's hope he keeps it up. The US populace may yet have the benefits it deserves.

[HappyExpat57]

Whether or not you agree with Bernie's views, you have to give it to him - he has remained consistent in his messages. No flip flopping like just about everyone else in D.C.

[Tug]

15 minutes ago, blaze master said:

If you're not first...you're last.

A lot depends on what part of the rock I happen to be on and what I’m up to seems to me you spend a lot of time on the computer ehh me not so much I’m a busy boy!

[Oliver Holzerfilled]

4 minutes ago, Tug said:

 A lot depends on what part of the rock I happen to be on and what I’m up to...I’m a busy boy!

 

Yeah, busy burning Teslas and occupying college campuses!

[wombat]

[Chomper Higgot]

5 minutes ago, wombat said:

Oh look a ripped meme in place of any even slightly coherent comment.

[blaze master]

21 minutes ago, Tug said:

A lot depends on what part of the rock I happen to be on and what I’m up to seems to me you spend a lot of time on the computer ehh me not so much I’m a busy boy!

 

Negative. 

[Chomper Higgot]

Bernie nailed it.

 

The interviewer going off on some garbage question ‘will you run for the Presidency?’ when Bernie was discussing what’s actually happening in America under the Trump administration.

 

The mainstream media are running scared of upsetting Trump by discussing the mess he’s making of the lives of millions of Americans.

 

Huge audiences are turning out in both blue and red districts to hear Bernie and AOC speak about the problems in America today while Republicans have stopped holding Town Halls.

 

Way to go Bernie! 

[bendejo]

Karl was looking to "make news" and, well, here he is!

He's not a very good news personality, IMO.

AOC wants to be the next Bernie, she more or less said it in her first campaign.

 

[Chomper Higgot]

6 minutes ago, bendejo said:

Karl was looking to "make news" and, well, here he is!

He's not a very good news personality, IMO.

AOC wants to be the next Bernie, she more or less said it in her first campaign.

 

Nothing wrong with a few more Bernies.

 

[tomazbodner]

8 minutes ago, bendejo said:

Karl was looking to "make news" and, well, here he is!

He's not a very good news personality, IMO.

AOC wants to be the next Bernie, she more or less said it in her first campaign.

 

Maybe, but she doesn't have Bernie's brand, experience, or charisma.

[HappyExpat57]

19 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Maybe, but she doesn't have Bernie's brand, experience, or charisma.

You said a mouthful. I knew an international airline pilot, slightly connected. He was at a gala event in a large, crowded room when suddenly President Bill Clinton entered. The pilot said you could sense President Clinton's presence before you even saw him. He exuded charm and charisma in a way that a world leader should.

 

I love AOC and her message, but she will always appear as a young girl fighting for a seat at the adult table. She has that voice that detracts much like Kamala did. Politics ain't fair, it just is what it is.

 

Now, Nikki Haley? She's got that "thing" about her - I could fully imagine her sitting at the resolute desk. A frightening thought, but not at all beyond the realm of possibilities.

[NumbNut]

43 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Maybe, but she doesn't have Bernie's brand, experience, or charisma.

Don't know about that, AOC has the 'rizz' alright

[spidermike007]

I often disagree with a lot of Sanders views, but I have a lot of respect for the man, and it's very possible that he is the only person at the national level in American politics with some decency and integrity.

 

I love the way he shot this guy down, stick to the script man, you're wandering off and I have no interest in your nonsense, great stuff. 

[JonnyF]

54 minutes ago, tomazbodner said:

Maybe, but she doesn't have Bernie's brand, experience, or charisma.

 

She's quite cute though.

 

Until she smiles of course, then I get Jim Carrey in The Mask vibes.

 

[blaze master]

29 minutes ago, HappyExpat57 said:

The pilot said you could sense President Clinton's presence before you even saw him. He exuded charm and charisma in a way that a world leader should.

 

What ?

 

He did charm that intern to nut him in the oval office..... you know the way a world leader.should. 

 

Bill Clinton is a well known sexual predator. His wife even backed him during his cases. Flash forward 20 years and metoo.

 

You got jokes.

[John Drake]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

The tense moment unfolded during a pre-taped interview with ABC’s This Week, when host Jonathan Karl asked Sanders, 83, if he would like to see Ocasio-Cortez in the Senate.

 

This type question is utterly typical and should be expected on This Week. It's almost a standard closing question over the show, which has been running for almost 45 years. Everybody knows it, including the old coot who threw a temper tantrum. 

[Chomper Higgot]

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

 

She's quite cute though.

 

Until she smiles of course, then I get Jim Carrey in The Mask vibes.

 

Oh look Jonny attacks the looks of a bright, articulate and assertive woman.

 

Again.

[JAG]

2 hours ago, tomazbodner said:

Maybe, but she doesn't have Bernie's brand, experience, or charisma.

Neither, might I suggest, did Bernie when he started out all those years ago.

 

She is starting out. Judging by the reaction to her in certain circles, she is posing a threat! She certainly seems popular with a large segment of the population!

[JonnyF]

18 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Oh look Jonny attacks the looks of a bright, articulate and assertive woman.

 

Again.

 

I said she was cute.

 

It's just the teeth...

[Wrwest]

1 hour ago, blaze master said:

 

What ?

 

He did charm that intern to nut him in the oval office..... you know the way a world leader.should. 

 

Bill Clinton is a well known sexual predator. His wife even backed him during his cases. Flash forward 20 years and metoo.

 

You got jokes.

Your observation? Valid but in now way changes the posted comment you cite.

[DaddyWarbucks]

He's a crabby old geezer.

American commies - both overt and covert - never recovered from the collapse of the Soviet Union.

They had started taking in Socialism along with their mother's milk.

It became a religion with them.

The light that failed.

[JAG]

3 minutes ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

He's a crabby old geezer.

American commies - both overt and covert - never recovered from the collapse of the Soviet Union.

They had started taking in Socialism along with their mother's milk.

It became a religion with them.

The light that failed.

Have you any idea just how ludicrous suggesting that Bernie Sanders is a "commie", overt or covert, makes you look?

[Colki]

I think if you wish to consider which party seems to cuddle up to Russia would not be Democrats from what I read.

[Purdey]

AOC speaks clearly and goes to the point instead of switching points constantly, all in one long sentence.

[kimothai]

I think the Democratic party should put AOC (the bartender) in charge of the party.  The favorability (of the Democratics) is already at 29% so she probably couldn't do much worse than whoever is taking credit for running the Party.  Then again, there is still room below the 29%.  Could single digits be in the future?  I think I'm going to need more popcorn to watch this "s**t show". 

 

Former Clinton Pollster Stunned as People Flee Democratic Party: 'I've Never Seen Anything Like This'

[Harrisfan]

36 minutes ago, DaddyWarbucks said:

He's a crabby old geezer.

American commies - both overt and covert - never recovered from the collapse of the Soviet Union.

They had started taking in Socialism along with their mother's milk.

It became a religion with them.

The light that failed.

Lost to Hillary lol