Bernie Sanders clashes with ABC after controversial question sends sparks flying in interview

Washington D.C.: Senator Bernie Sanders clashed with ABC News’s Jonathan Karl that almost ended with the Vermont senator storming off. The combative interaction occurred after Sanders was pressed about whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) should primary Chuck Schumer.

The tense exchange occurred during a discussion about Democratic leadership and the recent passage of a Republican-backed budget to avert a government shutdown. When Karl asked if AOC should replace Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sanders dismissed the question as “nonsense” and walked off-camera, calling it “inside the beltway stuff". He later returned to answer a final question about his political future, ruling out another presidential bid, citing his age and fatigue.

Sanders, 83, criticized Schumer for the budget vote, calling it a “failure of Democratic leadership", but stopped short of endorsing calls for Schumer to be primaried. He emphasized that both major parties are dominated by billionaires, a recurring theme in his critiques of the political system. Meanwhile, other Democrats, including AOC, have been more vocal in their criticism of Schumer, with some demanding he step down from leadership.

The interview took place after Sanders and AOC kicked off a joint 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, drawing a massive crowd of 34,000 in Denver. Sanders praised AOC and other young progressives in Congress, calling them “extraordinary” and highlighting their ability to inspire. However, he refused to speculate on AOC’s potential Senate run, redirecting focus to broader issues.