Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an influential progressive within the Democratic Party, has reaffirmed his support for President Joe Biden despite growing doubts about Biden’s effectiveness.
In speaking to The New Yorker, Sanders acknowledged Biden’s occasional communication struggles. “I’m not aware that anyone thinks that Joe Biden is the best candidate in the history of the world, or that he’s an ideal candidate,” Sanders remarked. “Sometimes he gets confused about names. You’re right — sometimes he doesn’t put three sentences together.”
A clash between Bernie and Biden
Despite these observations, Sanders emphasized Biden’s importance as the Democratic nominee, arguing against efforts to replace him. “Trying, in an unprecedented way, to take him off the ticket would do a lot more harm than good,” Sanders asserted.
Sanders praised Biden’s record, asserting that he holds the “strongest record of any president in modern American history.” He criticized both the media and some fellow Democrats, noting that their focus on Biden’s shortcomings detracts from his accomplishments.
“I would much prefer to have somebody who can’t put three sentences together who is setting forth an agenda that speaks to the needs of working-class people,” Sanders explained.
Reflecting on recent criticisms of Biden following a challenging debate, Sanders expressed optimism about Biden’s electoral prospects. “If he’s not any worse off today than he was before the debate, I think that he has a very good chance to win.”
Similarly to Sanders’ stance, other Vermont lawmakers have been less supportive. Senator Peter Welch has called for Biden to withdraw from the race, while Representative Becca Balint acknowledged strong constituent sentiment for Biden’s withdrawal without explicitly endorsing it herself.
