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Sen. Bernie Sanders (S-Vt.), the aging socialist from Vermont, couldn’t handle basic questions about his protégé Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) during what became an absolutely bizarre ABC News interview that aired Sunday. He had a complete meltdown after a rather innocent question by ABC News’ Jonathan Karl.
What started as a routine exchange quickly spiraled into a tense and awkward moment as Sanders became visibly irritated by Karl’s questioning.
At first, Sanders had nothing but praise for Ocasio-Cortez, calling her “extraordinary” and saying he was “so impressed by her work in Congress.” He credited her with inspiring young people across the country and seemed eager to sing her praises. But when Karl pushed further, asking whether Sanders would like to see Ocasio-Cortez join the Senate, Sanders’ tone changed dramatically. He hesitated before responding, stumbling through his answer. “I— Right now we have, as I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. Okay, Jonathan, thanks,” he said abruptly, trying to end the conversation right then and there, even getting up to leave.
Some Democrats are encouraging AOC to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for his seat after he voted to end debate on the Continuing Resolution to fund the government for another six months. Sanders obviously knew that and didn’t want to go on record one way or another on the issue.
