Tensions flared during a televised interview when Senator Bernie Sanders nearly stormed off the ABC News set after being pressed about Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential Senate run. The exchange grew heated when Sanders was asked if he supported Ocasio-Cortez challenging Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in New York’s upcoming Democratic primary.
Visibly irritated, Sanders accused the network of stirring division within the party. He criticized the line of questioning as a distraction from more pressing issues facing the country, such as economic inequality and healthcare reform. Sanders emphasized that internal primary fights were not his focus and insisted that Democrats should concentrate on defeating Republican candidates in the next election cycle.
Sources close to Sanders revealed that the senator views discussions about primary battles, especially involving prominent progressive figures like Ocasio-Cortez, as unhelpful at a time when the party is still reeling from significant losses. The Vermont senator has repeatedly advocated for unity to rebuild the Democratic base rather than fueling speculation about intra-party rivalries.
Although Sanders regained his composure and completed the interview, the moment underscored growing tensions among Democrats as younger progressive leaders continue to challenge the party’s establishment. The exchange also highlighted the ongoing debate over the future direction of the Democratic Party as it struggles to recover from a tough election year.