Independent U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders is running for re-election, squelching speculation that he might retire at a difficult moment for Democrats The 82-year-old liberal icon from Vermont announced Monday that he's seeking his fourth term in the U.S.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont announced Monday he will run for reelection this year, squelching speculation that the 82-year-old progressive icon might retire at a time when the Democratic Party is anxious about the advancing age of its top leaders.

Hailing from a Democratic stronghold, Sanders’ decision virtually guarantees that he will return to Washington for a fourth Senate term. And his announcement comes at a critical moment for Democrats as the party navigates a growing divide over Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Sanders has criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the U.S. relationship with Israel even as he’s hailed much of Biden’s domestic agenda ahead of what could be a tough reelection fight for Biden against presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

  • PseudorandomNoise@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    7 months ago

    I do. I blame him. How are we supposed to cultivate the next generation of progressive leadership when the previous one refuses to leave?

    And I don’t care if it’s ageist. 80 year olds have no business being in positions this important. I’m sick of seeing people being literally wheeled into the Senate chambers to cast votes before being sent back to a hospital.

    • foggy@lemmy.world
      1·
      7 months ago

      I mean if you’re not a Vermonter it doesn’t really make a difference to you. You’re not going to get a Vermonter more radically left in that seat. If you want left, Bernie is your best bet second to Dean.

      • PseudorandomNoise@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        7 months ago

        He’s a Senator. This doesn’t just affect Vermont. Having yet another Senator over the age of 85 will absolutely make a difference to me! I just can’t vote on it because I live in Ohio.