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.

  • @foggy
    link
    17 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
      link
      English
      -27 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.

      • @foggy
        link
        17 months ago

        Not when your goal is radical left and your candidate is Bernie Sanders.