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.

  • Ghostalmedia@lemmy.worldEnglish
    50·
    6 months ago

    Bernie is one of the few senators that actually understands the opportunity barriers that young people face in the US. That said, I’m going to feel pretty hypocritical backing his candidacy, while I’ve said his 80+ year old colleagues are too old for the job.

    He’s still sharp as a damn tack, but at some point, you’re just at a very high risk of the machinery breaking down on the job.

    • mox@lemmy.sdf.org
      251·
      6 months ago

      I’m going to feel pretty hypocritical backing his candidacy, while I’ve said his 80+ year old colleagues are too old for the job.

      It’s okay to acknowledge exceptions to a general rule.

      Another exception: If I remember correctly, Bernie was the only presidential candidate (last time he ran) with the open intention of getting money out of politics. That and replacing the first-past-the-post voting system would unlock US political reform, IMHO.

      • Fredselfish@lemmy.world
        5·
        6 months ago

        I am supporting him and even going donate. Sad he can’t retire but I feel he only Senator trying to fight conservatism in the government. Wish he was running for president. Maybe in 2028.

    • cogman@lemmy.world
      6·
      6 months ago

      Senate is a 6 year term so he’ll be 88 at the end if he survives.

      Besides just being with his family, the most important thing he could be doing is finding a replacement with similar politics to him and endorsing the shit out of them. Otherwise when he dies it will be a blood bath that might not end up with a progressive like him.

        • beardown@lemm.ee
          2·
          6 months ago

          Vermont, at worst, will elect a moderate Democrat. And likely will elect someone similar to him as a replacement. Things can’t really get very messed up by his untimely demise

          Which is the opposite of how things were with RBG