In an interview on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, Senator Bernie Sanders shared his thoughts on the sudden changes in the Democratic presidential race.
Sanders criticized the media for pressuring President Joe Biden to exit the race and expressed his reluctance to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris right away.
Media Pressure on Biden
Sanders, who had previously backed Biden's reelection bid, voiced concerns about the media's role in pushing the President out of the race.
"We have to ensure that the media does not unduly influence our democratic process," Sanders remarked, as reported by NewsWeek.
His hesitation to endorse Harris contrasts with the strong support she has garnered from within the Democratic Party.
As Cooper noted, Harris has already been endorsed by at least 41 Democratic senators, 186 Democratic representatives, and 23 Democratic governors.
Sanders Takes His Time
When asked what it would take for him to endorse Harris, Sanders emphasized the importance of the upcoming campaign focusing on issues like climate change and economic rights.
"We have to make sure that we elect the Vice President," he stated.
Sanders shared that he had a private conversation with Harris but withheld details. He stressed the need for the campaign to address the concerns of Americans who feel ignored by Washington.
"I want to make sure that her campaign understands that for too many people in this country, when they look at Washington, D.C., they feel ignored," Sanders explained. "They feel insulted. That people are not understanding what is going on in their lives."
He stressed the need for a government that prioritizes working families over corporate interests.
While confident he will eventually endorse Harris, Sanders wants assurance that her campaign aligns with his vision for addressing working families' needs.
"I just want to make sure that the Vice President, as I'm sure she will be, will stand up strongly with an agenda that speaks to the long-neglected needs of working families," he added.
A Look Back at 2016
Sanders' approach mirrors his stance in previous elections.
Some Hillary Clinton supporters have argued that Sanders' prolonged campaign in the 2016 primaries and reluctance to unite the party contributed to her loss to Donald Trump. However, this claim is debated, with studies indicating that a higher percentage of Sanders voters backed Clinton than Clinton voters backed Obama in 2008.
Sanders concluded the interview by suggesting that if Harris embraces a strong agenda for working families, "she's going to win and win big."
