Sen. Bernie Sanders is refusing to back away from his support for progressive Democratic candidates despite criticism from Sen. John Fetterman, vowing to continue campaigning for candidates he believes will challenge powerful financial interests and fight for working Americans.
The clash began after Fetterman questioned Sanders’ involvement in several key Democratic primaries during an interview with CNN’s Manu Raju on Tuesday. Referring to Sanders’ endorsement of progressive Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Fetterman remarked, “maybe sit a few out,” before adding, “Maybe sit a few out, Bernie,” and, “You’re not helping.”
Sanders dismissed the criticism during an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, while alluding to ongoing speculation that Fetterman may eventually leave the Democratic Party.
“John — not going to take your advice,” Sanders replied.
He added, “We’re going to work as hard as we can not only to elect El-Sayed, but Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota and strong congressional candidates across the country who have the guts to start taking on big money and representing workers,” the senator continued.
Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary is set for Tuesday, when El-Sayed will face Rep. Haley Stevens for the party’s nomination. The winner will advance to the November general election against former Rep. Mike Rogers as the candidates compete to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters.
A new Emerson College Polling/WLNS/WOODTV survey released Thursday showed El-Sayed holding a sizable advantage over Stevens. The poll found the progressive candidate with 54 percent support, compared with 39 percent for Stevens, giving him a 15-point lead heading into the final days of the campaign.
Collins also asked Sanders whether he would support Stevens if she were to defeat El-Sayed in the primary. Sanders and El-Sayed have both criticized Stevens over her backing of Israel and her acceptance of campaign donations from super PACs.
“I don’t know that she’d want me. I’d support her,” Sanders responded. “I want Democrats to control the Senate. I think both Haley and Abdul have made it clear that if the other candidate wins they will be supportive. So will I.”
{Matzav.com}