What is Sanders thinking?
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) is fueling new speculation about another White House bid — even as he dodges directly answering whether he’ll run for president in 2028.
During a Sunday appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, the Vermont senator dismissed Dana Bash’s question about his future plans, saying, “Let’s not worry about that. I’ll be 84 next month — that should speak for itself.”
Instead of discussing his personal political ambitions, Sanders shifted to his familiar socialist talking points, urging the need to “educate, organize, and provide working-class Americans with a plan” aimed at expanding government control and increasing taxpayer-funded programs.
Bash pressed him further, warning that without strong leadership, even a “hungry, energized base” may fail to create change. Sanders doubled down, claiming that “strong grassroots movements” — not one particular leader — will shape the future. He refused to name a political heir to carry the so-called “Bernie Sanders mantle.”
Sanders, who unsuccessfully sought the Democrat nomination in both 2016 and 2020, is far from fading from the spotlight. This year, he’s been crisscrossing the country on his “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” railing against capitalism and America’s free-market system.
On Sunday, his stop in Asheville, North Carolina, drew enough interest to move the event from a 2,400-seat venue to one that seats about 7,200, according to Blue Ridge Public Radio.
With his high-profile appearances, aggressive nationwide tour, and refusal to rule out a run, Sanders may be quietly laying the groundwork for another presidential campaign — one that could push the Democrat Party even further to the left in 2028.
If Sanders does jump in, will America be ready for another round of his radical agenda?