Key Takeaways:

• Senator Bernie Sanders walked out of an ABC interview after being pressed about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's potential Senate run.
• Sanders expressed frustration with the question, labeling it as "nonsense" and relevant only to political insiders.
• Despite his irritation, Sanders praised Ocasio-Cortez, calling her "extraordinary" and a source of inspiration for young people.
• Sanders reaffirmed his commitment to serving the state of Vermont, expressing fatigue with the political arena at 83 years old.

During a recent interview with ABC News, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) exhibited visible agitation when asked if he would like to see Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) run for Senate. The question, posed by political journalist Jonathan Karl, seemed to strike a nerve, prompting Sanders to abruptly stand up and attempt to leave. He stated, "Okay, Jonathan, thanks," adding, "You want to do nonsense, do nonsense," indicating his preference to avoid what he deemed "inside-the-Beltway stuff."

Following some initial resistance, Sanders returned to complete the interview, but his frustration was palpable as he expressed that he would prefer to focus on substantial issues rather than speculative ones regarding Senate tensions. After praising Ocasio-Cortez's contributions to progressive causes and her ability to galvanize young supporters, he reiterated, "I am Vermont's senator. That's what I do, and I'm very happy to do it," reflecting on his commitment to his role.

Sanders's remarks occur against a backdrop of heightened political activity, particularly surrounding their recent "Fighting the Oligarchy" tour, where he and Ocasio-Cortez rallied against key policies during President Trump's administration.

As speculation grows over Ocasio-Cortez potentially challenging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in the future, Sanders notably refrained from providing any comments on her political aspirations. This episode highlights the tension that often accompanies the conversations surrounding progressive candidates and the complexities of party dynamics.

To watch clips from Sanders’ interview, visit The Hill.