Bernie Sanders concedes that Biden 'can't put three sentences together' sometimes
Bernie Sanders concedes that Biden 'can't put three sentences together' sometimes.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent and key progressive influence within the Democratic Party, is steadfastly supporting President Joe Biden despite questions about his viability.
While acknowledging Biden's communication challenges, Sanders remains supportive. "I'm not aware that anyone thinks that Joe Biden is the best candidate in the history of the world, or that he's an ideal candidate," Sanders told The New Yorker. "Sometimes he gets confused about names. You're right — sometimes he doesn't put three sentences together."
However, Sanders emphasized that Biden is still the Democrats' best candidate and that removing him from the ticket would cause more harm than good. Sanders praised Biden's record, calling it the "strongest of any president in modern American history," and criticized both the media and Democratic colleagues — 20 of whom have publicly called on Biden to drop out — for not focusing on Biden's achievements.
"I would much prefer to have somebody who can't put three sentences together who is setting forth an agenda that speaks to the needs of working-class people," Sanders said. He noted that despite Biden's recent difficulties, exacerbated by a poor debate performance and subsequent criticism, Biden's position has not worsened, indicating a strong chance of victory.
Sanders' stance contrasts with other Vermont lawmakers. Sen. Peter Welch is the only Democratic senator calling for Biden to drop out. Rep. Becca Balint, Vermont's sole House member, told VTDigger that her constituents "overwhelmingly" wanted Biden to step aside, though she stopped short of calling for his withdrawal herself.