Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders dismissed criticism from Democratic Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman on Sunday, telling “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker the first-term senator was “out of touch” with Democrats.
Fetterman has criticized his own party over its embrace of socialist candidates like Graham Platner in Maine, illegal immigration, and anti-Israel views, singling out Sanders as having “frustrated” him. Welker subsequently asked Sanders about Fetterman’s comments.
“Well, my response to Fetterman is last time I saw it, he was reflecting the views of about 19% of the Democrats in the state of Pennsylvania, I think probably lower than any other member of the Democratic Senate,” Sanders responded. “Fetterman does his thing, I think on Israel and many other issues, is way out of touch with the people of America.”
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Sanders was one of several prominent left-wing Democrats who backed Platner after multiple scandals emerged, including a Nazi tattoo, sexting, allegations of abuse towards women he dated, and calls for violence. Sanders did not withdraw his support until after Platner was accused of sexual assault by an ex-girlfriend.
“There were very serious allegations against Platner,” Sanders told Welker. “As a result of those accusations, I and virtually all of his supporters requested that he withdraw from the race, and he did.”
Sanders refused to express regret for backing Platner when asked by Welker.
“Platner ran a very strong campaign, and in fact, many of the issues that he’s raised are resonating all over this country,” Sanders said. “A woman made very serious allegations against him. He withdrew from the race, period.”
“And just to button this up, any regrets? Do you wish, if you could go back— ” Welker pressed. Sanders responded, “I’ll tell you, you know, I think right now we’re looking at a campaign in Michigan, we’re looking at a campaign in Minnesota. The people of this country right now are sick and tired of establishment politics and establishment policies. They want change and I and other progressives are going to do everything that we can to bring about those changes.”
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