Bernie Sanders Storms Off Interview Over Question About AOC's Political Future

Sanders Walks Off ABC Interview After Question About Ocasio-Cortez's Political Future

During a pre-recorded interview for ABC's "This Week," Senator Bernie Sanders abruptly stood up and walked off set when asked if he supports Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez potentially running for Senate. ABC's Jonathan Karl posed the question following Sanders’ praise of Ocasio-Cortez, calling her "extraordinary." Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Senator Criticizes 'Inside the Beltway' Questioning, Citing Focus on Public Engagement

Sanders, however, took issue with the line of questioning. “Right now, we have, as I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan. Thanks,” he said, getting up from his seat. As Karl tried to continue the interview, Sanders responded, “Well, I ask you – you know, you want to do nonsense, do nonsense. No, I don't want to talk about inside the Beltway stuff. I got 32,000 people,” referring to the crowd at a recent Denver rally he attended with Ocasio-Cortez. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sanders Returns to Interview, Affirms Commitment to Representing Vermont

Eventually, Karl convinced Sanders to return to the interview, asking about his future in politics. Sanders replied, “Right now, I am very proud that the people of the state of Vermont sent me back to the Senate with 63% of the vote. Right now I'm Vermont's senator. That's what I do, and I'm very happy to do it. I am 83 years of age, so. And I'm tired.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Speculation Grows Around Possible AOC Challenge to Schumer Amid Progressive Criticism

The original question stemmed from growing speculation that Ocasio-Cortez might challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in a primary. Schumer recently supported a government funding bill that drew criticism from the party’s progressive wing. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rep. Ro Khanna Says Ocasio-Cortez Has “Incredible Future,” Leaves 2028 Run Up to Her

When asked on CNN if he would encourage Ocasio-Cortez to run, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) stated: “She’s perfectly capable of making the decision. She’s got so many options. She’s got an incredible future. You know, it’s really her decision. But, you know, all I can say is there’s real anger. And there would be a lot of support for her if she decided to do it.” Megan Smith / USA TODAY NETWORK