Bernie Sanders Says He Supports Primary Challengers For Manchin & Sinema
Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said today is a “sad day” for the United States, blaming Republicans for not supporting the bill and singling out Democratic Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona for their continued obstruction over voting rights legislation.
“I regard it as a very sad day for our country, and I mean this very sincerely, that not one Republican in this body is prepared to vote for this bill,” Sen. Sander told reporters.
The progressive Sanders had told reporters on Tuesday that he would support primary challengers to Manchin and Sinema, which opens the door for others in the caucus to add their support to a challenge as well.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says he does “not understand why two Democrats” who support voting rights legislation won’t vote for rule change: “It's like inviting somebody to lunch, putting out a great spread, and saying you can't eat.” https://t.co/Xe0eBpYsDM pic.twitter.com/ZohKy5cgeb
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 20, 2022
“What’s at stake is the future of American democracy,” said Sanders. “And the fact that all over this country, Republican governors and legislators are moving aggressively to suppress the vote and to impose extreme gerrymandering, among many other things.” The Senator added, “Anybody who believes in American democracy has got to vote to enable us to go forward with 50 votes to suspend the filibuster, at least on this vote.”
What we are debating today may seem complicated. But it is really quite simple. I’m LIVE on the floor discussing why now is the time to defend American democracy. https://t.co/4Lxyzkoxu7
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) January 20, 2022
Progressive Democrats are increasingly looking for a candidate to challenge Sinema in 2024 following her stubborn opposition to changing Senate filibuster rules last week, with Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego of Arizona emerging as the strongest potential primary contender. Sinema lost further support on Tuesday when EMILY’s List, a group that backs pro-choice Democrats for office, said it would not endorse Sinema for reelection in 2024 if she continued to oppose filibuster reforms.
"Rules get changed around here ALL THE TIME. And maybe–just maybe we might want to change the rules in order to save American democracy." — @BernieSanders #JohnLewisFreedomAct #VotingRightsForThePeople pic.twitter.com/tzPSyIdrpR
— People's Action (@PplsAction) January 20, 2022
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) didn’t oppose the suggestion of backing primary challengers to Manchin and Sinema when asked about the idea when taking questions from reporters on Tuesday evening, but he wouldn’t elaborate on a specific primary scenario. “I’m not getting into the politics,” Schumer said, shaking his head in dismay at the question. “This is a substantive, serious issue.”
Flipping these Senate seats in PA, NC, OH, MO and WI is absolutely possible!
These are excellent Dem candidates who will serve their states and this country well!
Let’s make Manchin & Sinema irrelevant in 2022 and accomplish Biden’s agenda
Show up and VOTE!#DemVoice1 pic.twitter.com/pNSLw9AUo2
— Brenda❤️46 – Build Back Better 👊🍷🏡💥🍹🏝📫 (@kinley_brenda) January 18, 2022