‘Angry Bernie’ Sanders Snaps, Storms Off When Asked About AOC Senate Run [WATCH]

Senator Bernie Sanders abruptly left an interview during a pre-taped segment of ABC’s This Week that aired Sunday, after objecting to a question about whether Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for Senate.

Sanders, an independent from Vermont, became visibly frustrated during the sit-down with ABC’s Jonathan Karl.

After praising Ocasio-Cortez as “extraordinary,” Sanders refused to say whether he would support her in a Senate race, brushing off the question as “nonsense.”

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The moment came as speculation continues to grow over a possible primary challenge against Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by Ocasio-Cortez.

That speculation has been fueled in part by Schumer’s support of a recent government funding bill that helped avert a partial shutdown — a move that drew criticism from some progressives.

“Right now, we have, as I said, just a whole lot of people in the Congress. OK, Jonathan. Thanks,” Sanders said, standing up and appearing to end the interview.

Karl tried to get Sanders to stay, noting that he had one more question.

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That prompted Sanders to respond, “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 Friday rally in Denver where Ocasio-Cortez also appeared.

Karl ultimately persuaded Sanders to return to his seat. “Well, fine. But I don’t want to talk about this. What was the last question?” Sanders asked.

Karl then shifted the discussion to Sanders’ own political future. Sanders responded by pointing to his recent reelection and age.

“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,” Sanders said.

“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.”

Angry Bernie gets up and threatens to walk out of interview after ABC’s Karl asks him about AOC joining him in the Senate:

“You wanna do nonsense, do nonsense!” pic.twitter.com/lfTjgXMyAX

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) March 23, 2025

While Sanders avoided weighing in on a potential Senate run by Ocasio-Cortez, another progressive Democrat, Representative Ro Khanna of California, addressed the same topic during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.

Khanna stopped short of endorsing a primary challenge but acknowledged the strong support Ocasio-Cortez could receive if she chose to run.

“She’s perfectly capable of making the decision,” Khanna said.

“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.”

Ocasio-Cortez has not publicly indicated whether she plans to mount a primary challenge against Schumer, who is up for reelection in 2028.

Still, the discussion reflects continued division within the Democratic Party, particularly between establishment leaders and the progressive wing.

The issue appears to be gaining traction as progressive lawmakers voice dissatisfaction with Senate leadership over recent legislative decisions.

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