Last Updated on March 19, 2020
After his recent electoral defeats, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) was repeatedly asked by reporters when he will have a decision about whether to end his campaign or continue, causing the candidate to snap back at reporters that he is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and not focusing on politics.
Former vice president Joe Biden’s momentum appears to be unstoppable, but Sanders is refusing to take time out of his congressional schedule to decide on the future of his campaign, as Congress meets to pass emergency spending bills to fight coronavirus.
A reporter began by asking Sanders, “Sir, what are you saying to your supporters?”
“Well, some of what was said was just untrue. We sent out a statement,” Sanders attempted to respond before being interrupted by reporters again.
“What’s your time frame,” another asked.
Sanders audibly angered by the heckling, told the reporters to stop badgering him for an immediate answer.
“You have to stop with this. I’m dealing with a fucking global crisis. You know? We’re dealing with it and you’re asking me these questions.”
Still, another reporter continued, telling Sanders, “You’re running for president, so…”
Sanders again was audibly frustrated by the press.
“Well right now I’m running. Right now I’m trying to do my best to make sure that we don’t have an economic meltdown and that people don’t die. Is that enough to you? To keep you busy for today?”
I love this song pic.twitter.com/uUqvkpAszT
— Benjamin Dixon (@BenjaminPDixon) March 19, 2020
Congress is currently debating spending bills that could see a form of emergency universal basic income provided to all Americans throughout the duration of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some establishment politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and prominent Republicans, are holding up votes, hoping for means testing to be implemented, while Republican leadership and progressive Democrats insist that means testing will unnecessarily slow down the process of sending money.
