On ABC's “This Week” Sunday, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) jumped out of his chair and tried to close the interview when asked if he should try running in the Senate for three years and challenge Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
Jonathan Carl: OK, you're with AOC today.
Sanders: Yes.
Carl: Do you see her as a progressive future?
Sanders: We have one of the untold stories –
Carl: Yes.
Sanders: What's happening in American politics today is that in the House, there are dozens of strong, smart, disciplined, hardworking young people in the progressive caucus. And you know, when I first came to the House Council, I came back when I helped form the Progressive Caucus. There were five people back then. Now they have nearly 100. So you have a lot of good people. Alexandria is extraordinary. I was very impressed with her work in Congress and her work. However, she is inspiring young people all over the country.
Carl: Do you want to see her join you in the Senate?
Sanders: Me – like I said, we have a lot of people in Congress now. OK, thank you Jonathan.
Carl: Wait, I got another one. I got another one. This is important –
Sanders: No, I asked you –
Carl: I understand.
Sanders: No, you want nonsense. Do nonsense.
Carl: No.
Sanders: I don't want to talk about the inside of the Beltway. I've won 32,000 people –
Carl: She was with you, so I was asking you about AOC.
Sanders: Well, you know, but I don't want to talk about this – what was the last question?
Carl: I was going to ask another question about you. In other words, that's all. I-it was literally your last
Sanders: OK, what – what is your question?
Carl: Yes, if you're sitting, that's easy. In other words, I want to ask you about your future. This is the biggest crowd. You said – you ran twice for the president. This is the biggest crowd you've ever seen. Are you going to see you run again? What are you, what are your future?
Sanders: No, for now, I'm extremely proud that the people of Vermont have sent me back to the Senate with a 63% vote.
Carl: Yes.
Sanders: I'm a Vermont Senator now. That's what I do. And I'm so happy to be able to do that. I am 83 years old. So – and I'm tired.
(End videotape)
Carl: Okay, I'd like to thank Senator Sanders for taking the time to talk to us and letting us ask him the last question.
