WASHINGTON (AP) — In April, Bernie Sanders frequently appeared alongside President Joe Biden, highlighting their shared accomplishments in health care and climate at formal White House events while also criticizing Donald Trump in a popular campaign TikTok video.
However, just last week, Sanders cautioned that the Gaza crisis could become Biden's “Vietnam" and referenced President Lyndon B. Johnson's decision not to seek reelection during the turmoil over his support for that war. This reflects the political complexity of Sanders' relationship with Biden. Despite being two octogenarians who bonded through a contentious primary in 2020 and subsequent policy achievements, Sanders now faces the challenge of being Biden’s most influential advocate to progressives and younger voters in an election year, particularly regarding the Gaza conflict.
While Sanders has privately expressed less enthusiasm recently about advocating for Biden amidst the worsening Gaza crisis, he remains firm that the threat of Trump's return to office is too significant. He emphasizes that "this election is not between Joe Biden and God. It is between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.” In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Sanders acknowledged that many Americans have reservations about Biden but stressed the importance of maturity in politics, cautioning against supporting someone who could be "the most dangerous person in American history" or not voting at all.
Sanders intends to convey this message throughout the election, even as progressive discontent over Biden’s Gaza policies grows, protests persist, and Sanders' own criticisms of the administration become sharper.
“Bernie’s credibility is that he’s maintained his solid positions, and then he’s going to make the case why, Biden versus Trump,” said Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., who succeeded Sanders in the House and joined him in the Senate last year.
Sanders has been influential during the Biden presidency, despite their previous rivalry. Together, they formed policy task forces that shaped the party’s platform in 2020, bringing Sanders' supporters into Biden’s camp. This collaboration led to significant policymaking, including the $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package in early 2021 and legislation in 2022 addressing various Democratic priorities, such as reducing prescription drug costs. Sanders, as head of the Senate Budget Committee, worked closely with Biden on these initiatives, encouraged by Biden to propose ambitious plans.
Sanders believes the public remains unaware of these achievements and has pushed for events to highlight them, such as one focusing on reduced inhaler costs. His connections within the White House are deep, regularly engaging with not just the president but also top aides, including White House chief of staff Jeff Zients, senior adviser Anita Dunn, and national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
Despite their ideological differences, Biden and Sanders share a core belief in the positive role of government, stemming from their experiences in small states and grassroots politics. They both exhibit pragmatism in navigating the political landscape, with Biden more inclined to work within existing structures while Sanders seeks to push boundaries.
Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Sanders is determined to prevent Trump's return to office and has signaled his intention to be an active campaigner for Biden. The Biden campaign values Sanders' connections with key voting blocs and intends to utilize his strengths in targeting specific audiences.
“I see this as an enormously important election that I for one will not sit out,” Sanders said. “I’ll be active.”