Sanders urges voters to reject fear in final midterms push

Senator Bernie Sanders joined a national television interview from Burlington on Sunday, hours before voters across the country cast their ballots in the midterm elections. The Vermont independent, who is not up for reelection this cycle, used the appearance to discuss key battleground states and the state of the Democratic Party.

Sanders addressed the ongoing dispute in Michigan, where Republican ads have targeted Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Sanders described the advertisements as "disgusting, racist, fearmongering ads" that label the medical doctor a terrorist and a jihadist. He noted that El-Sayed is running for what would be the first sitting Muslim Senate seat if he wins.

The senator pushed back against the idea that Democratic infighting in Michigan would cost them the state. He referenced a recent disagreement between El-Sayed and former congressional candidate Haley Stevens over campaign advertisements. Sanders stated that El-Sayed had no involvement in the specific ads Stevens criticized, asserting that the candidate is running an "extraordinary campaign."

During the interview, a clip aired showing Senator Ted Cruz warning that El-Sayed's ties to the Muslim Brotherhood posed a risk to American lives if he gained access to classified intelligence. President Donald Trump was also heard in the clip saying Michigan does not need a senator who is on the side of the terrorists. Sanders called the comments from Cruz, Trump, and Senator JD Vance "disgusting" and "overt, absolute racism."

Sanders also addressed the debate over Democratic support for Israel and whether it constitutes antisemitism. He noted that his father's family was wiped out by Hitler, making the issue personal for him. He argued that criticizing the right-wing government led by Benjamin Netanyahu is not an attack on the Jewish people or the religion of Judaism. Sanders stated that American taxpayers should not support a government he believes has committed genocide against the Palestinian people.

The conversation turned to the Alaska Senate race, where Republican Senator Dan Sullivan indicated he would accept the results, despite the Justice Department suggesting it might challenge the certification. Sanders described the Democratic effort in Alaska as "pretty dumb" but noted that the actions were not illegal. He referenced reports that Democratic candidate Mary Peltola had knowledge of an effort to stack the ballot, a claim she denied.

Sanders said he expects the Senate to seat Peltola if she wins, despite the controversy. He argued that the mess in Alaska does not destroy the Democratic argument for election integrity, though he acknowledged it is a setback. The senator emphasized that the election is the most important in recent history because the country is taking on an "authoritarian" president who he believes does not believe in the Constitution.

Sanders pointed to the economic conditions driving voter frustration. He cited data showing that Elon Musk owns more wealth than the bottom 53 percent of American households while millions struggle with food, gas, and rent. He argued that candidates like El-Sayed and State Representative Troy Jackson are winning by talking about an economy that works for all, rather than relying on party labels.

The senator said he does not take anything for granted in the remaining races. He highlighted the grassroots efforts in Florida, where candidate Angie Nixon won a primary upset, and in Minnesota, which polling suggests is likely to go to Democrats. Sanders said he is focused on mobilizing working-class people in those states to turn out for the vote.

Sanders concluded by saying he expects a good victory for El-Sayed in Michigan. He predicted that voters will rebel against the "ugliness" of the Republican campaign and that the issues of affordability and healthcare will drive the final outcome in the House and Senate races.