Bernie Sanders refuses to sign statement supporting Kyrsten Sinema after bathroom protest, report says
Splinter among Democrats revealed after stand-off between Bernie Sanders and party leadership over letter of support
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bernie Sanders blocked a statement of support for embattled Senator Kyrsten Sinema because it didn’t include a dressing down of her refusal to back key legislation.
Emails obtained by Axios show Mr Sanders refused to sign on to a letter from Democratic leadership backing Ms Sinema after she was hounded by progressive activists who filmed her in a bathroom during a protest at Arizona State University.
Cory Booker organised the Senate Democrat Leadership team to issue a statement condemning the protest as “plainly inappropriate and unacceptable.”
However Mr Sanders’ communications director Mike Casca reportedly asked that the statement be edited to start: “While we hope Senator Sinema will change her position on prescription drug reform and support a major [budget] reconciliation bill...”
Axios reported that an aide to Mr Booker refused to accept the changes, and showed screenshots of the email exchange.
Mr Casca asked that Mr Booker’s aide to “please cut ‘Senate Democratic Leadership Team’ from headline”, as Mr Sanders would not be signing.
The split reveals the deep divisions between the progressive and moderate wings of the Democratic Party.
President Joe Biden’s $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill has been blocked from passing by Ms Sinema and Joe Manchin.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments