Summary

Bernie Sanders won reelection to a fourth U.S. Senate term, defeating Republican Gerald Malloy and several minor candidates.

The 83-year-old Vermont independent, known for his democratic socialist views, has been a key figure in progressive causes, collaborating with the Biden administration on domestic policies like health care and workers’ rights.

Sanders cited threats to democracy, economic inequality, and climate change as motivations for seeking another term.

Malloy, a former Army officer and businessman, criticized Sanders for lack of results, while Sanders emphasized his record and commitment to progressive reforms.

  • Quacksalber@sh.itjust.works
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    10 hours ago

    It’s great to see that Sanders is so popular. It’s sad to see that politicians of his caliber are so rare that if he ever retires, his absence will be painful.

    • LifeInMultipleChoice@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      6 hours ago

      6 year term starting at 83 years old. That’s ridiculous. I like the guy, but seriously why is our country so fucked up that we would vote for someone for a 6 year position when they are ten years older than their expected life span.

      So what? At 113% expected age, let’s see if we can stack the stress of fighting a dictatorship forcing it’s way into fruition. Good look mate

      • Lumisal@lemmy.world
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        3 hours ago

        There was a study that showed controlled anger can keep you alive longer in old age.

        I remember it because I immediately thought “huh, ‘man to angry to die’ meme is real”.

    • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
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      10 hours ago

      Look into what a politicians salary is… unless your willing to be completely self sacrificing or come from old money, there is no altruistic way to maintain a position. There are very few exceptions, and any of them, like AOC could earn 10x absolute min via other methods at this point that would be illegal to do with her still in her seat.

        • Corkyskog@sh.itjust.works
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          9 hours ago

          I think we need to pay a lot more then. You should be able to support a family on a congressional salary. Which doesn’t seem currently possible given that it seems like you basically need to maintain two residences and travel costs.

          According to Google, they haven’t received a COLA for 15 years…

            • boonhet@lemm.ee
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              3 hours ago

              Yes, that’s how it’s supposed to be.

              People in my country complain that parliament gets paid way too much, but it’s 1) indexed to the mean (or maybe it was the median, I forgot) and 2) meant to be high so that they can comfortably live life without taking any bribes, while also having a long-ass commute for anyone who didn’t already reside in the capital.

    • punkaccountant@lemm.ee
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      12 hours ago

      I’m not sure why Bernie is the exception for me…I feel like a giant hypocrite being ok with this. But dude does still seem spry AF.

      • NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io
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        10 hours ago

        Others mentioned the cognitive side; the other part is that Bernie isn’t out of touch. He knows what the people want and he voted for it. That’s very different to your average gerontocrat who barely knows what the internet is.

        • FordBeeblebrox@lemmy.world
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          6 hours ago

          He also got arrested at a protest as a young man and has been saying the same things about improving our country for decades, Bernie is a real one

      • Rhaedas@fedia.io
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        12 hours ago

        That’s why age itself isn’t the problem. I see plenty of representatives far below that age that can’t do the job.

      • nondescripthandle@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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        11 hours ago

        It’s worth mentioning the POTUS is SIGNIFICANTLY more stressful and consequential than even his current position. Quite literally, stress can age you faster, inuring physical changes in the body. In addition to that, I also have faith in the people and professionals he surrounds himself with to stand by him because they believe he can do it, not because they want to be the puppeteers of a powerful senator. May be wishful thinking in the end, but I think the general point it the situations are quite different.

      • Drusas@fedia.io
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        10 hours ago

        Because he is still mentally sharp and he is still fighting as hard as he can for the average American. His values have not changed, nor has his fighting spirit.

        • captainlezbian@lemmy.world
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          10 hours ago

          Yeah he reminds me of my grandpa. Old as sin but smart enough that you might forget how old he is when he’s ranting.

      • Cethin@lemmy.zip
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        11 hours ago

        It should require cognitive tests. There are plenty of younger people who aren’t at the same cognitive level, and plenty older obviously. Age is a useful metric, but it isn’t actually the one that matters. It’s just much easier to identify.

    • Zaktor
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      10 hours ago

      And that’s assuming he lives that long. Hopefully they’re working to groom a replacement and get a friendly governor.

  • Curious Canid@lemmy.ca
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    11 hours ago

    Bernie is a national treasure. And no one who hears him speak will wonder about whether his mind is still sharp.