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Bernie Sanders

democratic Presidential In The Race

Bernie Sanders is running for the Democratic nomination even though he has never officially described himself as a Democrat before. A self-described Democratic Socialist, the Vermont senator is an independent in politics and chooses to caucus with the Democrats in the Senate. Sanders has had a long career in politics, rising from mayor of Burlington (1981 to 1989) to the U.S. House (1991-2007), then the Senate (2007-present).

When his campaign started, Sanders was viewed as a kind of protest candidate. The unofficial but widely-acknowledged leader of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, decided not to run despite an effort to draft her into the race. So Sanders opted to run instead to represent similar views.

The Democratic Socialist: Bernie Sanders Scouting Report 2:41

As expected, Sanders has proposed policies, like free tuition at all public colleges and a Medicare-for-all health system, that are to the left of Hillary Clinton and the Democratic establishment.

A big part of Sanders' authenticity is his consistent commitment to economic inequality reform. He bemoans rising income inequality and the growing concentration of wealth. His message has helped close the gap nationally between him and Clinton, but is viewed as unlikely to defeat Clinton.

So far in the primary contest, Sanders has seen victories in New Hampshire, Vermont, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Minnesota.

Latest News

Support for impeachment falls as 2020 heats up

Bernie Sanders signs DNC loyalty pledge: 'I am a member of the Democratic Party' Bernie Sanders signs DNC loyalty pledge: 'I am a member of the Democratic Party' Bernie Sanders signs DNC loyalty pledge: 'I am a member of the Democratic Party' Bernie Sanders signs DNC loyalty pledge: 'I am a member of the Democratic Party'

Bernie Sanders signs DNC loyalty pledge: 'I am a member of the Democratic Party'

In Chicago, Sanders signals his intent to reach black voters In Chicago, Sanders signals his intent to reach black voters In Chicago, Sanders signals his intent to reach black voters In Chicago, Sanders signals his intent to reach black voters

In Chicago, Sanders signals his intent to reach black voters

Clinton, Sanders camps feuding like it's still 2016 Clinton, Sanders camps feuding like it's still 2016 Clinton, Sanders camps feuding like it's still 2016 Clinton, Sanders camps feuding like it's still 2016

Clinton, Sanders camps feuding like it's still 2016

The Bernie you don't know: Sanders gets personal on the campaign trail The Bernie you don't know: Sanders gets personal on the campaign trail The Bernie you don't know: Sanders gets personal on the campaign trail The Bernie you don't know: Sanders gets personal on the campaign trail

The Bernie you don't know: Sanders gets personal on the campaign trail

Bernie Sanders staff shake-up: Top strategists leave his presidential campaign Bernie Sanders staff shake-up: Top strategists leave his presidential campaign Bernie Sanders staff shake-up: Top strategists leave his presidential campaign Bernie Sanders staff shake-up: Top strategists leave his presidential campaign

Bernie Sanders staff shake-up: Top strategists leave his presidential campaign

Bernie Sanders enters 2020 presidential race: 'Complete the revolution'

Black voters matter: Bernie Sanders' 2020 learning curve Black voters matter: Bernie Sanders' 2020 learning curve Black voters matter: Bernie Sanders' 2020 learning curve Black voters matter: Bernie Sanders' 2020 learning curve

Black voters matter: Bernie Sanders' 2020 learning curve

Cory Booker calls for unity, Bernie Sanders speaks of revolution at MLK Day event

Democratic Socialists of America scored wins in the midterms. What's on their agenda? Democratic Socialists of America scored wins in the midterms. What's on their agenda? Democratic Socialists of America scored wins in the midterms. What's on their agenda? Democratic Socialists of America scored wins in the midterms. What's on their agenda?

Democratic Socialists of America scored wins in the midterms. What's on their agenda?

Bernie Sanders-backed nominees score wins, but in longshot races

Bernie Sanders on Some Supporters Not Voting for Clinton: 'No Kidding!' Bernie Sanders on Some Supporters Not Voting for Clinton: 'No Kidding!' Bernie Sanders on Some Supporters Not Voting for Clinton: 'No Kidding!' Bernie Sanders on Some Supporters Not Voting for Clinton: 'No Kidding!'

Bernie Sanders on Some Supporters Not Voting for Clinton: 'No Kidding!'

Sens. Johnson, Sanders: No Way Vote Should Happen on Health Care Bill This Week Sens. Johnson, Sanders: No Way Vote Should Happen on Health Care Bill This Week Sens. Johnson, Sanders: No Way Vote Should Happen on Health Care Bill This Week Sens. Johnson, Sanders: No Way Vote Should Happen on Health Care Bill This Week

Sens. Johnson, Sanders: No Way Vote Should Happen on Health Care Bill This Week

Bernie Sanders Heads to Montana for High-Profile House Race Bernie Sanders Heads to Montana for High-Profile House Race Bernie Sanders Heads to Montana for High-Profile House Race Bernie Sanders Heads to Montana for High-Profile House Race

Bernie Sanders Heads to Montana for High-Profile House Race

'Bernie TV': Sanders Is Taking His Message Straight to the People 'Bernie TV': Sanders Is Taking His Message Straight to the People 'Bernie TV': Sanders Is Taking His Message Straight to the People 'Bernie TV': Sanders Is Taking His Message Straight to the People
Video

'Bernie TV': Sanders Is Taking His Message Straight to the People

Bernie Sanders Launches Facebook Live Show to Get His Message Out Bernie Sanders Launches Facebook Live Show to Get His Message Out Bernie Sanders Launches Facebook Live Show to Get His Message Out Bernie Sanders Launches Facebook Live Show to Get His Message Out
Video

Bernie Sanders Launches Facebook Live Show to Get His Message Out

Sanders Rejects Effort to Draft Him Into Starting a New Political Party Sanders Rejects Effort to Draft Him Into Starting a New Political Party Sanders Rejects Effort to Draft Him Into Starting a New Political Party Sanders Rejects Effort to Draft Him Into Starting a New Political Party

Sanders Rejects Effort to Draft Him Into Starting a New Political Party

Sanders Reads Coretta Scott King Letter, Calls Warren's Silencing 'Incomprehensible' Sanders Reads Coretta Scott King Letter, Calls Warren's Silencing 'Incomprehensible' Sanders Reads Coretta Scott King Letter, Calls Warren's Silencing 'Incomprehensible' Sanders Reads Coretta Scott King Letter, Calls Warren's Silencing 'Incomprehensible'
Video

Sanders Reads Coretta Scott King Letter, Calls Warren's Silencing 'Incomprehensible'

'Beginning of the Fight': Sanders, Schumer Hold Rally Defending Affordable Care Act 'Beginning of the Fight': Sanders, Schumer Hold Rally Defending Affordable Care Act 'Beginning of the Fight': Sanders, Schumer Hold Rally Defending Affordable Care Act 'Beginning of the Fight': Sanders, Schumer Hold Rally Defending Affordable Care Act

'Beginning of the Fight': Sanders, Schumer Hold Rally Defending Affordable Care Act

Career History

U.S. Senator from Vermont

2007-Present

U.S. Representative from Vermont

1991-2007

Mayor, Burlington, Vermont

1980-1988

Director, American People's Historical Society

1977-1981

Did You Know?

In Congress, Sanders is not a member of the Democratic Party. While he caucuses with the Democrats, he was elected and serves as an Independent.

Personal and Family

Date of birth

September 8, 1941

Place of birth

Brooklyn, New York

Spouse

Jane O'Meara Sanders

Children

Levi, Heather, Carina and David

Education

University of Chicago, B.A., 1964

Religion

Jewish

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