Why is Senator Bernard Sanders (I-VT) Not at the Senate?

[MineralMan]

That is his job. He is a Senator, and very important legislation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and our economic system is being discussed and being put in a form that can come to a vote. So, why is Bernie giving stump speeches and playing music from Vermont?

I have no way to ask the Senator that question in person, since I am in Minnesota, isolating myself in my home except for essential tirps to buy food and medications prescribed by our doctors. The Senator is in Vermont, posting videos from the back yard of one of his homes there.

So, if someone in Vermont could drop by his house, whichever one it is, please ask him these questions:

"Why, Senator Sanders, are you not in the Senate chambers working on this crucial legislation? If you are a leader who is still running for President, despite no chance of becoming the Democratic nominee, why are you not in the Senate exercising your leadership skills? The two Senators from my state are there. The Senators from my birth state of California are there. Why are you not there, Senator Sanders?"

Please answer this important question, Mr. Sanders! Now, if you don't mind. And answer it from the Senate building. Thanks.

[COLGATE4]

1. Sander's priorities (in order)

1- Sanders
2- Sanders
3- Sanders

[left-of-center2012]

2. I read recently ...

He is consulting with his wife about their future.

[MineralMan]

3. Has he no cell phone?

If I need to consult my wife from a distance, I call her cell phone and discuss the situation. She is very wise, so I consult her often.

[mcar]

5. I also read that he can't answer reporter's questions

about his campaign because he's handling a "fcking crisis."

[still_one]

28. +++

[ucrdem]

4. This should be his shining moment

The federal government is poised to spend billions on relief packages. He really needs to be there to help ensure it doesn't wind up in the pockets of the Trump family and friends.

[bluestarone]

6. TRUE words here!

[comradebillyboy]

7. He's a little busy running for president.

He's up in Vermont doing video round tables promoting himself. BriBri and Sirota and the gang are still smearing Biden Biden. Nothing has changed.

[bluedigger]

8. The same Sen. Sanders that has been called out for his ineffectiveness as a senator?

That guy?

[William769]

9. Yes. nt

[NNadir]

11. Yeah, that guy. Since he thinks he's the only person who could save the world, might he...

...now work on improving his record on being ineffective?

[MineralMan]

12. The very same.

[Butterflylady]

13. Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!

[showblue22]

20. I suppose he has proven that to be the case.

[thucythucy]

23. And this would seem to be another example of his ineffectiveness.

You surely have heard the cliché about how ninety percent of effective activism is showing up.

He's elected to serve the people of Vermont. If, at a time like this, he feels he has other priorities, he should resign his seat and let someone who actually wants to do the work have the position.

So yeah, "that guy."

BTW: I voted for Bernie in my state's 2016 primary. It's action (or inaction) like this that has lost him my support.

[LakeArenal]

27. Your BTW is the same for me.

I get the message but the messenger sure has changed in my mind. Not very likable and the surrogates are atrocious.

[empedocles]

10. Colleagues know BS as a show horse, [not a work horse Senate type].

BS not known for getting things done - or wise counsel.

[BlueIdaho]

14. More like a no-show horse...

His record in office is pathetic. This could be a moment for him to show his governance knowledge and skills but he’s AWOL.

[showblue22]

15. He's the only Senator not there.

Maybe he is too busy with his vanity campaign?

[MineralMan]

16. So it seems. Perhaps he is staying away from the Senate

to guard his own health. None of the other Senators appear to be doing that, though. Or, perhaps he is simply avoiding answering inopportune questions. Who can say?

[showblue22]

19. Perhaps he thinks it's beneath him. nt

[MineralMan]

24. Yes, perhaps so.

[Skya Rhen]

25. In his mind, he should be President - not some Senator...

[MineralMan]

26. Yes. His ego seems to be working overtime.

Really, though, at the Senate level and above, having an expansive ego is really an essential trait.

[NCProgressive]

17. He will show up when there is another post office to be named.

[MineralMan]

18. And only if said post office is in Vermont, I suppose...

He doesn't seem to take the job of being a Senator very seriously.

[Turin_C3PO]

21. We need as many Congress people in DC

as possible right now to work through this crisis. Hopefully, Sanders has a good reason for staying in Vermont, like maybe he’s sick or something. Then he could still Skype with his colleagues and get things done. But if he isn’t sick, he should be in Washington right now.

[MineralMan]

22. Yes. That is his duty, as an elected federal official from his state.

They elected him to be one of their Senators. If he is not willing to do his job, then he should resign the office.

Senators need to be at the Senate right now. It is that simple. We are in a state of emergency.

[LakeArenal]

29. He is old and more susceptible to the virus

That’s the best I can come up with to be fair. Something he rarely is.

[MineralMan]

31. Quite a number of Senators are old.

They're there. Their age seems irrelevant to me. (Note that I used three homophones in a row. Rarely do I get such an opportunity.)

[LakeArenal]

33. Made me smile.

Grammar aside, I was trying to not pick on Bernie. His skin is so thin and all.

[Eliot Rosewater]

30. Some of us have talked about this and more for years

AT this point I am focused only on the virus that might kill me and the murdering traitor in the WH who definitely wants to kill me.

I dont know if we will have an election, I think we may not...I dont know if the loser of the primary, whoever that is, Joe or Bernie, will do the right thing and promote the winner as if their life depended on it, or not...

I do suspect that by this time next week we will have over one million infected in this country, probably and thousands dead. Hope I am wrong.

Of course he MUST be in the Senate now doing his job, if he isnt...dont know what to say...

[robbedvoter]

32. he needs to schlep millions of New Yorkers to the polls to find out

yet again that his native state hates his guts. Get a clue, Burnie: look who is governor and think of whom you endorsed. Some actress. Every time Cuomo speaks, New Yorkers make up their mind. Voters will remember that when they brave the pandemic to make sure you're out of this race once and for all!