Progressive wins put the Democratic establishment on edge, Sanders argues

Bernie Sanders argued on CBS's Face the Nation that anti-establishment progressives are winning across the country, leaving Rahm Emanuel and the Democratic establishment nervous ahead of the 2026 midterms. He contrasted billionaire-backed incumbents with reform-minded candidates like Zohran Mamdani, criticized the rigged economy and the lack of universal healthcare, and urged voters to demand real change. On Platner, Sanders said he urged him to quit after serious allegations emerged, but he did not push for an earlier exit; Platner ultimately stepped aside. The interview underscored a growing intra-party split and a push for a bolder economic agenda.