Sanders concedes lack of ‘fair primary’ makes Democrats ‘threat to democracy’

During an appearance on the Flagrant podcast, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.,conceded the lack of a “fair primary” makes the Democratic Party a “threat to democracy.” That’s why he’s “proudly an Independent.” MANUEL BALCE CENETA/AP FILE

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., conceded the lack of a “fair primary” makes the Democratic Party a “threat to democracy.”

His admission came during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast on Monday during which he and the hosts addressed his 2016 presidential bid. Sanders has openly detailed the fact Democratic leaders asked him to back out of that election in favor of nominating Hillary Clinton.

“I’m a life-long Democrat and I feel like the Democratic Party completely removed the democratic process from its constituents,” host Andrew Schulz said during the interview. “I think they need to have some accountability in that.”

“No argument there,” Sanders said.

Later in the podcast, cohost Akaash Singh suggested there hasn’t been a “fair primary for Democrats since 2008.”

“Are they not also a threat to democracy?” he asked.

“Fair enough,” Sanders said. “I’m not going to argue with that point. And that’s why I’m proudly an Independent.”

Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, have been on a nationwide speaking tour rallying voters against the Trump administration. They have been drawing big crowds on their “Fighting Oligarchy Tour” as one or both consider presidential runs in 2028. Teaming with Sanders, 83, has given Ocasio-Cortez, 35, a chance to raise her national profile.

Democrats in 2024 notably did not hold another primary election to nominate former Vice President Kamala Harris. Then-President Joe Biden had won roughly 14 million votes in the primaries, but exited the election before the Democratic National Convention.

Several major figures were quick to call out Democrats on this point, such as investor Kevin O’Leary, who joined CNN in October 2024 to accuse the party of sidestepping U.S. democracy.

“This is the second time the Democratic Party has circumvented democracy and chose … Hillary Clinton was chosen and she had Bruce Springsteen too and what happened to her?” O’Leary asked.

Primary elections are considered a formality as the Constitution does not outline a two-party system for U.S. elections.

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