Sanders advises progressives to run as independents

Senator Bernie Sanders is urging progressives to consider running as independents instead of Democrats. His comments come at a time when many are frustrated with the Democratic Party's leadership and public image. In an interview before starting a tour through Western states with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders stressed the need for grassroots leadership. He believes that running as independents can help mobilize people against powerful figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Sanders, who has been an independent for decades, has had a mixed relationship with the Democratic Party. He has run for the Democratic presidential nomination twice but has never fully embraced the party label. His calls for independent runs echo past criticisms he has made about the party's direction and influence from wealthy donors. Recent polling shows that many Democrats feel their leaders are leading the party astray. A CNN poll found that 52% of Democrats believe their party is headed in the wrong direction, with an overall favorability rating of 29%, the lowest since 1992. Sanders believes that for the Democratic Party to regain its strength, it needs to welcome working-class voices and concerns. He warns that if the party does not make these changes, more candidates may choose to run as independents in the future.