Sanders says he's staying in the 2020 race and 'very much' looks forward to debating Biden


Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is admitting he didn't have a good night following Tuesday's primary contests, but he's not throwing in the towel.
Sanders spoke at a press conference on Wednesday after suffering another series of primary losses to former Vice President Joe Biden, including in the crucial state of Michigan that the Vermont senator won in 2016. Sanders did, however, win North Dakota, and Washington remains too close to call at this time.
"Last night, obviously, was not a good night for our campaign from a delegate point of view," Sanders said.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
But Sanders went on to argue that his campaign has "won the ideological debate" even as he conceded that he's "losing the debate over electability" to Biden. His campaign, he said, has heard from many people who say they agree with him but will vote for Biden because he's the best candidate to defeat President Trump.
"Needless to say, I strongly disagree with that assertion," Sanders said.
Now, Sanders said he "very much" looks forward to next Democratic debate, previewing a series of questions he wants to ask Biden in this one-on-one match-up concerning issues including Medicare-for-all, climate change, and criminal justice reform. This Democratic debate is set for March 15. Brendan Morrow
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Is the US sliding into autocracy?
Talking Point Donald Trump's use of federal troops on home ground, dismissal of dissent and 'braggadocious' military posturing are all symptoms of a shifting political culture
-
Crossword: June 22, 2025
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
Codeword: June 22, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
-
Trump's LA deployment in limbo after court rulings
Speed Read Judge Breyer ruled that Trump's National Guard deployment to Los Angeles was an 'illegal' overreach. But a federal appellate court halted the ruling.
-
Marines, National Guard in LA can detain Americans
speed read The troops have been authorized to detain anyone who interferes with immigration raids
-
Trump vows 'very big force' against parade protesters
Speed Read The parade, which will shut down much of the capital, will celebrate the US Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's 79th birthday
-
Smithsonian asserts its autonomy from Trump
speed read The DC institution defied Trump's firing of National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet
-
Trump sends Marines to LA, backs Newsom arrest
speed read California Gov. Gavin Newsom is filing lawsuits in response to Trump's escalation of the federal response to ICE protests
-
Trump foists National Guard on unwilling California
speed read Protests erupted over ICE immigration raids in LA county
-
Supreme Court lowers bar in discrimination cases
speed read The court ruled in favor of a white woman who claimed she lost two deserved promotions to gay employees
-
Trump-Musk relationship implodes in taunts, threats
speed read Musk said Trump's multitrillion bill would cause a recession and accused the president of involvement with Jeffrey Epstein