Staffers and surrogates to Sen. Bernie Sanders' (D-VT) presidential campaign are not taking his endorsement of former Vice President and soon-to-be party nominee Joe Biden on Monday kindly, with some taking to Twitter to say they will not follow in the democratic socialist's footsteps.
Progressive activist Shaun King said he had to stop watching the live stream where Sanders gave his endorsement to Biden.
I had to click away.
— Shaun King (@shaunking) April 13, 2020
Never in my life have I seen a leader require a Teleprompter and script TO HAVE A CONVERSATION with someone.
It's insulting. It's bizarre.
And frankly, frightening.
Why in the hell does he need a Teleprompter to have a conversation with somebody?
Former National Press Secretary Briahna Joy Gray said she is not endorsing Biden because he does not support Medicare for All, the cancelation of all student debt, and a large wealth tax.
With the utmost respect for Bernie Sanders, who is an incredible human being & a genuine inspiration, I don't endorse Joe Biden.
— Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) April 13, 2020
I supported Bernie Sanders because he backed ideas like #MedicareForAll, cancelling ALL student debt, & a wealth tax. Biden supports none of those.
Both King and Gray criticized Biden for appearing to be talking to Sanders through a teleprompter.
He absolutely was.
— Shaun King (@shaunking) April 13, 2020
Campaign speechwriter David Sirota said he hopes Biden does not try "to prove to donors [and] to mythical GOP swing voters that he [isn't] progressive."
Biden for decades proudly branded himself in opposition to the base of the Dem Party to try to prove to donors & to mythical GOP swing voters that he isnt progressive. Doing that in this election would be disastrous. I'm hoping he makes a different choice. https://t.co/1WnrapDRYV
— David Sirota (@davidsirota) April 13, 2020
Allied group Democratic Socialists of America just simply stated they will not endorse Biden.
We are not endorsing @JoeBiden.
— DSA ?? (@DemSocialists) April 12, 2020
"Today I am asking all Americans — I'm asking every Democrat, I'm asking every independent, I'm asking a lot of Republicans - to come together in this campaign to support your candidacy which I endorse," Sanders said on Monday, adding Biden must win in 2020 to defeat "the most dangerous president in the modern history of this country."