Dem
51
GOP
49
There are plenty of people who don't care for Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) as a politician; this is true on both sides of the aisle. Although if you really want to know what it looks like when a senator who is outside the mainstream decides to make themselves into a pain in the rear, you might want to look at Joe Manchin (D-WV), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Ted Cruz (R-TX) or Rand Paul (R-KY). The Bern might be an outspoken lefty, but that rarely translates into "look at me!" obnoxiousness.
Meanwhile, even if a person doesn't like Sanders the politician, it's hard not to like Sanders the person. He marches to the beat of his own drummer, and doesn't give a damn if you think the mittens he wears to stay warm at the inauguration look silly. He's been married to Jane Sanders for 35 years and, by all indications, it's a happy and supportive marriage in both directions. And although Sanders is a busy U.S. Senator, he still finds time for his kids and grandkids.
This week, Jane posted a video to the platform formerly known as Twitter, one that serves as a reminder of many of these things. We don't like to link to that platform, but we managed to find the video on YouTube, so we are able to work around that. The message was: "Happy Birthday Bernie!! Best husband, father and grandfather over all these years!" And here is the video, which shows the Senator playing baseball with his grandson:
(Z) has played A LOT of softball and baseball, and can assure you that is a damn fine play for someone in their thirties. For a man in his eighties, and one who's had heart and other health problems? Very impressive, indeed. That video comes courtesy of the The New York Post. That outlet is no fan of Sanders, but even the staff there was impressed.
So, happy birthday, Senator, and here's to many more. And have a good weekend, all! (Z)