CNN’s Dana Bash trolled for gushing over Bernie Sanders, 83, and his ‘vigor’ amid 2028 run talk

WASHINGTON, DC: CNN host Dana Bash gushed to Senator Bernie Sanders about his popularity and "vigor" during a friendly interview in which he was asked about the 2028 run.

Bash recorded the CNN interview on the road with Sanders in West Virginia for his so-called "Fighting Oligarchy" political tour, which aired on Sunday, August 10, on 'State of the Union.'

Dana Bash presses Bernie Sanders on potential future candidacy

During the CNN interview, Dana Bash asked Bernie Sanders if he could "square the circle" on why West Virginians would overwhelmingly vote for Donald Trump, even though it’s not in their interest.

She also asked about a recent Gallup poll that had Sanders joining Pope Leo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as the only three "newsmakers" in the poll with a positive popularity rating.

Bash said, "What the Gallup poll found was that you are one of the most widely admired Americans. And I believe you’re only second to the pope."

Meanwhile, Sanders responded amid their shared laughter and said, "You want me to declare my candidacy for pope? Is that what you’re asking?"

Bash then joked that he probably isn’t eligible, and Sanders agreed not to run for pope. She then asked him about running for a different post.

She gushed, "I watched you tonight. I have watched you for a very, very long time. You’re obviously still full of vigor and intensity for the things that you’re passionate about and have been for decades."

"Is there another presidential run in you?" Bash asked. Sanders did not give a clear answer but said his age will be 84 in a month and that "speaks for itself."

"Oh, God. Let’s not worry about that. I am going to be 84 years of age next month, as a matter of fact. So I think that speaks for itself," he said.

He further added, "But, right now, what is more important, in my view — and I want to see, obviously, the most progressive candidate that we can have — is to rally the grassroots of America. A moment ago, you asked me about West Virginia and why people vote for Donald Trump."

Bash also asked, "Are there people out there who will — that you feel comfortable and confident will take up the Bernie Sanders mantle and run in 2028?" to which he replied, "Well, that’s not the Bernie Sanders — will they stand up and fight for economic and social and racial justice? Absolutely. There are some great young people."

Critics mock Dana Bash for gushing over Bernie Sanders

Several internet users trolled Dana Bash as she gushed to Bernie Sanders over his popularity and "vigor" during a friendly interview in which he was asked about the 2028 run.

A user wrote on X, "Is she serious? Is this supposed to be a joke?" while another added, "Is this parody? Ha. No poll would ever produce that result without being rigged."

A person also stated, "Imagine Dana Bash giving such a loving, tongue-bath interview to someone from the other party," whereas one mentioned, "And they wonder why more ppl watch aquariums."

A user also wrote, "'Incredible' is exactly right. 'Preposterous' also works. 'Mentally challenged' also applies," while another commented, "Holy s**t @DanaBashCNN. What a clown."

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