Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin engaged in a contentious exchange during a Senate hearing on December 5, 2023. The discussion focused on issues surrounding the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare, as the committee reviewed the nomination of Casey Means for the position of U.S. Surgeon General.
The heated debate unfolded as Mullin criticized Democrats for their resistance to changes in the healthcare system. “Everybody we bring up here, you guys chastise for trying to make changes,” he stated. He continued, “God forbid we change and try to fix our broken system.” This remark set the tone for a back-and-forth that quickly escalated.
As Mullin attempted to steer the conversation back to the matter at hand, Sanders interrupted him, remarking, “Yes, you did.” Mullin, visibly frustrated, retorted, “I didn’t ask your opinion on that, and if I cared about your opinion, I would ask you. But I don’t care about your opinion. You’re part of the system. You’re part of the problem.” He criticized Sanders for his long tenure in office, stating, “You’ve been sitting here longer than I’ve even been alive. This is your problem. You should have fixed this a long time ago.”
In a sarcastic reply, Sanders said, “I decided not to run for surgeon general. You’re the nominee I’ve decided.” Mullin dismissed Sanders’ comment, stating, “That is definitely something we would never accept,” before moving forward with the session.
The exchange rapidly gained traction on social media, with various conservative voices commenting on the confrontation. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of the “Charlie Kirk Show,” remarked on X, formerly known as Twitter, that “things did not end well for the octogenarian socialist” after Sanders took a “cheap shot” at Mullin. Comedian Tim Young added that Sanders has been in office for so long that he should have resolved these issues by now.
Other commentators echoed similar sentiments. Journalist Anna Matson expressed approval of Mullin’s approach, stating, “Finally, someone put Bernie Sanders in his place.” Political commentator Dan Dakich described the moment as indicative of the “swamp being DRAINED,” while journalist Eric Daughterty exclaimed, “Sen. Markwayne Mullin just PUMMELED Bernie Sanders to his FACE.”
This incident is not the first clash between Sanders and Mullin. Tensions have flared in previous hearings, including a notable incident in 2023 when Mullin nearly came to blows with Sean O’Brien, President of the Teamsters, during a discussion that involved Sanders.
In December 2023, Mullin criticized Sanders again on the Senate floor, accusing him of blocking bipartisan legislation intended to provide additional treatment options for children battling cancer. The ongoing exchanges highlight a growing divide in the Senate, particularly on healthcare issues, where both sides remain at a stalemate.
As the Senate continues to navigate these complex issues, the interactions between Sanders and Mullin serve as a microcosm of the broader political landscape in Washington, D.C.
