South Florida Sun-Sentinel Palm Beach (Sunday)
Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez rally at campaign reset in New York
NEW YORK — Basking in chants of “Bernie’s back,” Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders resumed campaigning weeks after being sidelined by a heart attack and told supporters he was ready to resume “the epic struggle” for the White House.
Energized by thousands of backers gathered for a Queens rally, the 78-yearold Vermont senator said, “When I look at this huge crowd, brothers and sisters, I have no doubt that the political revolution is going to sweep this country, sweep Donald Trump out of office and bring the change that this country has long needed.”
To raucous applause, he declared: “I am back.”
It was the start of what he is calling a “vigorous” return to campaigning as he tries to give his stagnant bid a shot of energy.
Among those who introduced Sanders was New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders’ latest high-profile endorsement.
Sanders had emergency heart surgery this month but insists that he’s more committed than ever to the 2020 race.
Beyond health concerns, Sanders suddenly finds himself looking up at progressive rival Elizabeth Warren and establishment favorite Joe Biden in the polls. Now he must reassure voters that he has the physical stamina to go forward while addressing broader concerns that his policies may be too far left to defeat Trump in a general election.
The endorsement from Ocasio-Cortez, the 30year-old high-profile progressive, “sends the message that the movement is growing, that it’s gaining influence, that it’s gaining traction,” said, Sanders’ campaign manager, Faiz Shakir.