One Big Name Was Missing from the Democrats' Gun Control Filibuster: Bernie Sanders
Democrats' filibuster to force a vote on a gun control measure barring suspected terrorists from purchasing guns lasted until the wee hours of Thursday morning, and actually resulted in scheduling a vote on the measure.
I am proud to announce that after 14+ hours on the floor, we will have a vote on closing the terror gap & universal background checks
And while many on Twitter are celebrating the step toward reforming the country's gun laws, others are pointing out the notable absence from the list of senators that participated in the 14-hour stunt: Sen. Bernie Sanders.
More than 40 senators, including two Republicans, joined Connecticut Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy's filibuster, which began shortly after 11 a.m. Wednesday morning and lasted past midnight.
But Sanders, who is home in Burlington, Vermont, to address his supporters about his post-presidential primary plans, was not among them.
Thanks to @senbillnelson. US #filibuster participants, includes at least two republicans, no Bernie Sanders.pic.twitter.com/rjUJTpIvFH
Sanders tweeted his support in absentia.
I stand with @ChrisMurphyCT to demand common sense gun safety. We can't allow guns to fall into the hands of people who shouldn't have them.
But that was not enough, he was called out for his absence, many using the hashtag #WheresBernie.
Instead of just bitchin and complaining about the party Bernie Sanders could've been standing with us on the floor during the filibuster
Some said he "turned his back" on them.
Let me emphasize: 40 senators have joined @ChrisMurphyCT's #filibuster, and Bernie Sanders is not one of them. He turned his back on us.
Others called it "political malpractice" for Sanders to not be part of the movement.
Honestly it's a kind of political malpractice for Sanders staff to not get him down to this #filibuster at some point. He gets bad advice
While many did what Twitter users do best: make jokes about his lack of participation.
I'm confused Sanders was JUST in DC yesterday. Im sure he was aware of the filibuster. Why the hell did he go home?pic.twitter.com/ddUiqayVyr
Sitting US Senator Bernie Sanders isn't even there when he's needed most. #Filibusterpic.twitter.com/T4dPaI0Nur
To be fair to Bernie Sanders, the #filibuster didn't really mention Wall Street Billionaires once.