Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bernie Sanders commended as only lawmaker to wear a mask at the State of the Union: ‘A stud’

Mr Sanders praised for masking at the crowded, indoor event

Abe Asher
Wednesday 08 February 2023 10:51 GMT
Comments
Marjorie Taylor Green heckles Biden as president challenges GOP

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sen Bernie Sanders of Vermont was heralded for protecting himself and others by wearing a KN95 mask at Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

At 81 years old, Mr Sanders is at higher risk of serious illness should he contract Covid – a possibility at a crowded indoor event where it appeared no one else decided to wear a mask. Twitter users in particular were full of praise for the Vermont progressive’s willingness to stand out in the crowd.

Mr Biden announced trimphantly during the opening minutes of his speech that the virus no longer dominates Americans’ lives as it once did, with public health restrictions to stop the spread of the virus no longer in effect. But the president also acknowledged later that the threat the virus poses is not finished – with hundreds of Americans still dying of Covid each week and millions suffering from the ongoing effects of the virus.

Covid continues to mutate and spread, particularly in indoor spaces like the House chamber. Mr Sanders, who has always been willing to go it alone in his politics, is also clearly willing to do what it takes to maintain his own personal safety.

Mr Sanders is in the final two years of his current Senate term, and has not ruled out running for president again in 2024 should Mr Biden not run for re-election.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in