In the ever-evolving landscape of American politics, few figures have captured the progressive imagination quite like Bernie Sanders. The Vermont senator, with his fiery speeches against corporate greed and wealth inequality, has been a staple of the left-wing movement for decades. But as we step into 2025, it’s time to have an honest conversation: Bernie Sanders needs to hang up his quest and retire. His “revolution” has run its course, and continuing to cling to the spotlight only highlights the growing contradictions in his legacy.
Let’s start with the obvious—Sanders’ wealth. For years, he’s railed against the “millionaire and billionaire class,” positioning himself as the champion of the working poor. Yet, here we are in 2025, and Bernie himself is firmly in that millionaire club. His net worth, estimated at $2-3 million, comes largely from lucrative book deals that capitalized on his political fame. He owns not one, not two, but three homes: a primary residence in Burlington, Vermont; a practical one in Washington, D.C., for his Senate duties; and a $575,000 vacation property on Lake Champlain. This isn’t the image of a scrappy underdog; it’s the portrait of someone who’s become part of the elite he once decried. If the revolution is about dismantling systemic privilege, why hasn’t Sanders led by example and redistributed his own gains more aggressively? His minimal charitable donations— like just $10,600 in 2016 despite earning over a million—only fuel the perception of “champagne socialism.”
Then there’s the recent “Fighting Oligarchy” book tour, which has become a glaring symbol of his hypocrisy. Sanders crisscrossed the country preaching against elite excess and the urgent need to combat climate change through collective sacrifice. All noble causes, right? Except Federal Election Commission records show his campaign shelled out over $221,000 on private jets in the first quarter of 2025 alone. We’re talking charters from companies like Ventura Jets and Cirrus Aviation, with hourly rates up to $15,000. Private flights emit exponentially more carbon than commercial ones—10 to 40 times per passenger, by some estimates. How does one square this with demands for environmental justice? It’s the ultimate “do as I say, not as I do” moment, especially when he’s calling out “oligarchs” for their lavish lifestyles while indulging in the same perks. Even his tour collaborator, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, faced similar flak for first-class flights, underscoring a broader issue within progressive circles.
Shifting gears to foreign policy, Sanders’ record reveals a pattern of selective outrage that undermines his self-proclaimed commitment to human rights and democracy. Back in the 1980s, he praised aspects of Fidel Castro’s Cuba, focusing on literacy and healthcare programs while glossing over the regime’s brutal repression, mass imprisonments, and persecution of dissenters. He honeymooned in the Soviet Union, commending its public systems despite its history of gulags, invasions, and authoritarian control. And his support for Nicaragua’s Sandinista government under Daniel Ortega ignored crackdowns on opposition. Fast-forward to today, and we see echoes of this in his criticism of Israel post the October 7, 2023, attacks. Sanders has been vocal about accusing Netanyahu’s government of “war crimes” and pushing for U.S. aid cuts, yet his condemnation of Hamas’ terrorism often feels muted in comparison. This isn’t consistent anti-imperialism; it’s a cherry-picked worldview that excuses abuses when they align with socialist ideals.
At 83 years old, after two unsuccessful presidential bids and a Senate tenure that’s spanned over three decades, Sanders is past his prime. His push for policies like a 32-hour workweek is admirable in theory, but reports of grueling hours and burnout among his own staff and campaign workers suggest he’s not practicing what he preaches. The Democratic Party—and the broader progressive movement—desperately needs fresh voices. Young leaders with innovative ideas, unburdened by the baggage of past inconsistencies, could carry the torch forward. Sanders had his moment; he inspired millions and shifted the Overton window on issues like Medicare for All and free college. But overstaying risks tarnishing that legacy, turning a once-revolutionary figure into a symbol of entrenched power.
It’s time for Bernie to retire with dignity. Step aside, reflect on the wins, and let the next generation build (or rebuild) on what you’ve started. Healing through history’s wounds means knowing when to pass the baton. What do you think, readers? Is it time for Sanders to bow out, or does he still have more to give? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
—S. Vincent Anthony is a political commentator and blogger focused on accountability in public life. Follow him on X @svincentanthony for more insights.