U.S.POLITICS

Maine Democrats turn to Bernie Sanders to energize Senate race

Troy Jackson, who became the Democratic nominee in a summer candidate switch, is in a close Senate race, and the party hopes a Sanders rally lifts turnout; nobody asked the fleece vest.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on BBN Tonight
Published 5:39 PM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

Photo: Anderseidesvik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · U.S.

Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on this story, from BBN Tonight at 5:39 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are The New York Times's, the jokes are ours.

Photo: Anderseidesvik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Bernie Sanders — Photo: Anderseidesvik · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a glance

First reported by The New York Times: “In Maine Senate Race, Anxious Democrats Turn to Bernie Sanders for a Jolt”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 5:39 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Democrats, Maine Senate.
BBN covered this story before: Press secretary pick, House forecast shifts, Kansas Senate race (October 9).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The New York TimesIn Maine Senate Race, Anxious Democrats Turn to Bernie Sanders for a Jolt

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHere it is, the story we hinted at: in Maine, anxious Democrats are calling in Bernie Sanders, because three months after a jarring summer candidate switch, some worry voters aren't excited about their nominee, Troy Jackson.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Senate race is close, and The New York Times reports the party wants Sanders to bring a jolt of enthusiasm before election day.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA rally is a chance to meet voters where they are, and Maine has a lot of voters who like a man in a fleece vest.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorWhen a party needs a jolt, the candidate is the one thing the voltage can't fix.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorHe hasn't even spoken yet!
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNeither has the candidate, apparently. Weather is next, and Brock says a storm is coming.

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