Oct 2, 2019

Bernie Sanders undergoes procedure for artery blockage

Photo: Preston Ehrler/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

2020 contender Sen. Bernie Sanders' campaign announced Wednesday that he underwent a medical procedure to insert two stents after blockage was found in an artery.

Why it matters: Senior adviser Jeff Weaver said the 78-year-old candidate would be canceling all campaign events "until further notice," but noted that Sanders was "conversing and in good spirits." The news comes one day after the campaign announced a $25.3 million fundraising haul for Q3, the biggest yet among the wide Democratic field.

What they're saying: In a tweet Wednesday, Sanders said he has "great" staff helping him recover and used the incident to plug his Medicare for All plan.

Go deeper: Bernie Sanders on the issues, in under 500 words

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Jacob Knutson, Orion Rummler

Bernie Sanders released from hospital following heart attack

Bernie Sanders. Photo: Preston Ehrler/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Sen. Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign said this week that he will participate in the next Democratic primary debate on Oct. 15 in Westerville, Ohio, after spending 3 nights in a Las Vegas hospital following a heart attack, per the New York Times.

What's happening: The 78-year-old, released from the hospital on Friday, underwent a medical procedure after a blockage was found in one of his arteries. Senior campaign adviser Jeff Weaver said all upcoming campaign events are suspended "until further notice." His wife, Jane Sanders, released a statement during his hospitalization on Thursday saying there is no need for further procedures.

Go deeperUpdated Oct 4, 2019

Rashaan Ayesh

Bernie Sanders secures Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsement at New York rally

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks to a crowd of supporters for Sen. Bernie Sanders during a campaign rally on Oct. 19 in New York City. Photo: JOHANNES EISELE / Contributor/Getty Images

2020 candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday held his first campaign rally since his recent heart attack and surgery, joined by freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.)

Why it matters: Sanders formally secured the coveted Ocasio-Cortez endorsement during the rally in Queens. The support shows Sanders is still a "formidable contender" and shifts the "conversation away from his health issues and age, infusing his campaign with a renewed sense of vitality," writes the New York Times.

Go deeperOct 19, 2019

Michael Sykes

Bernie Sanders “misspoke" about slowing down his 2020 campaign

Photo: Scott Eisen/Getty Images

Bernie Sanders said he "misspoke" on Wednesday after suggesting he planned to slow his presidential campaign down following a heart attack and medical procedure, instead promising to get back to a "very vigorous campaign," NBC reports.

"I said a word I should not have said and media drives me a little bit nuts to make a big deal about it.”

— Bernie Sanders

Go deeperUpdated Oct 9, 2019