“The bottom line is, the F.B.I. should have the time to do a thorough investigation,” he said. “I’m not sure that they will.”

A Democrat who also faces allegations

Mr. Sanders was also asked about Representative Keith Ellison, a progressive Democrat from Minnesota and deputy chairman of the Democratic Party. Earlier this year, Mr. Sanders endorsed Mr. Ellison in the race for Minnesota attorney general.

Mr. Ellison has since been publicly accused by his former girlfriend of having emotionally and physically abused her. In response, the Democratic Party conducted an investigation, and Mr. Ellison has denied the allegations.

This week, The Associated Press reported that a draft report had concluded that the allegations could not be substantiated because the ex-girlfriend, Karen Monahan, refused to provide video she said she had of the episode.

And on Wednesday, Mr. Sanders attempted to evade questions about whether he still supported Mr. Ellison, whom he has reportedly called a “personal friend.” He reiterated that the reports had suggested that the allegations could not be substantiated, but also said: “Everybody has a right to be believed.”

He then emphasized the need to “take a hard look at the evidence” before pivoting back to Judge Kavanaugh.

Amazon raised its wages. Which company is next?

Mr. Sanders and labor organizers have also criticized the wages and conditions of Amazon’s work force. On Tuesday the company, squeezed by the pressure, said it would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for its United States employees.