An excerpt of Bernie Sanders press conference on Tuesday. Sanders takes no questions from media at 'press conference'

Bernie Sanders wrapped up a news conference Tuesday but didn’t take a single question from the press.

The Vermont senator spoke for roughly 10 minutes during what was billed by the campaign a health care press conference and featured remarks from industry professionals such as Deborah Burger from National Nurses United.


“I’m gonna say a few words in a moment but I wanted to introduce some people who on a daily basis are working amidst the health care crisis in this country and I want them to reflect on what they see and where they want this country and this state to go,” Sanders said from Emeryville, California, ahead of the state’s June 7 primary.

He then introduced three people, one by one, before delivering his brief remarks, which were largely a portion of his stump speech.

“We got a dysfunctional system and we are gonna change that system. That is what the American people want,” Sanders said, wrapping up the event. “We are gonna take on the private insurance companies. We are gonna take on the drug companies. The function of health care of in a democratic, civilized society is to provide quality care to all of our people in a cost-effective way, not to make billions of dollars in profits from the drug companies or the insurance companies or golden parachutes of $180 million for some CEO of a drug company.”

“Thank you all very much,” he concluded as the crowd chanted “Bernie!” and he walked offstage.

Sanders’ news conference was a stark contrast from Donald Trump’s, whose 40-minute event was carried live by CNN, MSNBC and Fox News on Tuesday morning — Sanders’ afternoon event was streamed online — as the billionaire businessman disclosed where funds from his January fundraiser went and railed against the media, in addition to taking multiple questions.

Other reporters noted the absence of questions as well.

Sanders "press conference" = he gives a speech, takes no questions. Organizer asks if there are any Qs "about single payer" for nurses. Nope — daveweigel (@daveweigel) May 31, 2016





Sanders left before press had a chance to ask any questions. — Dan Gallo (@dangallo) May 31, 2016





Sanders left podium, thanked folks in first row. Was about to shake hands with @aritbenie & I, realized who we were and made an about face. — Francesca Chambers (@fran_chambers) May 31, 2016



A Sanders spokesman did not immediately return a request for comment.