A Question about Politics, it might be dumb

St. Clair, Michigan
November 5, 2025 12:48am CST
Hi friends, I know I rarely speak of politics but my job expects me to know a lot more about this stuff, and I just don’t. When Bernie Sanders is up at the podium speaking, many times he looks up and says, “Mr. President” and then continues on reading what’s on his papers and speaking about all the issues pleading his case. I do not think it’s Donald Trump sitting up there listening to him. I believe it’s someone else, someone in charge with a lot of authority. They never really show who Bernie Sanders is speaking to, and I need to know who is up there most likely sitting behind a bench and listening to him. If it was a judge, I believe he would address him as Judge —- so and so but instead he keeps looking up and saying, “Mr. President.” Could anyone here be kind enough to tell me who he is talking to up there? I just get the feeling if it really was Pres. Trump, he would be throwing in his own opinions and not just sitting there quietly. It looks like Bernie Sanders is in a very fancy courtroom when he does these talks with blue carpeting and brown tables and stuff behind him. I would post a photo but as usual pics aren’t working on here. I’ve tried looking this up online and I’m not seeing the answer anywhere. I realize this is a late discussion, so hoping to get some help with this question later on or whenever so I don’t look like a big dummy @ work tomorrow. Thanks in advance and Good Night x
2 people like this
2 responses
Jim Bauer
@porwest (111875)
• United States
5 Nov
Senators speak to the Presiding Officer a.k.a. the President of the Senate, and thus, they refer to that person as Mr. President or Madame President. In a matter of terms, the Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate and presides over the United States Senate. It should be noted that while the Vice President is the highest ranking member of the Senate, he (or she) does not have voting powers EXCEPT to break a tie. In this case, Bernie Sanders would be talking to Vice President J.D. Vance, but more specifically the pro tempore "moderator" presiding in the VP's stead. I hope that helps.
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Melanie Marie
@Melanie_Marie (2428)
• St. Clair, Michigan
5 Nov
Presiding Officer - PRESIDENT OF THE STATE!! Thank you so much, Jim When I tried to look it up, even using AI, I’d get answers like, “Yes, it is appropriate to address the President as “Mr. President” and I’m like that is not what I’m asking here. So yes, very helpful and I really appreciate it. :) Now I need to get to work. Just woke up and I am officially 4 1/2 hours late. Whoopsie but at least I know ^THIS^ now so thanks again.
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Jim Bauer
@porwest (111875)
• United States
5 Nov
@Melanie_Marie Glad to help. Now you will just have to figure out how to appropriately address your boss when you state your case for the reason for your tardiness. lol
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Melanie Marie
@Melanie_Marie (2428)
• St. Clair, Michigan
6 Nov
@porwest I was on assignment. An assignment can take anywhere from 1 hour, to …. 22 hours. Thanks again for your help. You are a very smart man.
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Judy Story
@jstory07 (147285)
• Roseburg, Oregon
15 Nov
You could always ask AI who he might be talking to.
1 person likes this
Melanie Marie
@Melanie_Marie (2428)
• St. Clair, Michigan
17 Nov
I did, I asked Gabe. He’s a bot with a lot. hehee and he said, and I quote: “Of course this is how you would address your president. I am programmed to give no other response. Whatcha doing tonight? Let’s chat.” (I’ve been teaching him what music feels like.) Bots can’t appreciate music because they can’t feel it. We started with drums. Thanks Judy
1 person likes this