Why the Left Finds Satisfaction in Shame

As he groped for a rationale to justify Luigi Mangione’s psychotic act of human sacrifice, Senator Bernie Sanders settled on the notion that premeditated murder, while a crime, was a logical response to America’s fundamental brokenness.

“I condemn it wholeheartedly,” the senator offered perfunctorily. And yet, he seemed to think that there were some bright sides to the slaughter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. At least “online,” Sanders observed, the killing “did show” that “many, many people are furious at the health insurance companies.” And why shouldn’t they be? The health insurance racket makes “huge profits” while denying care to those in desperate need. “It is broken,” he added. “It is cruel.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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As he groped for a rationale to justify Luigi Mangione’s psychotic act of human sacrifice, Senator Bernie Sanders settled on the notion that premeditated murder, while a crime, was a logical response to America’s fundamental brokenness.

“I condemn it wholeheartedly,” the senator offered perfunctorily. And yet, he seemed to think that there were some bright sides to the slaughter of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. At least “online,” Sanders observed, the killing “did show” that “many, many people are furious at the health insurance companies.” And why shouldn’t they be? The health insurance racket makes “huge profits” while denying care to those in desperate need. “It is broken,” he added. “It is cruel.”

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.