I kind of agree with you in this respect. I do not see anything libel about @val's statement. I can also confirm that @berniesanders the user on steemit.com is not in fact "Bernie Sanders" the politician.
However, that does not change the fact that @val was acting recklessly, irresponsibly and in an uninformed manner which is not in line with being part of Steemit, Inc. or @dan's assistant.