Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is under intense pressure to run for president as a Democrat and not as a “spoiler” independent who could undercut support for the eventual nominee, according to several progressives.
But Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, hasn’t decided which direction to go.
“There are advantages and disadvantages” to both, he told members of the progressive Democracy for America in a conference call on which the Washington Examiner was invited to join.
“There are millions of people out there who feel the Democrats have not been strong enough in standing up for the working class, the middle class of this country and taken on big money interests. That suggests running as an independent,” he said.
Sanders also rapped President Obama for not maintaining “ties with the grassroots that helped elect him president.”
But, he added, “Running within the Democratic primary system gives you an opportunity to engage in debates.”
During the call, executives with Democracy for America, started by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, urged Sanders to run as a Democrat.
The group, meanwhile, has joined MoveOn.org to promote the candidacy of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
