Bernie Sanders claimed in a Tuesday interview that fellow Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton backed out of an upcoming Fox News debate in California because she knew he would have outperformed her.
In his first interview since Clinton declined the invitation, the Vermont senator told PBS late night host Tavis Smiley the reason Clinton pulled out Monday evening was “obvious.”
“I think we would win that debate. It would give us exposure around the state of California. She’s still a lot better known than I am. And that is the reason why [she said no],” Sanders said.
The democratic socialist, who currently trails the former secretary of state by hundreds of delegates, said Clinton had previously agreed to a series of debates, including the Golden State event, scheduled to take place before the July 7 primary.
Clinton’s campaign has said it chose to forego the debate to spend more time preparing for the coming general election. Clinton has not secured the nomination and Sanders’ has repeatedly said he will remain in the race through the convention in late July.
