DURHAM, N.H. — Bernie Sanders said his vote against the Iraq war proved he had the judgment to lead on foreign policy, while Hillary Clinton contended he lacked the experience to be effective diplomatically.
When asked at Thursday’s Democratic debate about his lack of foreign policy advisers or plans, Sanders told moderator Chuck Todd that these claims were “not quite accurate.” He then returned to his vote against the war in Iraq.
“While the secretary and I voted differently on the war in Iraq we learned the lesson,” Sanders said. “That lesson is that the United States cannot do it alone. We cannot be the policemen of the work. We have to work in strong coalition with the nations of the world.”
He later added, “I can fully see that Secretary Clinton has more experience. Experience isn’t the only point, judgment is.”
The former secretary of state took the opportunity to pounce on Sanders, saying, “a vote in 2002 is not a plan to defeat ISIS.” She then attacked Sanders for some of his far-reaching policy ideas such as normalizing relations with Iran and coordinating efforts with Saudi Arabia and Iran, two countries that are adversaries.
“There is no way to predict what can come in the door in that White House…I think this is a big part of the job interview we are conducting,” Clinton countered, “I know from my own experience that you have to be ready on day one.”
