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11/21/2024 09:14:45 pm

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Sen. Bernie Sanders Thinks Of Running For President In 2016

Bernie Sanders

(Photo : REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst) U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) (R) addresses a news conference in support of a proposed constitutional amendment for campaign finance reform, on Capitol Hill in Washington September 8, 2014.

United States Senator Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) on Sunday said he is thinking of running for president in 2016, reports said.

As one of the Senate's top liberals, Sander's move is seen by experts as a threat to Hillary Clinton's possible candidacy.

During an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Sanders said, "I am thinking about running for president," either as an independent or a Democrat if he receives a nomination.

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"I think anybody who speaks to the needs of the working class and the middle class of this country and shows the courage to take on the billionaire class, I think that candidate will do pretty well," Sanders added in what appears like a 2016 campaign preview.

He also said he is going to Iowa to find out the voters' sentiments if he runs for president.

Political experts view Sanders's intentions as a potential challenge to Hillary Clinton, who said will confirm her presidential candidacy early January 2015.

Clinton, who hypothetically expressed her candidacy early September, is widely regarded as the Democrats' prime candidate for the presidential nomination.

With Sanders in the picture, she could be forced to compete in the Democratic primaries to block the challenge.

When asked about Clinton, the independent from Vermont said he has a lot of respect for the former first lady. He added that "the issue is not Hillary."

Sanders is in his second term in the Senate and is seen caucusing with Democrats.

He has gained a following from some liberals as he actively pursues certain issues, such as corporate greed and income disparity between America's rich and poor.

When asked about his thoughts on President Barack Obama, he said he disagrees with the president on many terms.

"[Obama] has not tapped the anger and the frustration that the American people feel on many, many issues," Sanders said.

Since many liberals are disappointed in Obama, Sanders' similar expression could gain him more support when he confirms his candidacy for 2016.

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