Sanders on spat with Clinton: ‘I’m responding to attacks’

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders said his claim that rival Hillary Clinton is “unqualified” for the job was a response to her attacks on him. 

In a CBS interview with Charlie Rose, Sanders framed the recent flare-up between the two candidates as a result of his need to defend himself.

{mosads}“All I am saying is that if people are going to attack us, if they’re going to distort our record, as has been the case time and time again, we’re going to respond,” Sanders said. “I’m responding to attacks being made against me.”

When asked if he actually thinks the former secretary of State isn’t qualified for the Oval Office, Sanders responded: “Well, does Secretary Clinton believe I am unqualified to be president?”

While not backing away from the claim, Sanders did acknowledge her experience and said Clinton is “extremely intelligent.” 

He eased up on his call for Clinton to apologize for victims of the Iraq War, which she voted for. The Vermont senator said he was countering her remarks that he should apologize to victims of the Sandy Hook shooting because of his record on gun laws. 

“Of course she doesn’t bear responsibility,” Sanders said. “Do I hold her accountable? No.”

Sanders agreed with Rose when he suggested that the candidates want to stay out of a personal back and forth to focus on the issues and said he would support Clinton if she wins the nomination.

“I think the idea of a Donald Trump or a Ted Cruz presidency would be an unmitigated disaster for this country,” he said. “I will do everything in my power and work as hard as I can to make sure that that does not happen, and if Secretary Clinton is the nominee, I will certainly support her.”