Sanders: ‘Categorically false’ I worked against Obama

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) defended himself on Sunday against charges that he has not supported President Obama, calling them “categorically false.”

{mosads}On ABC’s “This Week,” Sanders was asked about his positive comments on radio shows in 2011 about the prospect of a primary challenger to Obama in his reelection race. 

“I don’t know exactly the words that I said,” Sanders said Sunday. “I said what’s wrong with a primary situation?”

“The idea that I’ve worked against Barack Obama is categorically false,” Sanders added. “I’ve worked very hard to see Barack Obama elected. He came to Vermont to campaign for me in 2006.  I’ve worked for him in 2008.  I’ve worked for him in 2012.  And listen, I think under incredible Republican obstructionism, Obama and Joe Biden have moved this country in a way that leaves [it] a hell of a lot better than we were when [President George W.] Bush left office.”

Sanders noted that he has disagreements over trade and extending some of the Bush tax cuts, but, “Barack Obama is a friend of mine; I think he’s been a very strong president.”

He did note that he is more resistant to getting involved in Syria than Obama, and opposes the president’s action to send Special Operations troops. 

Sanders was also asked about his recent comment to the Boston Globe, saying, “I disagree with Hillary Clinton on virtually everything.”

Sanders moderated that statement somewhat on Sunday. 

“The answer is, ‘yes and no,’ ” he said. “Yes, we do agree on a number of issues, and by the way, on her worst day, Hillary Clinton will be an infinitely better candidate and president than the Republican candidate on his best day. But having said that, we have very significant differences, and the key difference is I see a nation in which we have a grotesque level of income and wealth inequality.”

He cited differences such as his desire to break up big banks and his earlier opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.