“If the general election came down to (Republican Donald) Trump and myself and if Bloomberg chose to jump in, two of the three candidates would be multi-billionaires”, Sanders said in an interview with The Associated Press.
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Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Peter Brown contended that Clinton’s struggle to gain traction in Iowa is reminiscent of her 2008 presidential run against Barack Obama.
“Yeah, but they are very happy”, Sarandon said.
Sanders is trying to upset Clinton in Iowa, where her advantage has narrowed in recent weeks, and then claim victory in New Hampshire, where polls show him with a steady lead in the February 9 primary. For Sanders, it was a chance to show he’s got some sway with a president still popular among Democrats. White House officials says the men lack much of a personal relationship and have markedly different approaches to politics.
Clinton, meanwhile, has largely embraced Obama’s record on the campaign trail, touting his health law as a game-changer for uninsured Americans and accusing Sanders of planning to scrap it. A number of Obama’s former aides now work for Clinton’s campaign, and the President is personally closer to the candidate who served in his administration for four years. The curmudgeonly Vermonter has bristled at the suggestion he’s betrayed the president.
Earnest said Wednesday that Obama has consciously attempted to remain neutral in the Democratic nominating contest, but that he does plan to vote absentee in Illinois’ primary on March 15. Increasingly, it appears, he sees Clinton as his best hope. Sanders has “great authenticity, great passion and is fearless”, Obama said, but he added the senator is untested. He said he believed the president and the vice president have been “fair and even handed”. “I expect that they will continue to be that way”. Sanders asked, adding: “What leadership means is not simply following the majority”.
“The DNC has said it is not going to sanction any more debates until after February 9th”, said Jeff Weaver, Sanders’ campaign manager.
“Bernie came in with the luxury of being a complete long shot and just letting loose”, Obama said told Politico. It’s really fun and they’re very well informed…
Stressing that the Iowa caucuses “are all about turnout”, Brown noted that the Vermont senator could pose a serious threat for the Democratic presidential nomination if his supporters turnout. Photographers were not allowed to shoot the president and Sanders together in the Oval Office.
The visit was one of several trips to the Obama White House for Sanders, typically for large, social events or policy rollouts. The senator hasn’t been a regular at the White House.
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Clinton and Obama have met several times since she left her position in 2013. The President’s public schedule lists a lunch with Vice President Joe Biden beginning 45 minutes later, at 12:30 p.m. ET.
