US Sen. Sanders to seek Democratic nomination for president
Updated: 2015-04-30 09:05
(Agencies)
|
|||||||||||
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) addresses the International Association of Firefighters delegates at IAFF Presidential Forum in Washington in this March 10, 2015, file photo. [Photo/Agencies] |
WASHINGTON - Independent US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a self-described socialist and one of the most outspoken liberals in Congress, will seek the 2016 Democratic nomination for president, he told US media on Wednesday.
"I believe (voters) want a fundamental change so that government works for ordinary Americans and not just billionaires," Sanders told USA Today. He said he would make the announcement official on Thursday.
Sanders also told the Associated Press in an interview he was running for president.
With former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton looming as the front-runner for the Democratic nomination in 2016, few other candidates have stepped forward in the party. Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley is expected to enter the race next month.
Sanders told USA Today he can compete by attracting small contributions from millions of Americans and mobilizing young people and other volunteers to help him wage a nationwide campaign.
"I am running in this election to win," he said. "We've got a long path forward. Most people in America have never heard of Bernie Sanders. More than 90 percent of Americans have heard of Hillary Clinton. ... I will absolutely be out-spent. But I do believe we have a chance to raise significant amounts of money through small, individual contributions," he told the paper.
Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats in the Senate, and liberal Democrats such as O'Malley and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts are pressing Clinton to move to the left on economic policy by embracing tighter Wall Street regulation and a more robust social safety net.
Sanders, 73, has especially turned up the heat on the former first lady over the Trans-Pacific Partnership and a proposal to fast-track the approval of the 12-nation trade pact.
In a statement last week, Sanders blasted the TPP as a jobs-killer that favors corporations. He then raised questions about where Clinton stands on the issue.
Related Stories
US President Barack Obama arrives in India on three-day tour 2015-01-25 15:33
Former US president, 90, taken to hospital 2014-12-25 07:38
US president to visit China, attend APEC summit 2014-11-03 16:12
Stephen Shao(from US), President of Kimberly-Clark (China) Co 2014-09-25 16:12
US President Obama names new envoy to Russia 2014-07-11 11:07
Today's Top News
China hits out as Abe visits the US
US Senate rejects bid to toughen Iran nuclear review bill
New Zealand voices dismay at executions in Indonesia
No hiding place overseas for fugitive officials
Nepalis wait for quake help as death toll passes 4,000
Australia recalls ambassador after Indonesia executes drug smuggling pair
61 suspects back home to be tried
PLA's Moscow debut confirmed
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |
Conca set to return to China |