Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders is seeking the Democratic nomination for president on Thursday.
Sen. Sanders’ plans will pose a liberal challenge to Hillary Rodham Clinton. The independent who often describes himself as a democratic socialist will start his campaign in his home state and will officially be the second major Democrat in the race for president, according to Valley News.
Clinton is the solid favorite in the primary so far as she announced her candidacy earlier this month. Sanders has urged Clinton to speak our strongly about issues related to income inequality and climate change. He has talked openly about what he calls the “billionaire class” in America that is taking over the politics of the nation.
Most recently, Sanders has opposed the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement that would get rid of tariffs and other trade barriers for the U.S., Canada and Asian countries that are taking part in commerce with each other.
“One of the key reasons why the middle class in America continues to decline and the gap between the very rich and everyone else is growing wider is because of disastrous trade agreements which have sent millions of decent-paying jobs to China and other low-wage countries,” Sanders said last week.
Lou D’Allesandro, a Democratic state senator from New Hampshire, said, “He will add color,” when referring to Sanders’ plan to run for president. “He’s not bashful about anything,” he added.
Sanders has promoted universal health care, a huge infrastructure jobs and building program and a progressive tax structure and reforms to address the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.
He has also already begun creating a foundation of enthusiasm on college campuses and liberal districts.
A New Hampshire supporter of Clinton and member of the Democratic National Committee, Kathy Sullivan, said that Sanders’ decision to join the race was not a surprise.
“I know Hillary Clinton has always been expecting for there to be a competitive Democratic primary in New Hampshire,” Sullivan said. “I think he should be taken seriously.”
Others also agree and say that they expect Clinton to listen to Sanders and the others in the race.
