Sanders Dismisses Biden’s Claim that He Would Hurt Democratic House, Senate Candidates

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) shot back at criticism from Joe Biden that he would harm Democrats’ chances in the House and Senate in November.

“That’s absolutely untrue,” Sanders said of the former vice president’s comment, touting his relationships with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

“I am an existential threat to the corporate wing of the Democratic Party,” Sanders told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s This Week. “For too long, the Democratic Party and [its] leaders have been going to rich people’s homes raising money and they’ve ignored the working class, the middle class, and low-income people in this country.”

“We’ve got to open the doors of the Democratic Party to millions and millions of people who are trying to get by on $12, $13 an hour who can’t afford healthcare, who can’t afford childcare, who can’t afford to send their kids to college,” he explained.

Sanders maintained the if he becomes the nominee, the party “is going to come together” while also attracting an untapped electorate.

“The trick is, which candidate can reach out and bring new people into the political process who can create the excitement and energy for young people to come in,” Sanders said. “I think that’s our campaign.”

Sanders added that he expects former President Barack Obama to “play a leading role” in helping the party’s nominee, whoever that may be.

Watch the video above, via ABC.