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Sanders: Some criticism of Hillary Clinton is motivated by sexism

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said on Sunday that much of the criticism directed at his Democratic primary rival Hillary Clinton is motivated by sexism.
U.S. Sen. and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders listens to one of the speakers after making remarks at the Conference on the Greek debt crisis in Washington, DC, July 30, 2015. (Photo by Ron Sachs/picture-alliance/dpa/AP)
U.S. Sen. and presidential candidate Bernie Sanders listens to one of the speakers after making remarks at the Conference on the Greek debt crisis in Washington, DC, July 30, 2015. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said on Sunday that some of the criticism directed at his Democratic primary rival Hillary Clinton is motivated by sexism.

"I can't think of many personalities who have been attacked for more reasons than Hillary Clinton," Sanders told John Dickerson on "Face the Nation." 

"And by the way, let me be frank -- and I'm running against her -- some of it is sexist. I don't know that a man would be treated the same way that Hillary is," Sanders added. 

Sanders remarks came in response to a question about whether Clinton's use of a private server while secretary of state has hurt her trustworthiness in the eyes of some Americans. Sanders refused to comment on the scandal or Clinton's honesty, and went on to emphasize that his concerns with her as the Democratic nominee are about her policies, not personality.

"I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years. I admire her, I respect her, I like her," Sanders said. "She and I have very different points of view on a number of issues."

Sanders then cited the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and the Keystone pipeline -- proposals that he and much of the progressive base have vociferously opposed. Clinton has refused to comment on the pipeline, or to take a definitive position on the TPP, although she has denied involvement in crafting the agreement in recent days.“I think we have to take on the billionaire class and Wall Street," Sanders said. "I’m not quite sure that’s her view.”