Bernie Sanders views have remained consistent
Bernie Sanders has proved to be a durable Democratic presidential candidate based on his vision of democratic socialism. But while the Vermont senator's ideas may be new to many, he's actually been articulating them for decades -- including as a frequent guest on CNN's former debate show "Crossfire."
Show transcripts from 1998 to 2014 show he's been remarkably consistent. Much of Sanders' language could be taken straight out his 2016 stump speech. Though on some issues, such as health care, foreign policy and the VA scandal, his views have shifted slightly in the midst of his run for the highest office in the land.
Sanders has tried to differentiate himself from Clinton on foreign policy, as well. He has long touted his 2002 vote against the Iraq war as a sign of his wisdom in foreign affairs. He was vocal in criticizing the war from the very beginning. Speaking on "Crossfire" in the lead-up to the war, he said "we are going to undermine the United Nations, undermine international law (and) plunge this world into international anarchy."
Fast forward to 2016 and Sanders has aimed to broaden his foreign policy portfolio while continuing to hammer Clinton for her pro-Iraq war vote. While Sanders has often called for international coalitions, he has tried to keep his military options as commander in chief far more flexible. Sanders stresses his votes to authorize military engagement in Kosovo and Afghanistan. When asked on ABC News if there were any "circumstances where a President Sanders would authorize unilateral action to use force," Sanders tactfully avoided the question, saying, "I don't want to get into hypotheticals. I didn't say in all circumstances."
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