Political commentator and comedian Jimmy Dore said Wednesday that Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersSirota reacts to report of harassment, doxing by Harris supporters Republicans not immune to the malady that hobbled Democrats The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (I-Vt.), a 2020 White House hopeful, shouldn't be afraid to lean into his image as an independent, saying such a move appeals voters across the political spectrum.

“People are attracted to Bernie Sanders because of who he is — he’s not bought,” Dore, host of left-leaning “The Jimmy Dore Show,” told Hill.TV on Wednesday.

“That appeals to people from every political spectrum,” he added. “If Bernie Sanders wins, it’s going to be because of that.”

Sanders has long identified himself as a democratic socialist, raising concerns among some Democrats about whether he can prevail in a general election.

During a speech defending his politics, Sanders hit back at critics and President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE, saying they believe “in corporate socialism for the rich and powerful,” while he believes in a “democratic socialism that works for the working families in this country."

He has also made no apologies for his signature "Medicare for All" policy proposal, which has been a divisive issue among Democrats. He has acknowledged that the ambitious plan would ultimately raise taxes on the middle class, but insisted that it would save Americans money on health care costs in the long run.

Dore’s comments just hours before Sanders was hospitalized for "chest discomfort," and subsequently underwent heart surgery.

Jeff Weaver, a senior adviser to Sanders’s campaign, issued a statement saying that all campaign events would be cancelled until further notice as the Vermont senator recovers from surgery, adding that "Sanders is conversing and in good spirits."

—Tess Bonn