(Kaz Sasahara for The Washington Post) (Kaz Sasahara for The Washington Post) (Kaz Sasahara for The Washington Post)

The 2020 Candidates: Sen. Bernie Sanders

To his supporters, he is the true progressive lion among the Democratic presidential candidates, championing the cause of the little guy while going after the perceived excesses of Wall Street. To his liberal critics, he’s not a team player and may have cost Hillary Clinton the 2016 election. Conservatives argue that his ideas like Medicare-for-all and completely forgiving all college debt would bust the budget. But most acknowledge his voice was a key influence in moving the Democratic party in a more progressive direction. Now, with one of the most intense competitions inside the Democratic field gearing up between Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Sanders, who will emerge as the true champion of the liberal cause?

On July 16, The Washington Post Live hosted Vermont Senator and two-time presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The Senator laid out his vision for America, what he learned from his 2016 run, and why he believes he is the most qualified person to take on -- and defeat -- President Donald Trump.

The Washington Post Live's one-on-one interview series The 2020 Candidates features the candidates making their case on key issues and sharing how they hope to set themselves apart from a crowded field in conversation with Washington Post National Political Reporter Robert Costa.