Former South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford Mark SanfordOn The Money: Business world braces for blue sweep | Federal Reserve chief to outline plans for inflation, economy | Meadows 'not optimistic' about stalemate on coronavirus deal Trump critic Sanford forms anti-debt advocacy group Republicans officially renominate Trump for president MORE (R), who is weighing a primary bid against 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, said on Sunday that he would vote for the president over a Democrat even though he said Trump doesn't deserve reelection.

NBC's Chuck Todd Charles (Chuck) David ToddMurkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election Republican senator says plans to confirm justice before election 'completely consistent with the precedent' Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response MORE asked Sanford on "Meet the Press" if he believes Trump has earned reelection.

"I would say no, because I would argue he's taking us in the wrong direction," Sanford replied.

But, Sanford said he would still vote Trump over the Democratic nominee.

"I am a core Republican," Sanford said.

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"You just said you don't think he deserves reelection, but you're still going to be able to vote for him over Joe Biden Joe BidenFormer Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick Bloomberg rolls out M ad buy to boost Biden in Florida MORE?" Todd asked.

"Everything is relative in politics," Sanford said.

Sanford said the former vice president has embraced many of the progressive policies of his Democratic primary opponents, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren Elizabeth WarrenOvernight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon's use of COVID-19 funds On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump's 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package Warren, Khanna request IG investigation into Pentagon's use of coronavirus funds MORE (D-Mass.)

"I'm not seeing a great differentiation there, but I may be missing it."

Sanford made a similar argument in saying he would not consider running as an independent, even though he added that he understands the difficulty in challenging a sitting president in a primary.

"A lot of people said, 'If you're going to run, run as an independent.' I said no. I'm a Republican. The Republican Party has a lineage of historically doing some great things, but it's gone off the tracks as of late," Sanford said.

He also admitted he is likely not the strongest candidate to mount a challenge against Trump, saying "I'm sure there are a bunch" of better options.

Sanford lost a Republican gubernatorial primary, largely due to criticism from Trump.

But if he chooses to run, it is not a "vanity project," he said.

"The idea of going out and possibly being a human piñata is hardly a vanity project," Sanford said.

"What does success look like for you?" Todd asked.

"You can compete for ideas, if we began a national conversation on where are we going.. where are we going with the Republican Party in terms of what comes next," Sanford responded.