Tom Steyer roasted for 'kissing up' to Bernie Sanders during New Hampshire Democratic debate

Twitter users roast Tom Steyer for "kissing up" to Bernie Sanders during a Democratic presidential debate on Feb. 7, 2020. Twitter users roast Tom Steyer for "kissing up" to Bernie Sanders during a Democratic presidential debate on Feb. 7, 2020. Photo: Twitter Photo: Twitter Image 1 of / 22 Caption Close Tom Steyer roasted for 'kissing up' to Bernie Sanders during New Hampshire Democratic debate 1 / 22 Back to Gallery

On multiple occasions during Friday night's Democratic presidential debate in New Hampshire, San Francisco billionaire Tom Steyer appeared to go out of his way to say something along the lines of "I agree with Bernie [Sanders]."

Whether it be on issues related to health care, climate change or foreign policy, Steyer seemed to emphasize paying homage to the Vermont senator during many of his answers, and this did not go unnoticed by debate watchers on Twitter.

"Steyer clarifies his love for bernie in every answer," the New York Times' Astead Wesley tweeted.

"Steyer is trying hard be the one billionaire who survives after Bernie wins," the Nation's Jeet Heer wrote.

The billionaire's affections for Sanders seemed to be abnormal, leading some to speculate whether Steyer is pining to be Sanders' running mate should the Democratic socialist win the nomination.

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In recent months, Steyer has come to Sanders' defense after former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton alleged that "nobody likes" Sanders.

"At the risk of getting in the middle of it, I like @BernieSanders," Steyer tweeted after Clinton's comments.

Steyer was also a bystander during the awkward exchange between Sanders and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren during the previous Democratic presidential debate, and his attempts to speak with Sanders after the moment led some to wonder whether he has ulterior motives in cozying up to tSanders.

Click through the slideshow above to see reactions to Steyer's debate performance.

Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting