Bernie Sanders has been increasingly critical of the president's progressive credentials and his ability to productively work with Congress. | AP Photo Sanders: Clinton is cozying up to Obama to win black voters

Bernie Sanders on Thursday accused Hillary Clinton of cozying up to President Barack Obama in an attempt to court African-American votes.

“You know Hillary Clinton now is trying to embrace the president as closely — as she possibly can. Everything the president does is wonderful. She loves the president, he loves her and all that stuff,” the Vermont senator said in an interview with BET. “And we know what that’s about. That’s trying to win support from the African-American community where the president is enormously popular."


Clinton and Sanders have both been courting the endorsements of prominent African Americans and have stepped up their outreach to minority communities ahead of the South Carolina primary. Clinton in particular has played up her connection to Obama, who bested her in the 2008 election but later picked her to be his secretary of state.

Sanders, meanwhile, has been increasingly critical of the president's progressive credentials and his ability to productively work with Congress.

Clinton's campaign fired off a statement refuting Sanders' assertion. "It's disappointing that Senator Sanders thinks the only reason a Democrat would be proud of President Obama's work would be a political ploy to court African American voters," The statement said. "We know Senator Sanders believes the President has shown failed leadership, but like Hillary Clinton, most Democrats have a different view. We are proud of President Obama's work to rescue the economy from the brink of collapse, pass landmark health reform and reform Wall Street.”

Speaking to BET, Sanders said that he also liked the president but said that he disagreed with him on some issues.

“But you know what? I have enormous respect for the president. He’s a friend. We have worked together. I think he has done a great job in many respects,” he said. “But you know what? Like any other human being, he is wrong on certain issues.”