Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg Pete ButtigiegBogeymen of the far left deserve a place in any Biden administration Overnight Defense: Woodward book causes new firestorm | Book says Trump lashed out at generals, told Woodward about secret weapons system | US withdrawing thousands of troops from Iraq A socially and environmentally just way to fight climate change MORE pushed back on his 2020 opponent Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Why Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence MORE’s (I-Vt.) attack over the former South Bend, Ind. mayor accepting donations from billionaires.

“Bernie’s pretty rich, and I would happily accept a contribution from him,” Buttigieg said Sunday on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

Buttigieg also said that his campaign is focused on “making sure we bring everybody into the fight,” noting that President Trump Donald John TrumpHR McMaster says president's policy to withdraw troops from Afghanistan is 'unwise' Cast of 'Parks and Rec' reunite for virtual town hall to address Wisconsin voters Biden says Trump should step down over coronavirus response MORE and his allies are raising millions of dollars and the Democrat who faces him in November will need to be prepared.

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“This is a fight of our lives,” Buttigieg said.

His response comes after Sanders ramped up an attack on Buttigieg for accepting big-dollar donations as the two emerged as the top candidates after the chaotic Iowa caucuses.

Sanders called Buttigieg the favorite candidate for Wall Street donors during a rally in New Hampshire on Friday.

“I like Pete Buttigieg, nice guy, but we are in a moment where billionaires control not only our economy but our political process,” Sanders said.

Buttigieg on Sunday noted that he is “not a fan of the current campaign finance system,” and said that his campaign has largely been funded by donations averaging less than $40.

“I’m a mayor of South Bend, it’s not like that’s an establishment fundraising powerhouse,” he said. “I’ve able to get here by putting together a movement.”