Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.), currently a frontrunner in a field of over a dozen Democrats running for president in 2020, pledged to support the Democratic Party’s eventual presidential nominee should he fall short.

“If we do not win, I will strongly support the Democratic nominee…and hope and believe that others feel exactly the same way. Donald Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE must be defeated,” Sanders said Saturday while campaigning in Iowa.

Bernie Sanders vows to support the Democratic nominee, no matter who it is. #ctl #p2 pic.twitter.com/VnytnVVnSZ — PoliticusUSA (@politicususa) March 9, 2019

Sanders, who unsuccessfully ran against Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college MORE in the Democratic primary in 2016, was roundly criticized by the party establishment for what some said was a lackluster effort to support Clinton after it was clear he had fallen short of the needed delegates.

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The Vermont Independent’s party affiliation has long irritated some Democrats who believe Sanders is trying to utilize the party establishment for his gain while rebuffing the party as a whole.

Sanders also vowed he would not go on the offensive against the other Democratic nominees, many of whom are his colleagues in the Senate.

“The nature of our campaign is not belittling people, it’s not opposition research, it’s not attacking other people, but is a serious discussion about the issues facing the American people,” he said.

Several of the Democratic contenders are seeking to differentiate themselves as many angle their appeal toward the party’s progressive base with similar messaging, raising the question if candidates will have to try to set themselves apart on more personal grounds.