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.) said Thursday that his former presidential rival, 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, will play a vital role in shaping the future for Democrats as the party seeks to recover from her disastrous election loss to 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.

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“She has a very important role to play,” Sanders said at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. “She got more votes than Mr. Trump and was the Democratic nominee, so it goes without saying she has a very important role to play in the Democratic Party. ... We will not agree on every issue, but her voice is an important one and needs to be heard.”

Sanders disputed the notion that his attacks against Clinton — most notably on her paid speeches to Wall Street banks — may have contributed to her defeat in the general election against Trump.

“At the end of the day my candidacy ended up being helpful,” Sanders said. “If we believe that candidates should not be anointed — the Republicans had 17 candidates for their position. We had a heated, issue-oriented campaign, and my campaign brought millions of people into the political process, most of whom voted for Hillary Clinton. It played a positive role.”

Clinton made her first post-election public appearance on Wednesday night since her stunning defeat that has left Democrats in rebuilding mode.

Speaking at a Children’s Defense Fund gala in Washington, D.C., Clinton talked about the emotionally wrenching days she’s endured since her surprise defeat.

“I will admit, coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me," Clinton said. "There have been a few times this past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again."