Vermont senator offers Hillary Clinton her first progressive challenge in a move that could force her to tack to the left during the Democratic primaries

Bernie Sanders immediately distanced himself from Hillary Clinton on trade, foreign policy and the environment as he announced a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination that represents her first serious challenge from the left.

In a low-key press conference outside the US Capitol building, the Vermont senator acknowledged his run for the White House was a quixotic one, but insisted he was “in this race to win” and not just raise the profile of progressive causes.

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“I seriously wonder ... whether in this day and age it is possible for any candidate, who is not a billionaire or who is not beholden to the billionaire class, to be able to run successful campaigns,” said the 73-year-old independent senator. “And if that is the case, I want you all to recognise what a sad state of affairs that is for American democracy.”



But Sanders claimed his focus on tackling economic inequality and the political power of corporate America would resonate with the US public: “If you raise the issues that are on the hearts and minds of the American people, if you are trying to put together a movement which says we have got to stand together and say this beautiful Capitol, our country, belongs to all of us and not the billionaire class – that’s not raising an issue, that’s winning an election, that’s where the American people are.”

Asked how he would differ from Clinton, Sanders claimed he would not run a negative campaign but highlighted three issues where the former secretary of state has been vague since announcing her frontrunner bid earlier this month – and more conservative since long before then.

Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) Thanks @HillaryClinton. Looking forward to debating the big issues: income inequality, climate change & getting big money out of politics.

“I voted against the war in Iraq, and not only did I vote against it, I helped lead the effort,” he said. “I am helping right now to lead the effort about the trans-pacific partnership because I believe it continues a trend of horrendous trade policies which have cost us millions of decent paying jobs.”

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“I helped lead the effort against the Keystone pipeline, because I don’t think we should be transporting some of the dirtiest fuel in the world and have got to be really vigorous in terms of transforming our energy system,” he added. “Those are some of my views and we will see where secretary Clinton comes back.”

With a bold program of economic populism and a fierce rejection of the corporate money now seemingly required by candidates, Sanders is considered a long-shot to secure the Democratic nomination. But he may further encourage Clinton to tack to the left during the primary race.

Until a few weeks ago, close aides predicted Sanders would decline to the enter the race at all, deterred by the mountain of money that increases national exposure.

But growing interest among activists who may provide enough small donations for a credible campaign have encouraged a rethink, aides said, especially as fellow senator Elizabeth Warren has so far resisted pressure to run against Clinton.

Sanders is likely to be joined on the left by former Maryland governor Martin O’Malley, although his still nascent campaign has been tarnished by criticism during this week’s riots in Baltimore of his policing record while mayor of the city.

As expected, Sanders outlined a more full-throated progressive agenda, focusing heavily on economic equality, climate change and campaign finance reform.

“This country today has more serious crises than at any time since the great depression,” Sanders said. “But most Americans, their reality is that they’re working longer hours and for lower wages.”

“All over this country I’ve been talking to people,” Sanders continued. “Ninety-nine percent of all new income generated in this country is going to the top 1%. How does it happen that the top 1% owns almost as much wealth as the bottom 99%.”

“My conclusion is is that that type of economics is not only immoral is not only wrong it is unsustainable. How do we create an economy that works for all of our people rather than a small number of millionaires?”

Sanders also directly addressed climate change: “I want to see this nation lead the world” in revolutionizing its energy sources, as well as campaign finance.

“As a result of the disastrous supreme court Citizens United decision,” Sanders said, “billionaires are literally able to buy elections and candidates.”

He also appealed for a campaigns without “gossip”, saying: “I’ve never run a negative ad in my life … I believe that in a democracy what elections are about are serious debates over serious issues.”

“This is not the Red Sox versus the Yankees.”

Progressive activists welcomed his entry into the race but continued to urge Warren, who is seen as a more polished performer, to compete against Clinton as well.

“Democracy for America members are excited to have progressive champion Senator Bernie Sanders join the 2016 presidential race. Senator Sanders has a long history of fighting the wealthy and powerful interests that dominate the political process and his presence in the race continues to ensure that income inequality will be at the very center of the 2016 debate,” said Charles Chamberlain, executive director of Democracy of America, which had been leading the so-called “draft Warren” campaign.

“We continue to encourage Senator Elizabeth Warren to join the race for president, because we’ve seen the massive outpouring of grassroots support she has across the country and we know that having her in the race would only increase the odds of having a Democratic nominee committed to the bold, populist progressive reforms our country desperately needs.”