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"There was a lack of enthusiasm," among Democrats and "people just did not come out to vote,” Sanders told The Associated Press on Thursday.

He also said he will back Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) to lead the Democratic National Committee.

Sanders credited Trump for tapping into “the anger of a declining middle class that is sick and tired of establishment economics, establishment politics and the establishment media.”

But he warned Trump that he will oppose any attempt to “pursue racist, sexist xenophobic and anti-environment policies.”

An adviser said Sanders waited to issue a statement because he had "nothing polite to say about the election," when Trump was declared the winner early Wednesday morning.

Sanders gave Clinton a stern challenge in the Democratic presidential primary, before endorsing her and campaigning heavily on her behalf and against Trump in key swing states.