Story highlights Richard Harpootlian, a former South Carolina Democratic Party chairman, said the Vermont senator reminds him of President Barack Obama

Harpootlian said he made the decision after talking with Sanders by phone last week

Washington (CNN) Richard Harpootlian, a former South Carolina Democratic Party chairman known for his sharp tongue, endorsed Bernie Sanders on Wednesday, saying the Vermont senator reminds him of President Barack Obama.

Harpootlian said he made the decision after talking with Sanders by phone last week. He said Sanders' passion reminded him of the kind Obama exuded in 2007 when they first met.

"You sort of say, 'Well, can he do it?'" Harpootlian said. "It's like 2007, when I met Barack Obama fully intending to support Hillary Clinton. And after a half hour with him he convinced me, not convinced me so much as I saw a passion in him."

However, he admits he never expected to endorse Clinton in the primary. He said that "her bumper sticker ought to be 'It's my turn.'" Harpootlian has had a contentious relationship with the Clintons and consistently urged Vice President Joe Biden to enter the race