Democratic Primaries

Yes, Bernie Sanders Wanted Obama Primaried in 2012. Here’s Why
The Nation

• March 16, 2011 WNYC: "If a progressive Democrat wants to run, I think it would enliven the debate, raise some issues, and people have a right to do that. I've been asked whether I am going to do that. I'm not. I don't know who is, but in a democracy, it's not a bad idea to have different voices out there."

• July 22, 2011 Thom Hartmann Radio Program: "I think one of the reasons that the president has been able to move so far to the right is that there is no primary opposition to him, and I think it would do this country a good deal of service if people started thinking about candidates out there to begin contrasting what is a progressive agenda as opposed to what Obama is doing. … At this point, I have not (encouraged anyone), but I am now giving thought to it. There are a lot of smart, honest, progressive people who I think can be good presidents."
Politifact

The 2012 Obama Campaign Took Bernie Sanders’ Primary Threat Seriously
Mother Jones

Obama primary challenge would be a good thing, liberal senator says
The Hill

The Obama Campaign Remembers 2012 Very Differently Than Bernie Sanders

Confronted with his support for a progressive challenge to Obama in 2011, Sanders said Saturday he “campaigned very hard” for Obama in 2008 and 2012. That’s not how Obama aides remember it.
Buzzfeed