Hillary Clinton Finds An Admirer In Challenger Bernie Sanders

Hillary Clinton found another admirer when U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders candidly expressed his admiration for the former U.S. secretary of state. Several other well-known personalities also expressed positive views of Clinton.

Like Clinton, Sanders -- an independent senator from Vermont -- is a declared candidate for the 2016 Democratic Party's presidential nomination, and several others are expected to join the race in the weeks and months ahead. But many believe that Clinton is by far the most likely Democrat to win the nomination.

Sanders is a self-declared “democratic socialist.” While discussing how his take on income inequality differs from Clinton’s, he said that he had been working for the U.S. middle class for the last 30 years. He said that he was leading the effort in the Senate to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Sanders added that he believed in serious debates on serious issues. He said that he has known Clinton for 25 years. “Maybe I shouldn’t say this: I like Hillary Clinton,” The Guardian quoted him as saying.

The veteran politician also said that Clinton should make her position clear about the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal. While Sanders believes the deal would be “disastrous” for the United States, Clinton has not yet stated her position on the issue.

Sanders is not the first one to talk openly about his fondness about Clinton. Several other luminaries have said they would like to see Clinton become the next U.S. president.

For example, basketball legend Magic Johnson has tweeted that Clinton would be “a great President for the American people.” He wrote that she would ensure that everyone had a voice.

Clinton’s official campaign video was shared by actor Jeffrey Wright on Twitter. He wrote that it was a “Nice inclusive portrait of America.” Diane Kruger shared a photo of Clinton on Instagram. The German-born actress appealed to the American people to “make her President!”

If Clinton eventually ends up succeeding President Barack Obama, she would be the first woman president in U.S. history.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au.