CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Hillary Rodham Clinton signed paperwork Monday establishing her as a Democratic presidential candidate in New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation primary – and within moments took an implicit swipe at chief rival Bernie Sanders.
“Well, I’m a Democrat. I just signed papers saying I’m a Democrat. He has to speak for himself,” Clinton, answering a question about her differences with Sanders, told reporters after filing her candidacy. “I will put forth my position. If there’s a contrast, there’s a contrast. I’m just proud to be a Democrat and I’m proud that I’ve worked so hard for the Democratic party.”
Sanders, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, filed paperwork in New Hampshire last week declaring that he was a Democrat. Clinton’s dig came a few days before the two, plus former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, meet for the next televised Democratic debate on Saturday.
In the meantime, Clinton was courting New Hampshire voters by casting herself as “a proud Democrat” who would build on President Barack Obama’s legacy.
“My name may be on the ballot but I really feel like this election is about you,” Clinton said at a rally by the steps of the gold-domed state capitol.