Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont could be a formidable obstacle for Hillary Clinton in her quest for the 2016 Democratic president nomination, veteran GOP political consultant Mary Matalin tells Newsmax TV.
"It's serious … in a way that [Pat] Buchanan was a serious challenge to [George H.W.] Bush in 1992. You don't have to win to upset the political applecart," Matalin said Tuesday on "The Steve Malzberg Show" on
Newsmax TV.
"[Buchanan took] 31 percent or something minuscule in New Hampshire, but it destabilized the race and it was downhill from there," Matalin added, referring to Bill Clinton's thrashing of Bush in the general election.
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Sanders, an independent, is seen as the most serious challenger to the former secretary of state. Matalin said, however, that Clinton, is much more prepared for challenges than she was in 2008 when she unsuccessfully faced Barack Obama.
"This campaign was not set up in anticipation of a coronation. It's a much better campaign … But we have to watch out because she's got one strategy and only one strategy and that's to demonize … all the stuff they do which has been effective for Democrats."
Matalin, an adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney and campaign director for George W. Bush, said she is excited by the growing field of Republicans seeking the GOP presidential nod.
"I love this field. I think they all bring a lot to the table, including Donald Trump," Matalin told Steve Malzberg.
"I've really been impressed with the movement of Carly Fiorina … She calls it like she sees it. She stays on point."
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