Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says he is prepared to use military force if necessary if elected president of the United States.
Sanders voted against both wars in Iraq, though he did vote to invade Afghanistan after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but told ABC's
"This Week" he will evaluate America's needs if he becomes commander-in-chief.
"There are times when you have to use military force, no question about it," Sanders said. "I'm prepared to do that."
The self-described democratic socialist has focused mostly on domestic policy issues, and was questioned by guest host Martha Raddatz on the lack of foreign policy on his campaign website. Raddatz asked whether Sanders was willing to go to war only after America is attacked.
Sanders said it is vital for America to have a coalition whenever it goes to war and not go it alone. Doing so in the past has stoked anti-American sentiment in the Middle East and around the world, he said.
His judicious use of military force includes drone strikes.
"What you can argue is that there are times and places where drone attacks have been effective. There are times and places where they have been absolutely counter-effective and have caused more problems than solved," he said. "I think we have to use drones very, very selectively and effectively."
Sanders vowed to spend more time on foreign policy as the campaign continues.
Also appearing on CNN's
"State of the Union," Sanders said he wouldn't use former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's words that the Democratic race is rigged in favor of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, but he does think the party should allow more debates.
"I think that that is dead wrong and I have let the leadership of the Democrats know that," he told host Jake Tapper.
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