The U.S. Senate’s lone independent said he’s considering a White House run in 2016 if no other progressive candidates enter the race.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) said the cost, constant travel and the intense scrutiny associated with a national campaign would discourage most potential candidates – including himself.

“That is honestly not me,” Sanders said. “Anyone who really, really wants to be president is slightly crazy because this is an unbelievably difficult job given the crises that this country faces today.”


But the 72-year-old Sanders said he’d be willing to run to ensure the campaign included a strong progressive voice.

Sanders said the next presidential campaign must include a candidate who’s willing to take on Wall Street and represent the interests of the poor and the shrinking middle class.

The race also needs candidates who will oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare and make global warming a top priority, Sanders said.

“Under normal times, it’s fine, you have a moderate Democrat running, a moderate Republican running,” Sanders said. “These are not normal times. The United States right now is in the middle of a severe crisis and you have to call it what it is.”

Sanders said he would likely run as an independent if he jumped into the race, but that could complicate his efforts.

“The disadvantages of being an independent are you not going to get in these big debates that you have on television,” he said. “But I’m very proud to be an independent.”

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Run, Bernie, run! We should run one of our own too