Bill Clinton Spends 30 Minutes Debating Bernie Sanders Supporter

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- President Clinton is known for his surprise retail stops along the campaign trail, often surprising patrons who have no clue he is coming.

Today in Santa Fe, New Mexico, President Clinton made a pit stop at an authentic Mexican restaurant just along the Santa Fe plaza. While greeting patrons he came across Bernie Sanders supporter, Josh Brody, 24.

A 30-minute debate ensued as Brody questioned the former president’s record and argued that many federal departments have shrunk as a result of his administration. President Clinton listened intently. Then, Brody accused the president of disinvesting in education.

“I doubled education,” said Clinton. “You have cherry-picked facts which contradict the truth.”

President Clinton was repeatedly egged on by staffers to move on to other tables and encouraged to conclude his conversation with Brody, but like many times before, the president continued to listen and engage with the Sanders supporter.

“If you never have to make a decision, then you can go back to the past and cherry-pick everything [for a] narrative that is blatantly false,” said Clinton. “What you’re saying is false.”

Brody questioned this narrative, saying it sounds like Clinton “did the best job that you could have possibly done from the most progressive standpoint that you could have had.”

Clinton listened attentively and defended his record as he is known to do with those who protest his events. “You have a limited number of choices, and you do what you can to help the largest number of people. It is very hard,” said Clinton, who also tried to ease the tension, telling Brody. “I’m on your side.”

President Clinton has adopted an inclusive platform on the campaign trail, repeatedly stressing that he wants “us to all rise together,” as he said in his campaign speech just a few hours later in Albuquerque.