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Sanders to Detail 'Progressive Foreign Policy' in College Speech

Senator Bernie Sanders addresses the New York delegation at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on July 26, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania / Getty Images
Senator Bernie Sanders / Getty Images
September 20, 2017

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) is set to deliver a lecture on his vision of a "progressive foreign policy" on Thursday, adding further fuel to the fire for those speculating about a possible 2020 presidential run.

Sanders will deliver the Green Foundation Lecture at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo., according to a press release from his office.

The Vermont senator "will lay out his vision of a progressive American foreign policy, one that defines power and leadership not primarily through the use of force but through the building and mobilization of international consensus, that prioritizes human dignity and well-being against the depredations of unaccountable government and corporate power, and that sees new opportunities for cooperation around shared challenges like climate change, authoritarianism, wealth inequality, and terrorism," the release said.

Sanders' speech, announced earlier this month, prompted excitement from students.

"I can just tell you that if the lecture is anything like the initial reaction from our students, then it's going to be an exciting time," Westminster spokesman Rob Crouse said. "There were mouths and eyes wide open with students jumping and hugging each other."

Sanders, 76, may be signaling an interest in another presidential bid with the foreign policy focus of his speech. He was the runner-up in the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, and has repeatedly dodged questions on whether he will run again in 2020.

Earlier this month, Sanders complained that the "election cycle never ends" when faced with a question about his 2020 prospects. Back in July, he would not say whether he will run, but did list several swing states he had visited in the past month.