In the wake of Senator Bernie Sanders’ criticism of opponent Hillary Clinton’s qualifications to gain the presidency, many were wondering if this was a gaffe that Sanders would walk back or if it would signal a significant shift in the tone of the Democratic race.

During a rally in Philadelphia on Thursday, Sanders answered back by doubling down on his previous criticisms of Clinton, saying that he didn’t want to go down the road of personal jabs, but that he and his campaign would fight back when attacked.

Sanders cited a CNN report wherein it was said that the new strategy in the Clinton campaign was to disqualify Sanders and worry about uniting the party afterward.

“this is not the type of politics that I want to get in…I’m not gonna get beaten up and I’m not gonna get lied about, we will fight back.”

“She has attacked me for being unqualified. And if I am going to be attacked for being ‘unqualified,’ I will respond in kind.”

Watch.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com