Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is largely standing by his 1974 critique of the CIA as a ‘‘dangerous institution’’ used to ‘‘prop up fascist dictatorships.’’
In a CNN town hall in South Carolina, Sanders says ‘‘that was 40 years ago’’ and that he believes the CIA plays ‘‘an important role.’’ But he says the agency nonetheless has ‘‘done things which they should not have done on behalf of the United States government.’’
Sanders pointed first to Iran’s Mohammad Mossadeq, a democratically elected prime minister who was overthrown in 1953, with CIA documents later confirming the agency’s role. Sanders says, ‘‘That led to the Iranian Revolution, and we are where we are today.’’
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He named the overthrow of Salvadore Allende in Chile, referring to a democratically elected communist who was ousted in a 1973 coup by hard-right dictator Augusto Pinochet. Sanders said Allende had won an election and the CIA overthrew him.
7:30 p.m.
Donald Trump and Nevada Republicans are warning that it’s improper to videotape Tuesday night’s GOP caucuses.
Trump sent a letter to the state Republican Party complaining that an unnamed Cruz backer was quoted in The Wall Street Journal advising caucus-goers to bring their cell phones and videotape the proceedings Tuesday evening. Past Nevada Republican caucuses have been roiled by allegations of improper behavior.
Nevada Republicans responded by confirming that it is against party rules to record the caucus proceedings.
‘‘The Nevada Republican Party is committed to assuring the caucusing process is free from intimidation, threats or nefarious activity of any kind,’’ the party said in a statement.