Gabbard knocks Clinton's jab at Sanders: 'This isn't high school'

Rep. Tulsi GabbardTulsi GabbardHillicon Valley: US has made progress on cyber but more needed, report says | Democrat urges changes for 'problematic' crypto language in infrastructure bill | Facebook may be forced to unwind Giphy acquisition YouTube rival Rumble strikes deals with Tulsi Gabbard, Glenn Greenwald Tulsi Gabbard on Chicago mayor's decision to limit media interviews to people of color: 'Anti-white racism' MORE (D-Hawaii) on Tuesday criticized former Secretary of State Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonCuba fallout threatens Biden's prospects in Florida What Hochul's rise and Cuomo's fall say about women (and men) in politics Giuliani told investigators it was OK to 'throw a fake' during campaign MORE for saying “no one likes” Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersSchumer gets big victories — but headaches loom Briahna Joy Gray: Progressives should celebrate budget passage, remain focused on fight Bernie Sanders says he plans to persuade progressives to help pass .5T spending package MORE (I-Vt.), with Gabbard seeking to defend her fellow Democratic presidential hopeful.

“It’s time to grow up. This isn’t high school,” Gabbard said in an interview with WMUR News 9. “We’re talking about real challenges that our country needs to address and the need for real leadership to focus on them, not on what’s going on in Washington and the schoolyard cliques or whatever else it may be.”

"This isn't high school." In interview with @WMUR9 @TulsiGabbard reacts to @HillaryClinton's "nobody likes him" dig vs. @BernieSanders #FITN #nhpolitics #WMUR pic.twitter.com/GY5PiqVxb3

— Adam Sexton (@AdamSextonWMUR) January 21, 2020

Gabbard, who like Sanders is seeking her party's 2020 presidential nomination, is polling near the bottom of the Democratic pack. She previously served as a surrogate for Sanders's 2016 campaign when he challenged Clinton for the party's nomination.

Sanders and Gabbard have maintained a cordial relationship during the presidential primary, with the Hawaii Democrat on Tuesday using the #ILikeBernie hashtag that trended on Twitter to defend Sanders in the wake of Clinton's criticism.

I like Bernie. #ILikeBernie

— Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) January 21, 2020

Clinton and Gabbard formerly clashed when Clinton suggested the congresswoman was being groomed by Republicans to mount a third-party candidacy.

Gabbard, who is not seeking reelection to her House seat, has said she will not run as a third-party candidate.