CHUCK TODD: You found out what it’s like to become a nationally recognized candidate for president, and potentially a threat to somebody. A leaking of an essay you wrote in the ’70s for an alternative weekly. Your campaign described it as satire. I’ll be honest with you Senator Sanders, it’s uncomfortable to read….Can you explain this essay?

BERNIE SANDERS: Sure. Look, this is a piece of fiction that I wrote in 1972, I think. That was 43 years ago. It was very poorly written. And if you read it, what it was dealing with was gender stereotypes. Why some men like to oppress women. Why other women like to be submissive, something like “50 Shades Of Grey.” Very poorly written, 43 years ago. What I am focusing on right now are the issues impacting the American people today. And that is what I will continue to focus on, and what I think the American people want to hear.