Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) said Thursday that his former presidential rival, Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonWhite House accuses Biden of pushing ‘conspiracy theories’ with Trump election claim Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton qualifies to run for county commissioner in Florida MORE, will play a vital role in shaping the future for Democrats as the party seeks to recover from her disastrous election loss to Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.

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“She has a very important role to play,” Sanders said at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. “She got more votes than Mr. Trump and was the Democratic nominee, so it goes without saying she has a very important role to play in the Democratic Party. … We will not agree on every issue, but her voice is an important one and needs to be heard.”

Sanders disputed the notion that his attacks against Clinton — most notably on her paid speeches to Wall Street banks — may have contributed to her defeat in the general election against Trump.

“At the end of the day my candidacy ended up being helpful,” Sanders said. “If we believe that candidates should not be anointed — the Republicans had 17 candidates for their position. We had a heated, issue-oriented campaign, and my campaign brought millions of people into the political process, most of whom voted for Hillary Clinton. It played a positive role.”

Clinton made her first post-election public appearance on Wednesday night since her stunning defeat that has left Democrats in rebuilding mode.

Speaking at a Children’s Defense Fund gala in Washington, D.C., Clinton talked about the emotionally wrenching days she’s endured since her surprise defeat.

“I will admit, coming here tonight wasn’t the easiest thing for me,” Clinton said. “There have been a few times this past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again.”