Bernie Sanders on 'messy' convention remark: 'The media takes words out of context'

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders stood firm on his prediction that the party’s nomination convention could get "messy," saying a little chaos is good for the country.

"The media often takes words out of context. The context of that was that democracy is messy. That people will have vigorous debate on the issues," he told NBC’s Kristen Welker, clarifying comments he made earlier in an interview with the AP.

“That’s what democracy is about,” the candidate reiterated.

The next challenge for Sanders will be California's June 7 primary. He balked at the suggestion that his presence in the race is hurting rival Hillary Clinton's chance at defeating presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.

"Well, I guess if we take your assumption and Clinton supporters assumption to the logical conclusion, you know what we should do? We should go back to a monarchy, and not have any elections at all," he said.

Sanders also refused to pledge his support for Clinton should he fail to win his campaign.

"My focus right now is to win the Democratic nomination," he said.