It finally happened—Bernie Sanders has embraced Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, endorsed her for president, and urged his supporters to do the same.
Taking the stage to a particularly fiery Bruce Springsteen song, Sanders and Clinton appeared together in New Hampshire for the first time since Clinton sewed up the Democratic presidential nomination following the final primaries in June. Sanders had until Tuesday resisted formally ending his campaign, preferring to stay in the election and try to influence the Democratic Party platform. That was at least partially successful, as the platform moved significantly to the left on issues like the minimum wage and bank regulation.
“Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that,” Sanders said after thanking his campaign and voters. “She will be the Democratic nominee for president and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”
Sanders focused much of his attention on why Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican candidate for president, shouldn’t be allowed to win the White House.
“While Donald Trump is busy insulting Mexicans, Muslims, women, African Americans, and veterans, Hillary Clinton understands that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.” Sanders also contrasted Clinton and Trump on issues including Wall Street reform, healthcare, and the environment.
The bitter primary season wasn’t ignored, as Sanders said that “it is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues.” He noted, though, that the Democratic Platform that his supporters had a hand in writing was a significant step toward merging the two wings of the Democratic Party.
Despite stepping back, Sanders also made it clear that the core of his campaign wasn’t ending along with his candidacy.
“Together, we have begun a political revolution to transform America and that revolution continues,” he said. “Together, we continue the fight to create a government which represents all of us, and not just the one percent—a government based on the principles of economic, social, racial, and environmental justice.”
Speaking after Sanders, Clinton reflected on how much “more enjoyable” she was going to find the campaign now that she and Sanders were “on the same side.”
“With your help, we are joining force to defeat Donald Trump, win in November and yes, together, build a future we can all believe in.”