Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. waves as he and Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrive for a rally in Portsmouth, N.H., Tuesday, July 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
By Shannon Emmett
As of Tuesday, Bernie Sanders has formally endorsed his former rival, Hillary Clinton, acknowledging and congratulating her acquisition of the democratic nomination. His endorsement speech at Tuesday’s joint rally in New Hampshire was not a concession, but a unification of forces against Republican opponent, Donald Trump.
Senator Sanders urged voters who underestimate the importance of the 2016 election to remember that the candidate elected could be responsible for appointing as many as three supreme court justices. He cautioned voters to consider the kind of person Trump would nominate for the position, and what that choice would mean for “civil liberties, equal rights, and the future of our country”.
Many of Sanders’ supporters are not just disappointed with the shortcomings of his campaign, but angered by his endorsement of Clinton due to the political corruption she and her campaign are often accused of. Her collection of donations and funding from large corporations blatantly opposes Bernie’s call for the separation of big business and politics, and for small donations from the voters themselves. In an effort to curb this disappointment and anger, Hillary and Bernie both emphasized the issues they agree upon- the affordability of college education, minimum wage, and the Trans-Pacific trade partnership deal.
Clinton thanked the crowd for their involvement in the political process and for their support of Sanders’ campaign, while Sanders reminded them of their shared accomplishments: 22 state primary and caucus victories, 1,900 delegates, and 13 million votes in the Democratic primary, as well as millions of dollars in funds raised from small donations.
To show support for Sanders’ mission and garner enthusiasm from his loyal supporters for the general election, Hillary’s website now has an option for a donation of $27, as that was at one point the average donation to Bernie’s campaign.
Bernie Sanders started a political revolution, igniting interest and support among young Americans and the country should continue to follow his political career after the general election. Throughout the last year, he has proven his ability to inspire and to insight change in the political process, and it’s unlikely that the spirit of his campaign will waiver much among his supporters.