I have come here today not to talk about the past but to focus on the future. That future will be shaped more by what happens on November 8 in voting booths across our nation than by any other event in the world. I have come here to make it as clear as possible as to why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president.
During the last year I had the extraordinary opportunity to speak to more than 1.4 million Americans at rallies in almost every state in this country. I was also able to meet with many thousands of other people at smaller gatherings. And the profound lesson that I have learned from all of that is that this campaign is not really about Hillary Clinton, or Donald Trump, or Bernie Sanders, or any other candidate who sought the presidency. This campaign is about the needs of the American people and addressing the very serious crises that we face. And there is no doubt in my mind that, as we head into November, Hillary Clinton is far and away the best candidate to do that…
In these stressful times for our country, this election must be about bringing our people together, not dividing us up. 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. Yes. We become stronger when black and white, Latino, Asian American, Native American — all of us — stand together. Yes. We become stronger when men and women, young and old, gay and straight, native born and immigrant fight to rid this country of all forms of bigotry.
It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about. But I am happy to tell you that at the Democratic Platform Committee which ended Sunday night in Orlando, there was a significant coming together between the two campaigns and we produced, by far, the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party. Our job now is to see that platform implemented by a Democratic Senate, a Democratic House, and a Hillary Clinton president — and I am going to do everything I can to make that happen.
I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years. I remember her as a great first lady who broke precedent in terms of the role that a first lady was supposed to play as she helped lead the fight for universal health care. I served with her in the United States Senate and know her as a fierce advocate for the rights of children.
Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here today.
—Bernie Sanders
Speech Endorsing Hillary Clinton
Watching the meltdown on Twitter from the Bernie or Bust crowd has been mildly amusing.
But hey, as long as he follows…
You can’t reference other comment threads! My grip on reality is tenuous enough.
But I would think you, of all people, would be more understanding. Sanders supporters have moved to Clinton far faster than Clinton supporters moved to Obama.
You’re bumming my Kumbaya!
Our conversations next week are going to be a delight for me and a nightmare for you. This much I can tell.
I won’t hear you over all the singing…
Great speaks volumes, but I will vote for her.
Elizabeth, you have my ear,
Um thanks? But don’t you need it to hear?
[groan]
A gracious speech with no bitternes. I’ve been a fan of Bernie’s for years and an sorry he won’t be running for President, but I’ll gladly vote for Hillary as the other option is insane.
“I’ll gladly vote for Hillary as the other option is insane.” This is pretty much Chomsky’s argument, but much more pithy.