As Sanders delivered the endorsement just two weeks shy of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Clinton offered a huge smile, embracing him as they raised their arms in unity.
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“As a Bernie supporter, to many of us that was disappointing”, says Steve Finger, President of the Progressive Democrats of the Desert. In recent Reuters/Ipsos polling, only about 40 percent of Sanders backers said they would back Clinton, and the crowd at Tuesday’s rally made it clear she still had work to do.
In defending his endorsement, Sanders said Clinton understands progressive principles like the need to raise the minimum wage, for example, and lower student debt.
“She knows that it is absurd that middle-class Americans are paying an effective tax rate higher than hedge-fund millionaires”, Sanders said.
Not everyone was pleased with Today’s developments.
Clinton said her general-election race against presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump will be more enjoyable now that she and the Vermont senator are on the same side. I served with her in the U.S. Senate and know her as a fierce advocate for the rights of our children.
The platform that will be submitted at the party’s convention later this month calls for a $15 minimum wage, expanding Social Security, abolishing the death penalty and breaking up large financial institutions – all staples of Sanders’ agenda.
“Even if she does adopt them, I mean, great hopefully they’ll pass but I really don’t see myself supporting her. Even with Bernie’s backing I know that her policies won’t change, I know her record, and if I don’t vote for Hillary I’ll still have a clean conscience”, said Gorden. Gilroy says although she’s a delegate to the Democratic Convention, there’s no guarantee she’ll vote for Clinton.
Sanders appeared alongside Clinton in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, in the state where Sanders had his first victory of the Democratic primary.
“I have known Hillary Clinton for 25 years”, he said.
Trump, who has courted Sanders’ backers as the primaries have winded down, wasted little time going after Sanders, accusing him of capitulating to Clinton.
“He has energized and inspired a generation of young people who care deeply about our country”, the former secretary of state said. He thunderously praised Clinton for her commitment to combat income inequality, a pillar of his campaign.
Clinton noted that the two campaigns worked together on proposals she announced this past week.
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Sanders said he’ll do everything he can to make sure Clinton wins the 2016 presidential election.
