Bernie Sanders endorses Hillary Clinton

SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders brought to a formal end their battle with each other on Tuesday in the hopes of uniting against a common opponent: Donald Trump.

“I have come here to make it as clear as possible why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president,” Sanders said during a joint rally in New Hampshire Tuesday. “Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nomination and I congratulate her for that.”

The 74-year-old Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist, has been a thorn in Clinton’s side for much of the past year, but pledged his support of her campaign Tuesday: “I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

Sanders thanked those supporters who voted for him during the Democratic primary, especially those in New Hampshire, who handed him his very first primary victory of the season. He warned the assembled crowd against the presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump’s “reckless” political model would be bad for America’s working families.

He slammed Trump for his anti-Mexican and anti-Muslim rhetoric, saying the GOP hopeful would divide Americans.

“In these stressful times for our country, this election must be about bringing our people together, not dividing us up,” Sanders said. “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.”

When Clinton took the stage, she in turn thanked her supporters, and reflected on the brief rivalry her and Sanders shared for the past year.

“Being here with him in New Hampshire, I can’t help but reflect how much more enjoyable this election is going to be now that we’re on the same side,” she said. “Now, with your help, we are joining forces to defeat Donald Trump, win in November and together build a future we can all believe in.”

She also praised Sanders for his advocacy and his ability to get people more engaged in politics, thanking him for his “lifetime of fighting injustice.”

“Over the years I’ve gotten to know him as a colleague and a friend,” she said. “His reputation for passionate advocacy hasn’t always made him the most popular person in Washington. But you know what? That’s generally a sign you’re doing something right. And throughout this campaign, Senator Sanders has brought people off the sidelines and into the political process. He has energized and inspired a generation of young people who care deeply about our country.”