Just two weeks before the Democratic National Convention, Bernie Sanders has publicly endorsed Hillary Clinton for the office of president, effectively ending his campaign.
Sanders leaves what was a long and often-contentious race on a high note, having captured nearly 1,900 delegates — "far more," he said, "than almost anyone thought we could win."
His speech on July 12 also came one day after the Democratic party unveiled an updated platform for 2016, which included an unexpectedly strong emphasis on climate change — most notably, the inclusion of a carbon tax, something Sanders has repeatedly called for throughout his campaign.
Sanders carried the theme of uniting together around a progressive platform into his speech July 12, focusing on the coming general election.
"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," he said.
"Too many people in America are still being left out, left behind and ignored. In the richest country in the history of the world there is too much poverty, and too much despair. ...In these stressful times for our country, this election must be about bringing our people together, not dividing us up. ...Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here today."
Read the full text of his speech.
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