Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said it would be “irresponsible” not to support former Vice President Joe Biden after endorsing the former veep.
Sanders told the Associated Press that it would be “irresponsible” for his supporters to “sit on their hands” and enable President Donald Trump’s reelection.
“Do we be as active as we can in electing Joe Biden and doing everything we can to move Joe and his campaign in a more progressive direction?” he asked. “Or do we choose to sit it out and allow the most dangerous president in modern American history to get reelected?”
“I believe that it’s irresponsible for anybody to say, ‘Well, I disagree with Joe Biden -- I disagree with Joe Biden! -- and therefore I’m not going to be involved,’” he added.
Sanders vows to keep fighting:
Despite suspending his campaign, Sanders is still urging voters to back him in upcoming primaries in hopes of gaining more influence over the party’s platform.
“If people want to vote for me, we’d appreciate it,” he said.
Sanders said that his presence will help move Biden to the left.
“I think you’re going to see significant movement on the part of the Biden campaign into a more progressive direction on a whole lot of issues,” he said.
“I will do everything I can to help elect Joe,” he added. “We had a contentious campaign. We disagree on issues. But my job now is to not only rally my supporters, but to do everything I can to bring the party together to see that (Trump) is not elected president.”
Warren, Obama endorse Biden:
Former President Barack Obama endorsed his former vice president on Tuesday, touting him as a problem solver while also praising Sanders.
"The ideas he's championed — the energy and enthusiasm he inspired, especially in young people — will be critical in moving America in a direction of progress and hope," he said of Sanders, adding that his own proposals were no longer enough
"The world is different. There's too much unfinished business for us to just look backwards," he said. "We have to look to the future. Bernie understands that, and Joe understands that. It's one of the reasons Joe already has what is the most progressive platform of any major party nominee in history."
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren followed Obama’s lead on Wednesday.
"Empathy matters. And, in this moment of crisis, it's more important than ever that the next president restores Americans' faith in good, effective government," Warren said. "Joe Biden has spent nearly his entire life in public service. He knows that a government run with integrity, competence, and heart will save lives and save livelihoods. And we can't afford to let Donald Trump continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of every American."
