Hillary Clinton Rolls On With Bernie Support

By Lorin McLain

Hillary Clinton’s campaign is finally riding the support of a united Democratic party after getting Bernie Sanders on board. Sanders formally endorsed the presumed Democratic presidential nominee Tuesday morning at a rally in New Hampshire. The two met face-to-face for the first time since a private conversation last month.

Sanders addressed the Portsmouth crowd, touting the success of his campaign and thanking millions of supporters who voted for him in the primaries. The senator from Vermont acknowledged he came up short in his number of delegates and super-delegates during the primaries, and congratulated Clinton on her victory. Sanders brought a fury of applause after finally declaring: “I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.”

Clinton’s former rival took aim at Republican nominee Donald Trump and blasted him on his positions on minimum wage, healthcare, and his controversial comments regarding women, minorities and veterans. Not surprising, he left out any mention of his opposition to the Trans-Pacific-Partnership, which he highlighted in his campaign. The trade deal is an Obama initiative and supporters believe Clinton would back it if president.

Clinton thanked Sanders in prepared remarks and talked about how they’ve worked together in recent weeks on policy issues. Some of the issues are now part of the party’s official platform. Clinton made an appeal to the Sanders base by acknowledging his legacy as an outsider. “His reputation for passionate advocacy hasn’t always made him the most popular person in Washington, but that’s a sign you’re doing something right,” she said.

It’s unclear how much Sanders will be out on the campaign trail helping Hillary. Aides to both candidates tell “The Washington Post” they have discussed sending Sanders to states where he did well in the primaries. Clinton was scheduled to fly to New York with Sanders after the rally for a special performance of the hit musical “Hamilton.” The performance was also doubling as a fundraiser for her campaign.