Sanders May Endorse Clinton as Dems Adopt 'Most Progressive Platform'

Sanders has hinted he is ready to endorse Clinton at Tuesday's rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. (Photo: Hillel Steinberg/flickr/cc)

Sanders May Endorse Clinton as Dems Adopt 'Most Progressive Platform'

Joint statement references both Clinton's campaign slogan and Sanders' most signature issue

Bernie Sanders is reportedly poised to endorse Hillary Clinton for president at their first joint campaign appearance on Tuesday.

Both teams confirmed Monday that the Vermont senator would join the former secretary of state during a rally in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where they would "discuss their commitment to building an America that is stronger together and an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."

Many saw that as an indication he would endorse Clinton. As NPR explains, "The phrasing is significant, in that it references both Clinton's general-election campaign slogan, 'Stronger Together,' and the animating issue and the heart of Sanders primary bid--income inequality."

The continued speculation comes after party talks in Orlando, Florida over the weekend that resulted in the Democratic platform committee adopting measures calling for criminal justice reform, carbon taxation, a $15 federal minimum wage tied to inflation, legalization of marijuana, and progressive immigration reform, among other measures that the Vermont senator said amounted to "the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party."

"We have made enormous strides," Sanders said in a separate statement released Sunday after the talks, crediting the weekend's gains to "the millions of people across the country who got involved in the political process--many for the first time."

Many criticized the draft platform for failing to include measures against the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), fracking, single-payer healthcare, and the Israeli occupation of Palestine.

Sanders acknowledged that "the fight is just beginning" to achieve his supporters' ultimate goals, but added, "If we are going to transform America and create a government which works for all and not just the 1 percent we need to elect candidates who will fight for these principles. We need to elect a Democratic Congress and president and make certain that the language in the Democratic platform is translated into law. We must ensure that progress for working families in America does not end on the pages of the Democratic platform but becomes reality."

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