Watch Bernie Sanders’ Inspiring DNC Speech
Bernie Sanders closed out the first evening of the Democratic National Convention Monday, after a day of contentiousness between his supporters and Hillary Clinton‘s. “Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close,” he said.
“I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process,” Sanders said, acknowledging that a number of his supporters at the convention — though a minority in the electorate as a whole — have yet to come around to Clinton. “I think it’s fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am. But to all of our supporters, here and around the country, I hope you take enormous pride in the historical accomplishments we have achieved.
“Together, my friends, we have begun a political revolution to transform America, and that revolution — our revolution — continues,” he said, to an engaged and at times emotional crowd. “Election days come and go. But the struggle of the people to create a government which represents all of us and not just the 1 percent… that struggle continues. And I look forward to being part of that struggle with you.”
Sanders went on to discuss many of the issues he championed on the campaign trail and in the DNC platform — like raising the minimum wage, overturning Citizens United and helping Americans afford higher education — and why Trump must not win the presidency.
“In these stressful times for our country, this election must be about bringing our people together, not dividing us up,” he said. “While Donald Trump is busy insulting one group after another, Hillary Clinton understands that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”
Earlier in the day, Sanders had been booed after encouraging a group of his supporters to vote for Clinton, noting that “this is the real world.”
On Monday night, Sanders concluded his speech by saying “it is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues. That’s what this campaign has been about. That’s what democracy is about.” But, he said, “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president, and I am proud to stand with her here tonight.”