12 July 2016•Update: 20 July 2016
By Esra Kaymak Avci
WASHINGTON
Bernie Sanders on Tuesday officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for president after the two had a long and contentious battle for the Democratic nomination.
"I have come here to make it as clear as possible why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president," Sanders said during a joint rally in New Hampshire.
"There is no doubt in my mind that as we head into November, Hillary Clinton is far and away the best candidate,” the Vermont lawmaker said.
Sanders stated that the current election campaign is not about the candidates but the needs of the American people and addressing the very serious crises they face -- adding Clinton was the one who could do that best.
Taking the stage after Sanders, Clinton opened her remarks by saying "we are stronger together," referring to Sanders.
"We are joining forces to defeat Donald Trump … and build a future we can all believe in," she said.
With his endorsement, Sanders essentially ended his quest for president that went far beyond the expectations of most. Sanders and Clinton often spared heavily about social issues, including a federal minimum age and health care.
In April, the self-proclaimed Democratic socialist told Clinton that she was not "qualified" to be president.
But all that appears now to be behind them as the endorsement now solidifies Clinton's hold on the Democratic Party.
Many in the Republican Party still have reservations about supporting its presumptive nominee, Donald Trump, but with the announcement by Sanders, the Democrats now have a unified stance in supporting Clinton.
Due to procedural reasons, Sanders may not formally suspend his campaign until the Democratic National Convention at the end of the month.
