Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders announced he would suspend his presidential campaign this morning, signaling that former Vice President Joe Biden will take on Donald Trump in the general election this fall.
“I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth, and that is that we are now some 300 delegates behind Vice President Biden, and the path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders said, according to CNN. “So while we are winning the ideological battle and while we are winning the support of so many young people and working people throughout the country, I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful. And so today I am announcing the suspension of my campaign.”
Related: Bernie Sanders’ newest aide has history of homophobic, racist tweets
2020 marks Sanders’ second run for the Democratic Nomination for President, following a contentious battle with Hillary Clinton in 2016. In the ensuing four years, he’s faced harsh criticism for not doing more to promote Clinton or defeat Trump among his die-hard supporters. Sanders has also been criticized for not reigning in his supporters, who have a reputation for bullying and harassment.
Sanders, elected to the Senate as an independent, caucuses with Democrats and is widely seen as one of the most left-leaning politicians in the country. When it comes to queer rights, the Senator has a strong record, having voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and supported a 1983 Pride festival while mayor of Burlington, VT. In 1985, he also endorsed housing protections for LGBTQ individuals–a step still considered radical in some parts of the nation more than 30 years later.
Jared MacBride
If he’d been nominated Trump’s re-election was virtually assured, so it’s just as well he got out. Deserves credit for putting some new ideas on the table and having them seriously discussed.
Taiyoken
Trump’s win is assured NOW. Behind the scenes, staffers were leaking that Bernie was the only one Trump feared, Now that Bernie is out; Trump admits it openly. The match up polls showed Bernie would roundly defeat Trump in 2016 and Hillary stood the best chance of losing. Now the match up polls show Bernie had the best shot to defeat Trump and Biden stands the best chance to lose.
This is beat per beat 2016 again.
Cam
@Taiyoken
LOL!!! Yeah, Trump got himself impeached trying to fake dirt on Biden because he only feared Bernie.
Wow, you right wing troll accounts aren’t even trying anymore.
Jared MacBride
@Taiyoken – Bernie would have lost 49 states. Biden is the better choice to run against Trump: Joe at least has a chance to win Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Bernie had no chance in any of those places.
Taiyoken
@JaredWhat do you base that on?? Certainly not the polls.
Mister P
Too bad he is dropping out just as we implement a socialist program and send everyone checks.
Cam
Translation: He got a hold of some Wisconsin exit polls that looked bad for him.
thisisnotreal
@cam
Wow you right wing troll accounts are out in full force today. You just can’t wait to see Bernie and the others go down can you?
Cam
@thisisnotreal
Awwww, the right wing troll account tried the BRILLIANT “I know you are but what am I?” defense.
jayceecook
While I support him I feel his time was in 2016. But the DNC didn’t want to run an old white man and practically stole the nomination from him to ensure Hillary her spot. I hear so many Dems, celebrities and non celebrities, wanting a woman presidential candidate. They want it at any cost. They don’t want another old white man running yet again. Well look where they are. Running an old white man who seriously has some screws loose and better pick a stellar VP because he might not last long. Not that Biden will win. I said Trump would win last time and I’m calling it again. America better prove me wrong.
Cam
He ran and got less votes. If that is “Stealing” an election, I can’t see how.
jayceecook
@Cam Riiiight. And Russia had no influence on the 2016 election either. If you believe for a second that that 2016 Dem primary was a squeaky clean rodeo you might as well just tattoo “Deplorable” across your forehead. Because your just as obtuse and uneducated.
Taiyoken
@Cam Do you think the Russian bots stole the last election by digitally changing votes? No, they spread lies and misinformation about the candidates convincing people to vote against their interests.
Much like you, yourself have done about Bernie on this very site.
Taiyoken
@jayceecook, lol, do you really think Bernie being old and white has anything to do with why the DNC don’t want him? Bernie wants increase taxes on the richest people in America to help the poorest. He also wants healthcare for everyone, and to stop endless wars. The DNC is run by rich people funded by the Pharmaceutical giants, military contractors, and Health insurance corporations. Do the math.
jayceecook
@Taiyoken No I don’t but that’s the public message the DNC and its azz lickers have been spouting since the first time he ran. I had to unfollow the few celebs I cared enough to follow because they kept spouting the “A woman has to be president.” mantra. One avid Dem celebrity told their fans to unfollow them if they disagree last year. I know why the establishment doesn’t want somebody like Sanders. They want a candidate who is going to protect their interests in Washington. Same as the Republicans. That’s one of the reasons I feel we need to get rid of the 2 party system and adopt a system similar to ones some foreign countries have.
Cam
@jayceecook
Except you can’t provide ANY specifics.
Cam
@Taiyoken
Awww, sweetie, if you’re going to use a name you haven’t used in a while, try not to bring up a fake point that this screename wouldn’t know.
Sheesh, go back to troll school
jayceecook
@Cam Because I’ve told you over and over and over… I can’t stand you, you’re a nasty, egotistical SOB and I don’t want to engage with you. Ever. Okay?
Cam
@jayceecook said… “Cam Because I’ve told you over and over and over… I can’t stand you, you’re a nasty, egotistical SOB and I don’t want to engage with you. Ever. Okay?
———————————–
Except for the fact that you have engaged with me multiple times. The ONLY time you claim to not want to engage is when I exposed your lie and asked you to provide ANY specifics to back up your claim. SUDDENLY you don’t want to engage.
LOL! Thanks for admitting you lied and got caught.
Taiyoken
Good job anti Bernie dingbats. Your lies and idiocy guaranteed trump 4 more years. Voters polled actually thought Biden was for medicare for all. All Bernie’s policies polled above 50% even with Republicans, How do you explain such misinformation? Bernie is not a socialist, he’s explained how to pay for his policies, his heart is in better condition after the stints were added than before, Yet that’s all so many people think about with Bernie, imagine how unstoppable Bernie would be if the DNC and the media were honest about him. That is how you steal an election.
Trump wins. and he knows it:
“Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
· 1h
‘Bernie Sanders is OUT! Thank you to Elizabeth Warren. If not for her, Bernie would have won almost every state on Super Tuesday! This ended just like the Democrats & the DNC wanted, same as the Crooked Hillary fiasco. The Bernie people should come to the Republican Party, TRADE!'”
Cam
Except if you combine her vote totals, and and Bernies, then add in Klobochar’s and Buttigiegs to Biden, Biden swamps Sanders.
Troll math 101 is down the hall. Please enroll.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Cam;. BEAUTIFUL!!!
Jon in Canada
Excuse me, but the only way Trump wins is if people like yourself and others decide to have another tantrum as they did in 2016. If Trump wins again, the blame will lie squarely on the heads of ALL those who vote 3rd party or don’t bother voting at all. Claiming any other factor is bullshit obfuscation and deflection.
Simply put:
Grow up
Get a grip
and
Get over yourselves
Mack
I guess you’ll vote for Trump since Jill isn’t running this time. You’re just another troll paid for by the Trumpcrap campaign.
winemaker
The old ‘yiddiot’ sanders isn’t a just a socialist. The lying old ‘goniff’s a full fledged communist. in fact,he and his yenta went to russia on their honeymoon.
Creamsicle
@winemaker, so just naked anti-semitism, eh? Stay classy.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Now let’s see if Sanders is going to actually show that he cares about this country and urges his supporters to not necessarily support Biden but to vote for him.
Unlike last election where his supporters stated home or voted for Trump and basically handed the election to Trump….
Taiyoken
Sanders didn’t hand the last election to Trump, Hillary did. In 2008 more Hillary voters stayed home or voted for McCain than there were Sanders voters who stayed home or voted for Trump. Hillary/Biden’s policies are not popular and are exactly the things that lead us to having Trump even being in the race. No one was excited to vote for Corrupt Hillary or dementia Biden. That’s how Trump won and why he’ll win again.
If you want someone to blame for Trump’s win, blame yourself and Cam. Though, I’m sure you’ll blame Bernie anyway. It can’t be the establishments fault, no, The blame MUST go to the guy who did nothing but try to help the poor, the workers, minorities, and the uninsured/under insured. How dare he?
Taiyoken
He shouldn’t support Biden.
One of the candidates for president is a right-wing warmonger, a rapist, is backed by Military contractors like Boeing and Raytheon, Pharmacy companies like Pfizer, Health insurance companies like Cigna, and is a plutocrat with his foot on the throat of the poor and working class; The other is Trump. Oh wait I was describing Trump. Actually all that applies to both of them.
Why the hell would I, or anyone else vote for Biden over Trump? Supreme court seats? Are you so deluded as to think Biden will choose left wing candidates for supreme court? The dems are so far to the right now that I honestly can’t tell the difference anymore.
And what changes for me or my family either way? My family will still have had numerous healthcare bankruptcies, we’d still have below-poverty level wages while the rich get richer, we’d still be unable to pay for college, and we’d still lose our social security. I don’t care if Trump beats Biden. My family and I, and my neighbors will suffer the exact same way either way. There is no fundamental difference between the two. That is what you fail to understand. People took a chance on Trump because he promised to shake things up. He lied of course, but the media is in his corner. so people don’t realize it.
i hope the country burns. You get what you deserve for leaving us poor and working class folks behind.
frapachino
Gee who didn’t see that coming? Anyone? Anyway let’s hope this is the nail in the coffin of socialism in this country!
Kangol2
“Socialism” is already underway, @fasciscino! We’re giving TRILLIONS of our tax dollars & the Fed’s printing money to shower on banks, global corporations, and even some scraps to average Joes and Janes because your beloved Dumpy the Con has screwed up royally, AGAIN!
Kangol2
I’m sorry Bernie is out of it or I’d have voted for him again, just like I did in 2016, but I’ll vote for Biden, whom Dumpy the Con is now calling for advice on how to deal with Dumpy’s epic coronavirus f*ck up! In fact, Dumpy’s screwing up so badly we might just end up with true single-payer health care, starting with expanded Medicare, then Medicare for All. Your campaigns weren’t in vain, Bernie!
Black Pegasus
Bernie should run as an independent. Nobody wants a sleepy Joe Biden who clearly suffers from the early onset of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Mack
Why would you care? You voted for Jill last election and I guess you’re waiting for Putin to tell you who to vote for this election.
Cam
IT’s cute when Republican trolls try to come onto a site like this and think anybody is going to listen to THEIR voting advice. lol
Kangol2
You’re describing Dumpy the Con Drumpf to a T! Vote for Drumpf or don’t vote at all and continue his mis-reign of mass destruction!
Taiyoken
Oh and let’s not forget EVERYONE who doesn’t tow the establishment line must be a trump-paid Russian bot.
I’d love to be a paid troll, it probably pays well, then maybe my 70yo mom’s tumor surgery wouldn’t have bankrupted the family.
No, Jon, you grow up and get over yourself. The problem is: I towed the dem line since I was old enough to vote in ’04, then I grew up, and saw the system for what it was.
I can’t afford to “get over myself” it’s too expensive, I’m from a long line of dirt farmers. No one around here lives above the poverty line, no one around here has health care, and no one around here can afford college.
Crap on me all you want for trying to improve things for my family and neighbors. I know I’m awful, why don’t I don’t I know my place? I know, I’m utter crap for wanting things to improve. Shame on me. Well, @Cam, @PWWO @Mack, you win. Nothing will improve; I’ll slink back under our mountain of debt. and curse myself for daring to have hope that things could get better for us.
No, mack, I wont vote for Trump, we just wont vote. It literally doesn’t affect us either way. Never has.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
Taiyoken: What is the going rate on the troll farm today? .002 cents per? The majority of commenters here are sensible sane Gays. I cannot understand how you and your noxious minions actually think your ignorant nonsensical posts are going to turn us into voting for Trump.
It’s actually quite amusing!
However I am going to send you slithering back to under your rock with a quote from a famous movie staring a legit legendary Gay icon….
Be gone ! you have no power here, before someone drops a house on you!
Do not bother replying you are not worth one back…
Taiyoken
@PWWO of course you’re going to ignore me, you always have. Your only interaction is to call me a troll but you’ve never been able to counter what I’ve actually said. For example I’ve never encouraged anyone to vote for Trump, yet you accuse me of doing so. You can’t justify the system you defend you can’t justify why going bankrupt over medical bills is acceptable. You got nothing, How did you respond to my post.?Troll. Taiyoken is a troll troll troll troll troll. Well you got what you want, Trump will eat Biden alive. Trump wins, just like you wanted.
and you close with a quote from Wizard of Oz? I’m convinced you’re too gay to be gay. You fought hard to make sure Trump would win, Now he has. If anyone here is a right-wing troll I suspect it’s the guy who fought the left from the right.
Cam
It’s funny how the right wing troll accounts KEEP trying to scream “WE AREN’T RUSSIA!!” When that wasn’t the part of the article.
Sweetie, you’re giving yourselves away.
jennifer.white530
Ok who are these stupid Americans that read one facebook add from Russia Bot and decide to vote for Trump or Bernie? Are we really that stupid to believe that you read one add on Facebook and go “OMG Hillary is evil and now I voting for Trump.” Get real! I am more concerned about all the people connected to the Clintons that end up DEAD. Linda Tripp their latest victim.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
WOW!! The Clinton’s are even more diabolical sinister and creative did anyone has previously given them credit for!!
You’re insinuating they now have the ability to inflict pancreatic cancer on their enemies!!!
Cam
Russian troll tactic number five.
Lie about a fact, then argue that fact. i.e. claiming there was ONe ad on Facebook.
Actually there were thousands, and hundreds of thousands of confirmed bot and troll accounts.
So basically, what you’ve done is give a huge amount of evidence that you ARE a troll account.
jennifer.white530
You think Jeffery hung himself? Harvey got Coronavirus by chance? Linda found out she had cancer less than a week ago and now she is DEAD!
Cam
Russian troll says what?
jackscott
Glad he dropped out, I can’t stand listening to him scream! Go Joe!
GayEGO
Bernie did the right thing, now he needs to get his supporters to support and vote for Joe Biden.
Hussain-TheCanadian
Its extremely sad to see Bernie dropout, the odds were stacked against him from the get go, and his campaign was horribly run to boot.
Its unfortunate that the American public, who are being ravaged by the coronavirus have yet to demand Healthcare for all, it boggles my mind as I see this train wreck of a “democratic resistance” to Trump, being as feckless as he is when you hear them talk about the pandemic. Biden doesnt even give any different ideas or suggestions to what Trump is currently doing.
The American people, unfortunately, are one of the most propagandised people on the planet, I have never come across a supposed democratic society that constantly votes against it’s own self interest, while the other half does not even vote at all.
I don’t know if Biden is going to give Bernie a position in his administration, he might, there is alot of talk about that, we’ll see, but I honestly feel sorry for you guys in the states. You guys should have the highest living standards in the world, when i look at how much wealth the american people generate each year, the high level of productivity, you should be at the top of every social wellness list in the world, from happiness to education, to healthcare, and you’re not, yet you keep voting for the same block of thieves, in both parties, year after year.
I have a serious question, how is Biden, policy wise, is different than Trump?
Kangol2
If your last question is a serious one, I’ll answer. I support Bernie Sanders, but if it’s Biden in the general versus Dumpy the Con, I’m voting for Biden.
Biden is a moderate neoliberal Democrat. Dumpy the Con is a right-wing authoritarian, neoliberal fascist calling himself a Republican. He leads a far-right cult that is to the right even of much of the traditional Republican Party.
So: Biden would appoint moderate to liberal justices to the federal courts. Dumpy the Con appoints far-right, Federalist Society-approved extremists (many anti-gay, anti-democratic, etc.) to the federal courts.
Biden has called for green investment, sensible regulations on pollution, etc. Dumpy the Con has stripped away every regulation to control climate change & has empowered corporations to go whole hog on pollution, mining, drilling, you name it.
Biden would probably oversee a stimulus bill (with either a Democratic Congress, so it would be progressive, or with a GOP Congress, so it would have lots of giveaways to business), that would eventually had many thousands of jobs & prepare the US for the rest of the 21st century. Dumpy the Con has not been able to get a stimulus bill past the Congress, even when the GOP had complete control.
Biden would act multilaterally on a range of international issues, beginning with rebuilding the relationship with the US’s closest allies and trading partners, including Canada, the EU, Mexico, etc. Dumpy the Con would continue to fracture the international consensus & empower Russia (and, as W. Bush did, by default other countries that the US considers rivals, like China).
Biden would probably attempt to restart genuine Israel-Palestinian peace talks, so though he is a Zionist, he would also urge Israel to make concessions (as Obama did, enraging the Israeli right). With Dumpy the Con there’s no hope for a 2-state solution or any peace talks whatsoever. I mean, Jared Kushner, a complete idiot, is in charge.
Biden also would probably try to again engage Iran on that anti-nuclear deal, though so much damage has been done I’m not sure it would work. But he’d probably try. Dumpy the Con wants a war with Iran, whatever the costs.
Biden’s Justice Department would do its job, including prosecuting corporate crimes. Dumpy the Con has a Catholic religious fanatic, Bill Barr, as Attorney General, and he’s shown his chief role is to protect Dumpy and his corrupt administration.
Lastly, Biden would probably try to fill all the still open or grossly mismanaged positions in the US govt. Dumpy’s white supremacist advisor Steve Bannon wanted to destroy the “administrative state,” leaving the US government unable to do all kinds of things, including address a raging pandemic like the one we’re in.
Whoever’s in office will have to deal with a major economic crisis. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, GOP administrations have created them and Democrats have cleaned them up, so the edge goes to Biden. Dumpy is behaving like Herbert Hoover on steroids (NOT GOOD).
Given Biden’s track record, the question would always be, will he go the corporate, centrist Democratic route, which has often resulted in half-measures that are better than nothing, or could he be pulled more to the left, as some of his recent positions suggest. On the whole, as would have been the case with Gore vs. WBush or Kerry vs. WBush, he’d be like immeasurably better the lazy, incompetent sociopath that’s now in the White House.
Hussain-TheCanadian
If he wins, I hope you are right, I hope he does implement what you outlined above and more. I dont trust him, or trust those leading the Democratic party like Pelosi and Schumer, they all belong to the same rotten tree.
For me, Biden would definitely be a better choice for Canada than Trump, atleast he’ll remove those ridiculous tariffs, and hopefully repair the damage Donald tiny hands has inflicted on our relations.