Posted April 15, 2020 | by KimS | in 2020Presidential, DemDaily, Democratic Party, Elections, Presidential Primaries

DemDaily: Uniting the Party. Sanders, Obama, Warren Endorse

April 15, 2020

In a sequence of endorsements reminiscent of those that propelled Joe Biden to the nomination six weeks ago, the former Vice President received the public support of former President Barack Obama and the last of his major primary opponents.

On Monday, Biden's former primary rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, endorsed the former Vice President for president, pledging to help him bring the country through the coronavirus crisis and defeat Donald Trump.

Sanders: "We need you in the White House"(CLICK)

"I know we share the understanding that we've got to go forward right now and out of this in an unprecedented way to address the terrible pain that so many of our fellow Americans are feeling," Sanders said.

"So today I am asking all Americans...to support your candidacy, which I endorse to make certain that we defeat somebody who I believe...is the most dangerous president in the modern history of this country."

The Vermont Senator, who suspended his campaign last Wednesday, said his campaign and Biden's have been working together in recent weeks to create task forces that will address "some of the most important issues facing this country," including the economy, education, healthcare, criminal justice, climate change and immigration.

Sanders' endorsement freed former President Barack Obama, who remained in the shadows during the primary race, to endorse his former Vice President and close friend.

In a video announcement on Tuesday, Obama first acknowledged, on behalf of Michelle and himself,"the incredible bravery" of medical professionals, public servants and workers on the front line.

Obama: Biden "will always put the American people's interests above his own" (CLICK)

In a welcome message of presidential leadership that is a stark contrast to actions of the current occupant of the White House, Obama said, "if there is one thing we have learned as a country from moments of great crisis, it is that the spirit of looking out for one another can't be restricted to our homes or our workplaces or our neighborhoods or our houses of worship. It also has to be reflected in our national government, the kind of leadership that is guided by knowledge and experience, honesty and humility, empathy and grace."

"That kind of leadership doesn't just belong in our state capitals and mayors' offices; it belongs in the White House, and that is why I am so proud to endorse Joe Biden for President of the United States."

Obama also acknowledged Bernie Sanders, calling him "an American original, a man who has devoted his life to giving voice to working people's hopes, dreams and frustrations."

In an eloquent segway to unity, Obama spoke of their shared vision of America, saying, "We both know that nothing is more powerful than millions of voices calling for change, and the ideas (Bernie) has championed, the energy and enthusiasm he inspired, especially in young people, will be critical in moving America in a direction of progress and hope."

"This crisis has reminded us that government matters. It has reminded us that good government matters, that facts and science matter, that the rule of law matters, that having leaders who are informed and honest and seek to bring people together rather than drive them apart, those kind of leaders matter. In other words, elections matter." -- Barack Obama 3/14/20

Obama went on to describe key issues facing Americans, reflecting the priorities under a Biden administration, before addressing the "corruption, carelessness, self-dealing," and "just plain meanness" of the "other side." In a passionate closing Obama appealed, "Now is the time to fight for what we believe in."

Warren: "When you disagree, he'll listen" (CLICK)

Today, Senator Elizabeth Warren finished the choreographed roll out with her endorsement of Biden in a carefully produced video that played as a commercial for the presumptive nominee's life and accomplishments, featuring little of the Massachusetts Senator herself.

There were reportedly no conditions placed on the endorsement by Warren, who is most ideologically aligned with Sanders, but who held off endorsing either of the two final frontrunners in the last weeks of their contest.

"Empathy matters. And in this moment of crisis, it is more important than ever that the next president restores Americans' faith in good, effective government...Joe Biden is a selfless public servant. He is committed to the fight for social, racial and economic justice. Joe Biden will lead a government that works for the American people...We're all in this together now."

Warren is one of the top contenders for Biden's choice of a running mate.

Related: DemDaily: The Veepstakes! 4/15/20