Bernie Sanders suspends presidential campaign

Bernie Sanders has suspended his campaign for the US presidency.

This move has created a clear path for Joe Biden, a former vice-president, to be nominated the Democratic Party candidate, who would run against Donald Trump in November.

Sanders made the announcement in a broadcast which was streamed live on social media on Wednesday.

He described the decision as “very difficult and painful”.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Sanders entered the race in February 2019 and his campaign started off strong. He picked up wins in New Hampshire and Nevada just before losing in Iowa. Still, his campaign continued to rise and gained donations and supporters.

In a speech on Wednesday, he described Biden as “a decent man”, and also expressed gratitude to his campaign team for their efforts.

Responding to the suspension of his opponent’s campaign, Biden praised Sanders for his “dedication”.

“Today, Senator Sanders announced he was suspending his campaign. Bernie has put his heart and soul into not only running for President, but for the causes and issues he has been dedicated to his whole life. So, I know how hard a decision this was for him to make — and how hard it is for the millions of his supporters — especially younger voters — who have been inspired and energized and brought into politics by the progressive agenda he has championed. Bernie has done something rare in politics,” he said.

“He hasn’t just run a political campaign; he’s created a movement. And make no mistake about it, I believe it’s a movement that is as powerful today as it was yesterday. That’s a good thing for our nation and our future.”

Sanders gunned for the presidential seat in 2016, but lost to Hillary Clinton.