Bernie Sanders drops out of US Presidential race
What's the story
United States Senator Bernie Sanders on Wednesday suspended his campaign for the 2020 Presidential elections.
Reportedly, the 78-year-old Senator from Vermont announced the decision in a conference call with staff.
Sanders' departure paves the way for former Vice President Joe Biden as the Democratic Presidential nominee against Republican President Donald Trump, who is aiming for re-election.
Here are more details.
Details
Sanders decided to drop out after suffering primary losses
According to CNBC, Sanders decided to suspend his Presidential campaign after suffering a series of losses in primaries and the coronavirus pandemic stalling his campaign for weeks.
After the news broke, he took to Twitter to announce the move.
The 78-year-old Senator tweeted, "Today I am suspending my campaign. But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on."
Quote
Sanders says he will continue to work with Biden
In a video statement, Sanders said, "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," adding that the decision was "difficult and painful."
However, he said he would work with Biden to "move our progressive ideas forward" and defeat "the most dangerous President in modern American history."
Twitter Post
You can view Sanders' full statement here
Today I am suspending my campaign. But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on. https://t.co/MYc7kt2b16
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 8, 2020
Campaign
Sanders was long seen as a front-runner in Presidential race
A self-described Democratic socialist, Sanders was long viewed as the Democratic front-runner.
With a campaign that stood on healthcare and issues of the working-class, he initially saw success from Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, Colorado, and California.
However, he fell behind in the race as prominent Democrats backed Biden, fearing Sanders could become their nominee against Trump in the November general elections.
Trump's reaction
Bernie people should come to the Republican Party: President Trump
Shortly after Sanders' exit from the Presidential race was announced, President Trump tweeted, "Bernie Sanders is OUT! Thank you to Elizabeth Warren. If not for her, Bernie would have won almost every state on Super Tuesday!"
He added, "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!"
Twitter Post
You can view Trump's tweet here
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2020