Sanders: Clinton win not enough
Vermont senator wants Democrats to take every office
On the first day Bernie Sanders was no longer a presidential candidate, the senator told fellow Vermonters they need to do more than simply elect Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
“As of yesterday, I guess, officially our campaign ended.” Sanders said at a breakfast for Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine delegates at a hotel outside Philadelphia. “But what we’re doing now is transitioning our movement, which has millions and millions of people in it, in another direction.”
Sanders said his campaign is different from other Democrats because he believes “it is not good enough just to elect Hillary Clinton.” He wants Democratic candidates to win the full ballot, from the Senate and House to school boards and legislatures.
“It’s not just about electing candidates,” Sanders said. “It is about transforming America and making sure the candidates who are elected remain accountable to the people.”
Other speakers at Wednesday’s breakfast included U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.; Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt.; former Vermont governor Madeleine Kunin; and former Maryland governor and presidential candidate Martin O’Malley.
Kunin, who supported Clinton in the Democratic primaries, said Clinton’s nomination was the culmination of her lifelong dream to see a woman as president.
“I know it was hard for the Sanders people,” Kunin said, “because you had your dreams, too. And it’s difficult sometimes to transfer a dream.”
Kunin said Clinton would implement the liberal platform crafted in the Sanders campaign.
A vocal contingent of Sanders supporters remains angry about the prospect of supporting Clinton. Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs declined to comment on the protests in Philadelphia on Tuesday night after Clinton secured the nomination.