Reactions to Bernie Sanders’ Endorsement Range From Anger to Optimism
Although his endorsement of Hillary Clinton was anticipated, many of his avid supporters argue that he “sold out.” Others are still determined to revolutionize the political system.

Bernie Sanders endorsed Hillary Clinton at a campaign rally in New Hampshire. (Screenshot via The Guardian)
Bernie Sanders may have broken the internet Tuesday morning when he spent more than 20 minutes endorsing Hillary Clinton for president. “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president, and I am proud to stand with her today,” he said.
Many Sanders fans were, to put it mildly, less than pleased at the news. A Sanders fan page on Facebook has been flooded with negative graphics and comments. Members of a Bernie or Bust group are at odds over what to do. And Truthdig’s own readers have already started to debate on our Facebook page and in our comments section.
We have rounded up a handful of reactions from some of Sanders’ top supporters.
Actress Susan Sarandon agrees with the optimism of Nina Turner, an Ohio state senator and avid Sanders supporter:
Berners, we have a decision 2 make: get distracted by disappoint about 2day or harness our progressive energy & Fight On!???? I say Fight On!
— Nina Turner (@ninaturner) July 12, 2016
I agree w/ @ninaturner. Keep fighting! https://t.co/g9zTU2bHbx
— Susan Sarandon (@SusanSarandon) July 12, 2016
Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, who had reached out to Sanders in an effort to join campaigns, expressed disappointment:
Sanders, a life-long independent who’s advocated building an independent democratic socialist party, said he ran Dem to be pragmatic. 1/2
— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) July 12, 2016
There’s nothing pragmatic about supporting a party that has consistently sold out the progressive majority to the billionaire class. 2/2
— Dr. Jill Stein (@DrJillStein) July 12, 2016
Meanwhile, former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, currently running as the Libertarian presidential candidate, tried to use Sanders’ endorsement to gain support for his party:
If joining Sen. Sanders in the Clinton Establishment isn’t a good fit, there IS another option… #afterthebern pic.twitter.com/b0rnrpBVea
— Gov. Gary Johnson (@GovGaryJohnson) July 12, 2016
And while Donald Trump certainly had a lot to say on the matter, Sanders was quick to respond:
Bernie Sanders, who has lost most of his leverage, has totally sold out to Crooked Hillary Clinton. He will endorse her today – fans angry!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 12, 2016
Big talk from the same guy who was too afraid to debate Bernie in California. https://t.co/LVCjo0PKrN
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) July 12, 2016
How do you feel now that Sanders has endorsed Clinton? Vote in our poll below, and be sure to share your thoughts with us in our comments section.
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