Bernie Sanders endorses former foe Joe Biden as US president

Bernie Sanders has endorsed Joe Biden for US President during a surprise livestream with the two men, telling the former Vice President “we need you in the White House”.

• Joe Biden moves closer to nomination
• Bernie quits, hands nomination to Joe

Barely a week after ending his campaign to become the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate, progressive senator Bernie Sanders has endorsed his one-time rival, the presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden in a surprise appearance on a video posted to the former Vice President’s Twitter feed.

To Bernie’s supporters: I see you, I hear you, and I understand the urgency of what it is we have to get done in this country.

I hope you will join us. You are more than welcome on this campaign. You’re needed. https://t.co/vJXlroCdDd

— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 13, 2020

“We are living in an unbelievably unprecedented moment,” said Mr Sanders on a livestream video with Mr Biden on Monday (local time).

Bernie Sanders announces the suspension of his presidential campaign from Burlington, Vermont. Picture: AFP

“Today I am asking all Americans – I’m asking every Democrat, I’m asking every Independent, I’m asking a lot of Republicans, to come together in this campaign, to support your candidacy which I endorse, to make certain we defeat somebody who I believe, and I’m speaking just for myself now, who is the most dangerous president in the modern history of this country.”

We must come together to defeat the most dangerous president in modern history. I'm joining @JoeBiden's livestream with a special announcement. https://t.co/AC3zh3ChX3

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) April 13, 2020

Mr Biden appeared to grunt with shock at hearing the endorsement, and shook his head in what seemed like disbelief as Mr Sanders continued to express his support and criticise the incumbent president.

Joe Biden (L) and Bernie Sanders are united in their desire to beat President Trump. Picture: AP

“We have to make Trump a one-term president and we need you in the White House,” Mr Sanders said.

Mr Sanders’ approval should be a huge boost for Biden’s campaign, though it remains to be seen if rusted-on Mr Sanders supporters will be able to follow their leader and vote for Mr Biden come the general election.

Importantly, Mr Sanders said that he will be forming a task force with Mr Biden focusing on policy matters.

One-time adversaries, Bernie Sanders will now support Joe Biden in his bid for the White House. Picture: AFP

“I look forward to working with you and bringing some great people into those task forces,” he said.

Mr Biden said that Mr Sanders’ endorsement meant “a great deal” to him.

“I think people are going to be surprised that we are apart on some issues but we’re awfully close” on others, Biden said.

“I’m going to need you — not just to win the campaign, but to govern.”