Saying that her primary fight against Sen. Bernard Sanders “strengthened Secretary Clinton as a candidate,” the political arm of the Congressional Progressive Caucus on Monday formally endorsed Hillary Clinton.
The endorsement of the Progressive Action PAC comes one day before Mr. Sanders campaigns alongside Mrs. Clinton in New Hampshire. Together, the two moves indicate that progressives, after a long, often bitter primary battle, are now lining up en masse behind Mrs. Clinton.
“We believe the Democratic Primary has strengthened Secretary Clinton as a candidate and we thank Senator Bernie Sanders for raising critical issues in the course of the campaign,” the PAC said in a statement. “Both Democratic candidates prioritized people, the environment, and a fair economy in the course of their debates and public messages. We all benefit when good candidates compete with each other over how to make the lives of Americans better — which is a far cry from the divisive and ugly Republican contest which revolved around exclusion, insult and division.”
The PAC also urged other progressive activists across the country to support Mrs. Clinton, who already has the backing of other prominent liberals such as Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat.
In her own statement, Mrs. Clinton cited the progressive ideals she says she’ll fight for if elected president.
“We are stronger when we have each others’ backs. That’s why we will fight to secure universal health care, raise the minimum wage, and protect Americans’ fundamental right to vote — not corporations’ right to buy elections,” the former first lady said. “It’s why we will face up to the reality of systemic racism, and fix it together. And it’s why we will say ’no’ to trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership that would hurt American workers, and fully enforce our trade laws to protect American jobs.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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