Bernie Sanders endorses Hillary Clinton for President, attacks Trump on LGBT rights

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Democratic Presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton for President.

Mr Sanders had gained momentum as a left-wing alternative to Clinton earlier this year during the Democratic primaries.

But despite popularity online, the socialist politician was heavily defeated – netting 1,894 delegates to Clinton’s 2,807, with 4 million fewer votes in the party primaries.

Senator Sanders appeared alongside Hillary Clinton at a rally in New Hampshire, where he passionately endorsed her over Republican nominee Donald Trump.

He said: ” have come here to make it as clear as possible as to why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton.

“This campaign is not really about Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders. This campaign is about the needs of the American people and addressing the very serious crises that we face

“And there is no doubt in my mind that as we head into November, Hillary Clinton is far and away the best candidate to do that.”

He cited a number of issues on which Clinton has promised reform, and warned about the policies of Trump.

He said: “This election is about who will appoint new justices on the Supreme Court.

“Who will defend a woman’s right to choose? Who will defend the rights of the LGBT community? Who will defend workers rights? The needs of minorities and immigrants? The government’s ability to protect our environment?

“If anyone out there thinks that this election is not important, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump will nominate, and what that means for civil liberties, equal rights, and the future of our country.”

Despite his endorsement, Sanders had refused to officially suspend his own campaign until now despite Clinton’s clear victory. It is unclear whether he will now do so.