https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/work/sanders-steps-aside-to-give-joe-...


Far left candidate Bernie Sanders has withdrawn from the 2020 Democratic presidential race, all but guaranteeing former Vice President Joe Biden will square off against President Donald Trump in November.

In announcing his decision to stand down from the contest, Mr Sanders acknowledged it was almost impossible for him to win the nomination coming from so far behind.

But he also said he decided not to push on to the last minute of the battle against Mr Biden so that he could instead help the US rebuild in the face of the coronavirus meltdown. Instead, he will devote his time to working in Congress to ensure appropriate relief and aid is available to Americans.

The move comes as Mr Biden has built a clear delegate lead over Mr Sanders, even as the primary season has been throw into disarray by the coronavirus outbreak.

“The path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Mr Sanders told supporters as he congratulated Mr Biden, while thanking an “unprecedented grassroots political campaign” that relied entirely on small donations from millions of his backers.

He spoke of a “difficult and painful” decision, in his video message. “The former vice president is “a very decent man whom I will work with to move our progressive ideas forward”, he added.

In a statement, Mr Biden - who has committed to selecting a woman as his running mate - heaped praise on Sanders for drawing attention to injustices and inequalities and for creating a movement based on ideas.

“Senator Sanders and his supporters have changed the dialogue in America,” Mr Biden said.

He also vowed to listen to Mr Sanders’ supporters, and urged them to support his campaign. “I hope you will join us. You are more than welcome. You’re needed,” Mr Biden said.