News recently broke that Sen. Bernie Sanders has dropped out of the 2020 presidential race. And many are stunned. This time around, people were under the impression that Sanders would see his race for nomination as the Democratic nominee for president through to the very end.
Last night, during a virtual town hall on how COVID-19 is disproportionately impacting blacks in America, Sanders alluded to ending his campaign. “As I see the crisis gripping the nation, exacerbated by a president unwilling or unable to provide any kind of credible leadership, and the work that needs to be done to protect people in this most desperate hour, I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us.”
Related: Sanders’ African American Aides Blame Top Officials For Snubbing Voters
This morning in a tweet, Sanders wrote, “Today I am suspending my campaign. But while the campaign ends, the struggle for justice continues on.” He also tweeted, “Let us go forward together. The struggle continues.”
This news has sparked a lot of conversation online as people grapple with the fact that Sanders’ exit positions Joe Biden as the presumptive Democratic nominee for president.
Related: Congressman and Civil Rights Hero John Lewis Endorses Joe Biden For President
As Americans continue to shelter in place due to the coronavirus health crisis, those vested in politics are raising the valid question as to what black voters’ participation will look like as the presidential race continues. Former first lady Michelle Obama recently called out Wisconsin for holding primary elections amid COVID-19. And others are uncertain about what the rest of the race will look like due to federal mandates.
As Americans cope with more than one new normal, people are weighing in on how Sanders’ exit is impacting them:
How People Are Reacting:
in these times, i scream in my mind. i ruminate. i get embarrassed/angry at missteps & missed opportunities.
i mourn.but not for long.
this thing is bigger than elections. i’m a dream defender and i’m coming home
.
join us for sunday school: https://t.co/97sLDuM5AK https://t.co/VeLo7PvSPQ
— phillip agnew (@iPhilSomething) April 8, 2020
Thank you for being an unrelenting champion for so many of us for decades. Thanks for exposing so many to a vision that seemed impossible.
To the young people who want to know what comes next, join us live on Sunday, 4/19. Come thru https://t.co/uK8XaKyUKj pic.twitter.com/spPBnyqSfC
— Dream Defenders (@Dreamdefenders) April 8, 2020
.@SenSanders thanks to you and your team, especially my homies @iPhilSomething and @KillerMike for continuing the fight for progressive ideals.
— VanLathan (@VanLathan) April 8, 2020
Thank you @iPhilSomething @ninaturner and the rest of the Black people on the Sanders campaign. Love y’all, respect y’all and looking forward to your continued leadership.
— Famous Luxury Communist (@StevenPargett) April 8, 2020
This is literally the opposite of leadership.
If he cared, he should’ve joined Bernie BEFORE the election in calling for it to be postponed. https://t.co/B0QVGA8ZgA
— Briahna Joy Gray (@briebriejoy) April 8, 2020
