Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders announced on Wednesday that he is suspending his 2020 presidential campaign and bowing out the race. This decision comes after the devastating fallout from COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, which has also disrupted the race for the Democratic nomination.
“I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth. And that is that we are now some 300 delegates behind Vice President Biden, and the path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders told supporters in a livestream to address his supporters held shortly after he gave the news. “I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful, and so today I am announcing the suspension of my campaign.”
Sanders said he had to make an “honest assessment of the prospects for victory.” calling it a painful, but necessary decision. He also added that he could not “in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win and would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour” during the coronavirus pandemic.
The viral outbreak has caused many states to close down all non-essential businesses to prevent further contamination; leaving the presidential candidates to hold virtual events to stay connected to their base. Sanders suspended his campaign after the recent primary elections held in Wisconsin. Despite mounting concerns about the public health risk around the coronavirus, the state decided to continue with the primary voting.
Prior to the viral outbreak, Joe Biden was already shaping up to be the next nominee for the Democratic Party as big wins on Super Tuesday gave him a huge lead in the race, leaving many uncertain about what it would mean for the Sanders campaign.
President Donald Trump also tweeted soon after Sanders’ announcement was made public.
Bernie Sanders is OUT! Thank you to Elizabeth Warren. If not for her, Bernie would have won almost every state on Super Tuesday! This ended just like the Democrats & the DNC wanted, same as the Crooked Hillary fiasco. The Bernie people should come to the Republican Party, TRADE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 8, 2020