PoliticsHillary ClintonBernie SandersDemocratic National Convention

Sanders Supporters Aren't Mad About Bernie's Endorsement Of Hillary Clinton

It doesn't necessarily mean they like Clinton, though.
Open Image Modal
By 

Reporter, HuffPost

Open Image Modal
Julia Craven/The Huffington Post

PHILADELPHIA ― Even though Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will not be the Democratic nominee, his supporters are still feeling the bern. And while the antipathy many Sanders voters feel toward Hillary Clinton is well documented, some of the senator’s fans see his endorsement of Clinton as just another example of Bernie staying true to his values.

“From the beginning, Bernie stated that he was going to run as a Democrat and that he would support the candidate ― whoever that would be,” Sharon Rhines, a 67-year-old retired teacher from Grand Rapids, Michigan, told The Huffington Post.

Rhines said that unlike some supporters, she doesn’t feel betrayed by Sanders himself. Rather, she said, her ire lies with the Democratic Party.

“They are so rigged, and so despicable that they had Hillary in place before the primaries even began,” she said, alluding to the recent leak of DNC emails suggesting the party favored Clinton over Sanders.  

Open Image Modal
Amanda Sullivan, a 35-year-old computer programmer from West End, Florida, said she will vote for Sanders or Green Party Candidate Jill Stein over Hillary Clinton.
Julia Craven/The Huffington Post

Amanda Sullivan, a 35-year-old computer programmer from West End, Florida, expressed similar sentiments.

Sanders “did what he had to do to support the Democratic Party,” she said.  

“He feels grateful for the platform they’ve allowed him to have, and I understand that,” Sullivan continued. “So he is being courteous, he’s being respectful ― which is what we want in a president.”  

Open Image Modal
Jack Prince, a 66-year old retired teacher from Michigan, said he hopes Sanders splits from the Democratic Party.
Julia Craven/The Huffington Post

Jack Prince, a 66-year old retired teacher from Michigan, touted Sanders as representing “an unique moment of possibility for our country.” 

“Unlike any other candidate in my lifetime, he stands against the only integral problem ― and that is the money in politics,” Prince said. “His platform, his message, to break that bond between the political world and money, is the answer to everything. We’re going to see a corporatist put into the office of president [by] the name of Hillary Clinton and the same ol’ same ol’ is gonna roll.”

Prince said he still has hope that Sanders will turn against Clinton and break away from the Democratic Party. But when it comes to Sanders’ endorsement of Clinton, Prince said he feels let down.

“He has reasons why he endorses that he thinks are advantageous to his cause,” Prince said. “He’s playing his cards wrong right now ― but we both want the same outcome.”

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Best Photos From The Democratic National Convention
(01 of44)
Open Image Modal
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) delivers remarks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(02 of44)
Open Image Modal
Senator Cory Booker speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)
(03 of44)
Open Image Modal
US First Lady Michelle Obama addresses delegates on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
(04 of44)
Open Image Modal
US Senator Elizabeth Warren greets Joseph P. Kennedy, III during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
(05 of44)
Open Image Modal
Vermont Senator and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders addresses delegates. (credit:SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)
(06 of44)
Open Image Modal
A supporter of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders cries as the former Democratic presidential candidate addresses the Democratic National Convention. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)
(07 of44)
Open Image Modal
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake bangs the gavel calling to order the first day of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Aaron P. Bernstein via Getty Images)
(08 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer Demi Lovato performs on stage during the first day of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(09 of44)
Open Image Modal
Supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) stand and cheer as he delivers remarks. (credit:Joe Raedle via Getty Images)
(10 of44)
Open Image Modal
First lady Michelle Obama acknowledges the crowd after delivering remarks. (credit:Aaron P. Bernstein via Getty Images)
(11 of44)
Open Image Modal
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, gestures on stage during a walk through before the start of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
(12 of44)
Open Image Modal
Balloons fall from the ceiling as preparations continue ahead of the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. (credit:Mark Kauzlarich / Reuters)
(13 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer Robert Hill rehearses the National Anthem. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
(14 of44)
Open Image Modal
Workers gather balloons that fell from the ceiling. (credit:Jim Young / Reuters)
(15 of44)
Open Image Modal
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and two of her grandsons greet comedian Stephen Colbert (R) on the floor. (credit:Mark Kauzlarich / Reuters)
(16 of44)
Open Image Modal
A worker vacuums carpeting before the start of the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
(17 of44)
Open Image Modal
The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. claps for Paul Simon as he does a sound check. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(18 of44)
Open Image Modal
U.S. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) walks with two of her grandsons. (credit:Mike Segar / Reuters)
(19 of44)
Open Image Modal
Paul Simon does a sound check. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(20 of44)
Open Image Modal
A member of the Colorguard rehearses. (credit:Bloomberg via Getty Images)
(21 of44)
Open Image Modal
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Julia Craven/Huffington Post)
(22 of44)
Open Image Modal
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Julia Craven/Huffington Post)
(23 of44)
Open Image Modal
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Julia Craven/Huffington Post)
(24 of44)
Open Image Modal
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Julia Craven/Huffington Post)
(25 of44)
Open Image Modal
Protesters outside the Democratic National Convention. (credit:Julia Craven/Huffington Post)
(26 of44)
Open Image Modal
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 25: Delegates stand during Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speech on the first day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(27 of44)
Open Image Modal
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and the nominee of the Democratic Party for President of the United States Hillary Clinton (R) wave to Democratic Party supporters at congress hall ahead of 58th Presidential election on November 08, at Democratic Party Congress in Philadelphia, USA on July 28, 2016. Hillary Clinton is the first female Presidential nominee in U.S. history. (credit:Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(28 of44)
Open Image Modal
Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton gestures after the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:NICHOLAS KAMM via Getty Images)
(29 of44)
Open Image Modal
A video displays an introduction to Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(30 of44)
Open Image Modal
Khizr Khan, father of deceased Muslim U.S. Soldier Humayun S. M. Khan, holds up a booklet of the US Constitution as he delivers remarks on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
(31 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer/composer Carole King performs on stage on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)
(32 of44)
Open Image Modal
President Barack Obama hugs Democratic Nominee for President of the United States former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton after delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
(33 of44)
Open Image Modal
President Barack Obama speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (credit:Bill Clark via Getty Images)
(34 of44)
Open Image Modal
US President Barack Obama is joined by US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after his address to the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 27, 2016. (credit:MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images)
(35 of44)
Open Image Modal
General John Allen (ret. USMC), former Commander, International Security Assistance Forces, and Commander, United States Forces - Afghanistan, hugs a woman on stage after speaking on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI via Getty Images)
(36 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer Katy Perry performs during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(37 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer Katy Perry performs during the final day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention on July 28, 2016, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
(38 of44)
Open Image Modal
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton acknowledges the crowd after delivering a speech on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Win McNamee via Getty Images)
(39 of44)
Open Image Modal
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and US Vice President nominee Tim Kaine acknowledge the crowd at the end on the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Alex Wong via Getty Images)
(40 of44)
Open Image Modal
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and husband, former US President Bill Clinton, stand on stage with US Vice President nominee Tim Kaine and his wife Anne Holton at the end of the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Joe Raedle via Getty Images)
(41 of44)
Open Image Modal
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton delivers remarks during the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images)
(42 of44)
Open Image Modal
Hillary Clinton celebrates on the last day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
(43 of44)
Open Image Modal
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton watches balloons drop at the end of the fourth day of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center, July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton received the number of votes needed to secure the party's nomination. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Philadelphia, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Democratic National Convention kicked off July 25. (credit:Aaron P. Bernstein via Getty Images)
(44 of44)
Open Image Modal
Singer Katy Perry rehearses before the final day of the 2016 Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (credit:SAUL LOEB via Getty Images)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip