In a late night speech on Tuesday after major primary losses to Hillary Clinton in New Jersey and California, Senator Bernie Sanders vowed to "continue the fight" through the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July. After winning 475 delegates in California and 126 in New Jersey, Clinton now has 2,755 delegates compared to Sanders's 1,852, according to The New York Times—enough to secure the nomination (which requires 2,383), but not enough for her opponent to give up.
Speaking to supporters at approximately 10:45 PM Pacific, Sanders took time to consider the entire scope of the race.
"[When we started,] we were considered to be a fringe campaign," he said. "But over the last year, I think that has changed just a little bit. By the end of tonight, we’ll have received well over 10 million votes. And in virtually every state, we have won by big numbers the votes of young people."
Sanders repeatedly pledged to continue fighting for social, economic, racial, and environmental justice, mentioning in particular his goals of breaking up the major banks and instituting "health care for all."
The candidate spent the early part of the speech pledging to defeat Donald Trump, leaving the audience unsure of his intentions. But when he announced that he intended to continue on to the upcoming Washington, D.C. primary, there was excitement and relief.
When we began this campaign a little over a year ago we were considered to be a fringe campaign. But over the last year, I think that has changed just a little bit. As of last night, we have won 22 state primaries and caucuses with more than 11 million votes. What we understand, and what every one of us has always understood, is that real change never occurs from the top on down, always from the bottom on up.
He closed the speech on a combative note, railing against "wealthy campaign contributors," "corporate media," "Wall Street," and "the billionaire class."
Sanders referenced a call he had with President Obama Tuesday night, saying he plans on "working with him to ensure that we move this country forward." He also said he spoke on the phone with Clinton and congratulated her.
"Our fight is...to understand that we are in this together; to understand that all of what we believe is what the majority of the American people believe; and to understand that the struggle continues," he said. "Thank you all."
Wednesday morning, Sanders published a letter to his supporters echoing the sentiments of this speech. Read it in full below:
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