Sanders' Endorsement of Clinton Critical in 'Close Race' Against Trump

US House of Representatives Progressive Caucus Chairman Raul Grijalva told Sputnik that Sanders' support for Clinton is important to "motivate" the millions of voters who backed Sanders in the primaries.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — US Senator Bernie Sander’s decision on Tuesday to formally endorse his former rival for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination Hillary Clinton is critical in such a close presidential race, US House of Representatives Progressive Caucus Chairman Raul Grijalva told Sputnik.

"The strength of the endorsement was important," Grijalva said on Tuesday of Sanders’ decision to formally back Clinton. "Because as much as people might think that [Republican candidate Donald] Trump is a buffoon, which he probably is, the fact remains that this could be a close race and there has to be a unified constituency."

Earlier on Tuesday, Sanders announced that he would do "everything" he can to ensure Clinton wins the White House in November.

Grijalva, a strong supporter of Sanders, noted that the endorsement will be important to "motivate" the millions of voters who backed Sanders in the primaries.

Clinton is expected to take the Democratic Party’s official nomination during the Democratic Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during the week of July 25.