Bernie Sanders on July 12 offered his long-awaited endorsement for Hillary Clinton (AFP photo)
Bernie Sanders finally extended his long-awaited endorsement to presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, saying he would "do everything" to make sure that she becomes the US President.
"I have come to here to make it clear as possible why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next President", Sanders said at a joint rally in New Hampshire, pledging that he intends "to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States".
But the chemistry was forced - with both sides awkward in each other's company and refusing to make eye contact - the strains of a heated primary battle clearly lingering. A particularly telling moment was when Bernie Sanders reached out to give a handshake to Hillary Clinton after finishing his speech, but she decided to hug him in what seemed an unconvincing photo opportunity.
They walked out together to Bruce Springsteen's song "We take care of our own", but will Sanders' supporters continue to be suspicious of Hillary Clinton? Donald Trump, who is vying to bait Sanders' supporters quickly, fired a tweet:
br /> Bernie Sanders endorsing Crooked Hillary Clinton is like Occupy Wall Street endorsing Goldman Sachs.
A recent poll by the Pew Research Center shows that 85 per cent of Sanders' supporters will back Hillary Clinton, and 9 per cent Donald Trump.
While many of Bernie Sanders' supporters were vocal about their disappointment, others said he has already succeeded in what he set out to do - changing the Democratic Party's platform to its most progressive in recent history.
Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders wave after speaking at a rally in New Hampshire (AFP Photo)
Hillary Clinton appealed to Sanders' fans, highlighting minimum wage and college affordability, saying "how much more enjoyable this election is going to be now that we are on the same side."
Hillary Clinton hopes to gain the vote of young people - Sanders strength, and her weakness - with less than 30 per cent young voters supporting her.
But these two are clearly not in love. Bernie Sanders endorsement of Hillary Clinton is best described as an arranged marriage, but sometimes those work better in the long run.