Just two weeks shy of the Democratic National Convention, Bernie Sanders finally offered his full support to rival Hillary Clinton to take on the Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump.

"Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that," Sanders told a cheering crowd in New Hampshire with Clinton at his side.

Sanders, who was critical of Clinton during the Democratic Party's primaries, vowed to do everything he could to help her beat Trump in the upcoming presidential election.

"It is no secret that Hillary Clinton and I disagree on a number of issues – that's what this campaign has been about," said Sanders. "There was a significant coming together between the two campaigns and we produced, by far, the most progressive platform in the history of the Democratic Party."

'Better than Trump'

Emphasizing why he believed Clinton would make a better president than Trump, Sanders said he and the former Secretary of State shared similar values on gay rights, universal health care and a higher minimum wage.

"If anyone out there thinks that this election is not important, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump will nominate, and what that means to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country," said Sanders, whose calls for a "political revolution" had influenced millions of voters across the country.

"She must become our next president."

Clinton thankful

Expressing her joy at Sanders' endorsement, Clinton said the election would be far more enjoyable now with her formal rival on her side.

Clinton commended Sanders for energizing the primary process and bringing "people off the sidelines and into the political process."

"His [Sanders'] reputation for passionate advocacy hasn't always made him the most popular person in Washington. But that's generally a sign that you're doing something right," the former First Lady said.

US President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and several other senior Democrats have already offered endorsements to Clinton.

(DW)