Hillary's Shout-Out To Bernie Was Tear-Inducing

As Hillary Clinton began her nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, she graciously thanked her husband, her daughter, and President Obama. But perhaps the most important shout-out she gave was to Sen. Bernie Sanders, her erstwhile opponent and competitor who she said inspired millions with his campaign. Hillary Clinton's shout-out to Bernie Sanders at the DNC brings this whole primary full circle, and was everything both of their campaigns and supporters could have hoped for.

She said about Sanders:

I want to thank Bernie Sanders. Bernie, your campaign inspired millions of Americans, particularly the young people who threw their hearts and souls into our primary. You’ve put economic and social justice issues front and center where they belong. And to all of your supporters here and around the country, I want you to know: I’ve heard you. Your cause is our cause. Our country needs your ideas, energy, and passion. That is the only way we can turn our progressive platform into real change for America.

No matter whether you're #WithHer, are a Bernie or Buster or, like me, had no stake in the success of either candidate, watching Clinton's acceptance speech and extended olive branch towards Sanders and his supporters was not only an important moment in presidential primary history, but in American policy history as well. Over the last year, we've watched each of these candidate and their massive groups of supporters duke it out over what America needs and what America wants, and tonight, that battle has finally come to a conclusion. The Democrats have spoken, and they believe Clinton is the right candidate to lead this country.

As we gear up for the general election, Sanders supporters are at a fork in the road: Support Clinton, or support a no-longer-viable former candidate. The Clinton campaign and many who formerly and continue to "feel the Bern" have decided that Clinton is the best opponent against Donald Trump, and as the general hurdles ever closer, that decision will continuously loom over the nation's head. All we can do now is watch, wait, and vote.