Get All Access for $5/mo

Bernie Sanders Ends 2020 Presidential Bid Joe Biden is now the presumptive Democratic nominee to oppose Donald Trump this November.

By Kenny Herzog Edited by Dan Bova

Brittany Greeson | Getty Images

As Americans struggle to coalesce around a single set of guidance to battle the coronavirus pandemic, circumstances surrounding the 2020 presidential election just got a bit less cloudy.

Bernie Sanders, the Independent Senator from Vermont and progressive firebrand, has officially ended his bid to oppose Donald Trump this November. As recently as five weeks ago — when he secured an easy victory in Nevada's state primary — Sanders' path to a nomination as the Democratic Party's consensus candidate felt assured.

But in an address to his followers on social media this morning, Sanders announced, "I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth...The path toward victory is virtually impossible...I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful, and so today, I am announcing the suspension of my campaign."

Related: The Lesson Managers Can Learn From Bernie Sanders

He went on to emphasize our current, urgent public-health crisis, his skepticism of current presidential leadership to contain it and his own own unwillingness to conduct a campaign that could take away from efforts to combat it.

Former Vice President Joe Biden, who leads Sanders by several hundred delegates at this point, is now the presumptive Democratic nominee. As has been reported by numerous outlets, Biden has already begun vetting vice presidential prospects.

Despite Sanders's formally stepping back from the race, his once-radical-seeming policy positions — Medicare for All, student-debt cancelation, etc. — have become the subject of more substantive discussion on both sides of the aisle, particularly as COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on economic norms and sent unemployment rates rocketing to all-time highs.

Kenny Herzog

Entrepreneur Staff

Digital Content Director

Kenny Herzog is currently Digital Content Director at Entrepreneur Media. Previously, he has served as Editor in Chief or Managing Editor for several online and print publications, and contributed his byline to outlets including Rolling Stone, New York Magazine/Vulture, Esquire, The Ringer, Men's Health, TimeOut New York, A.V. Club, Men's Journal, Mic, Mel, Nylon and many more.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Leadership

7 Telltale Signs of a Weak Leader

Whether a bully or a people pleaser who can't tell hard truths, poor leadership takes many forms.

Growing a Business

How to Build, Grow and Make Money With Ecommerce

To grow your online business, you need to develop a strategy and invest your time wisely. These actionable tips can attract customers and increase online revenue.

Living

70% of Small Business Owners Experience Monthly Burnout. Follow These 3 Rules to Avoid the Same Fate.

Here are three guidelines to help entrepreneurs achieve balance, growth and success in both their professional and personal endeavors.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Franchise

Kick-Start Your Small Business With These Cost Effective Strategies

Starting a small business is an exciting adventure, brimming with both opportunities and challenges. A key to success is effectively managing costs from the outset.