Bernie Sanders had the undesirable task Monday of telling thousands of his devoted supporters — hungry for a political revolution and dissatisfied by the prospect of another Clinton administration — they need to swallow their pride and support the former secretary of state for president.

Sanders’ main argument is that the Republican alternative to Hillary Clinton is far worse. But he is also arguing that Clinton has become a much better candidate because of the “Feel the Bern” influence during the primary.

Throughout the course of the primary, Clinton moved to the left on a number of issues in response to the surprising success of Sanders’ left-wing campaign. She embraced the concept of tuition-free public universities and reversed her support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Most significantly, perhaps, she moved to the left on health care. During his convention speech, Sanders made sure to note some of the changes Clinton made to her proposed health policies as a result of pressure from his campaign and his supporters.

He specifically touted a number of ways in which Clinton has proposed expanding the role of government-run care, including by establishing a “public option” insurance program and allowing those above 55 to opt into Medicare early.

“This campaign is about moving the United States toward universal health care and reducing the number of people who are uninsured or underinsured,” he said. “Hillary Clinton wants to see that all Americans have the right to choose a public option in their health care exchange.”

Other convention speakers also sought to portray the nominee as a tireless champion of public health care programs.

New York's Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand reminded delegates that Clinton led the push for the Children’s Health Insurance Program as first lady. The current first lady hit on that note as well.

“You see, Hillary has spent decades doing the relentless, thankless work to actually make a difference in their lives,” said Michelle Obama, referring to Clinton’s efforts for children. “Advocating for kids with disabilities as a young lawyer, fighting for children's health care as first lady, and for quality child care in the Senate.”

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, another hero of the left wing for the Democratic Party, did her part as well. After describing Trump as an entitled trust fund recipient, Warren called Clinton “one of the smartest, toughest, most tenacious people on the planet — a woman who fights for children, for women, for health care, for human rights, a woman who fights for all of us, and who is strong enough to win those fights.”

Time will tell what effect the assurances about Clinton from progressive icons has in assuaging the concerns of disappointed Sanders supporters.

Instant Insights /

Bernie Sanders assures supporters Hillary Clinton is right on health care

More From HR Executive

Related Stories

Recommended For You