PHILADELPHIA — Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva was the first congressman to endorse Bernie Sanders but emphasized he was with Hillary Clinton on Monday, the first day of the Democratic National Convention.
“I’m here toady today because I’m with Hillary Clinton,” Grijalva exclaimed to the delegates, stressing unity after of a divisive day among Democrats gathered in Philadelphia.
The progressive Arizona congressman first endorsed Sanders last October, but then rescinded his endorsement in mid-June, just one week after Clinton won the necessary number of delegates to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination. Sanders supporters opened the convention rallying against Clinton
Grijalva reminded Democrats of the importance of defeating the Republican nominee, Donald Trump.
“I wouldn’t be here today supporting our nominee of the Democratic Party if our party was built on the likes of Donald Trump, who is trying to make our country meaner, more hateful, more divided and more fearful,” he said. “I’m very proud to be part of a movement that will beat Donald Trump that’s going to help elect Hillary Clinton, and is going to turn that idealism into a coveted philosophy we can all be proud of.”
