DENVER – Just under a year ago, Bernie Sanders seemed to be soaring.
His followers had found a progressive who they could connect with, and who could effectively challenge Hillary Clinton, the establishment Democratic candidate.
Sanders’ supporters, in many cases, seemed to loathe Clinton. In their eyes, Clinton represented a “rigged” system that rewarded only those at the top.
The division on social media was apparent. Sanders’ supporters took to the hashtag “#WhichHillary,” calling into question the former secretary of state’s perceived inconsistencies over her long career in politics.
But on Tuesday, Sanders endorsed Clinton at a joint event in New Hampshire, declaring that “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her.”
As the two embraced, Clinton’s campaign in Colorado continued to organize, hoping to unify a seemingly fractured left-leaning base.
Durango and La Plata County, however, has not seen the sort of divide that has marred aspects of the race. The region supported Sanders, just as the rest of the state did. Sanders won Colorado with 59 percent of the March 1 caucus vote.
While there was passion for Sanders in the Durango area – fueled in part by a young electorate from Fort Lewis College – Sanders organizers have coalesced around Clinton in recent weeks.
Ana Moran, a recent graduate of Fort Lewis College who acted as one of Sanders’ biggest supporters and organizers in the area, is now serving as a Colorado Democratic Party field organizer for La Plata County and four nearby counties.
In addition to working to elect Clinton, Moran is organizing for incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet, whose U.S. Senate seat is facing a challenge from Republican Darryl Glenn.
Moran also is working to elect Democrat Gail Schwartz, who hopes to unseat U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, in the 3rd Congressional District this November.
“These upcoming months will be vital for getting out the vote,” Moran said, highlighting the importance of Democrats coming together to face presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump and other Republicans.
Now a rank-and-file Democrat, Moran declined to comment on Sanders’ endorsement of Clinton, deferring to the Clinton campaign.
“Thousands of voters across Colorado were inspired by Senator Sanders, and Hillary Clinton is committed to listening to these voters and to earning their support,” said Emmy Ruiz, Clinton’s state director.
“Whether it’s demeaning women, bankrupting companies, or praising violent dictators, Donald Trump does not represent Colorado values, and together with Sanders supporters and voters across the state, we’ll continue to make that message crystal clear.”
Colorado Democratic Party Chairman Rick Palacio said he hopes to build on the excitement that Sanders brought, especially to a group of political neophytes.
“We’re looking forward to seeing Colorado Democrats across the state bring that same passion to the general election as we work together to elect our nominee to the White House,” Palacio said.
“This isn’t just any election. With Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, it’s more important than ever that we come together to elect a candidate who brings people together, not one who tears people apart.”
Republicans, however, called Sanders’ endorsement a “hollow display of left-wing solidarity” that “flies in the face of Bernie Sanders’ months-long crusade against Hillary Clinton’s judgment, character and fitness to serve as president.”
“Bernie Sanders had extremely strong grass-roots support in Colorado, and many supporters here will justly feel betrayed by this hollow endorsement,” said Colorado GOP Chairman Steve House.
“One of the reasons Sanders had such strong support is the vast majority of Coloradans of both parties consider Clinton to be dishonest. Unfortunately for Clinton, Sanders selling out to the rigged system he campaigned against will do absolutely nothing to address her massive trust deficit in Colorado.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
