On Tuesday morning at a joint campaign rally in New Hampshire, Bernie Sanders officially endorsed Hillary Clinton, putting his full support behind the presumptive Democratic nominee.

“Secretary Clinton has won the Democratic nominating process, and I congratulate her for that. She will be the Democratic nominee for president and I intend to do everything I can to make certain she will be the next president of the United States.

I have come here today not to talk about the past but to focus on the future. That future will be shaped more by what happens on November 8 in voting booths across our nation than by any other event in the world. I have come here to make it as clear as possible as to why I am endorsing Hillary Clinton and why she must become our next president.”

Sanders began his address by thanking the millions of Americans who have voted for and supported him during his strong run for the presidency, as well as noting the millions of individual campaign contributions which made history for the Sanders campaign.

It was a moment many of us dreaded to see coming as we had hoped Bernie Sanders could lead the Democratic party rather than Hillary Clinton. Nevertheless, once we began to see the tide turn and Bernie’s chances slowly slip away, it became the only rational option for the Democratic progressive.

While many are no doubt disappointed that it came to this, Sanders has made it clear more than once that the number one goal of the Democratic party must now be to defeat Donald Trump at any cost – even if that cost is electing Hillary Clinton.

It is now up to voters who previously supported Sanders to decide if they wish to follow the lead of Bernie or go their own path through third party or a protest non-vote or write-in.

At least now we know for certain where Sanders stands.

Watch.

Sydney Robinson is a political writer for the Ring of Fire Network. She has also appeared in political news videos for Ring of Fire. Sydney has a degree in English Literature from the University of West Florida, and has an active interest in politics, social justice, and environmental issues. She would love to hear from you on Twitter @SydneyMkay or via email at srobinson@ringoffireradio.com