Washington, Jun 9 (AP) : President Barack Obama formally endorsed Hillary Clinton's bid for the White House today, praising his former secretary of state's experience and grit, and urging Democrats to unite behind her in the fight against Republicans in the fall.
"Look, I know how hard this job can be. That's why I know Hillary will be so good at it," Obama said in a web video circulated by the Clinton campaign. "I have seen her judgment. I have seen her toughness."
Obama called for unity among Democrats and vowed to be an active force on the campaign trail.
As it circulated the Obama video, the Clinton campaign announced their first joint appearance on the campaign trail will be Wednesday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The campaign said Obama and Clinton will discuss building on the progress made during his presidency "and their vision for an America that is stronger together."
Obama's testimonial came as the Democratic establishment piled pressure on Clinton's primary rival, Bernie Sanders, to step aside so Democrats could focus on defeating presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump.
Sanders emerged from a meeting with Obama earlier today and inched closer in that direction. Although he stopped short of endorsing Clinton, the Vermont senator told reporters he planned to press for his agenda at the party's July convention and would work with Clinton to defeat Trump.
"Needless to say, I am going to do everything in my power and I will work as hard as I can to make sure that Donald Trump does not become president of the United States," he said.
Sanders, standing in the White House driveway with his wife, Jane, at his side, said he would compete in the Washington, D.C., primary on Tuesday, the party's final contest, but noted his interest was largely in pushing for statehood.
Sanders' remarks came after a longer-than-expected Oval Office sit-down with Obama, part of Democratic leaders intensifying effort to unite behind Clinton as the nominee of the party.
Clinton declared victory over Sanders on Tuesday, having captured the number of delegates needed to become the first female nominee from a major party.
Though Sanders has shown signs he understands the end of his race is near, he was about to layoff off about half his team, he has vowed to keep fighting, stoking concern among party leaders eager for the primary race to conclude. Still looking like a candidate, Sanders planned a rally Thursday evening in Washington, which holds the final primary contest next week.