In many ways, Mr. Sanders has never overcome the prevailing view among Democrats that he was out of politics, a self-described Democrat socialist who proudly announced that he was a Vermont independent Senator rather than a member of the Party Foundation.

Mr. Sanders defended and promoted liberal policies such as “medical care for all” and free four-year public colleges aimed at raising the American working class, but he faced opposition from many party leaders, elected officials, and major donors, as well as large numbers of moderate voters who saw him far away. very.

Mr Sanders has never accepted this argument. In recent weeks, he has repeatedly said that he won the ideological debate, asserting that a strong majority of Democrats supported his progressive agenda. But during a stunning press conference in Burlington, last month, he also admitted he was losing the election battle to Biden, saying that voters made it clear that they believed the former vice president was the best candidate to beat Mr.. Trump.

His departure from the race is a stunning turnaround for a candidate who was less than two months ago at the forefront of the standings, having finished his tie for the first time in Iowa and winning in New Hampshire and Nevada. For a man who hated admitting defeat, he conceded that he had seen no way to beat Mr. Biden, and that he might have more influence in his liberal policy agenda if he abandoned the race and joined his opponent.

His release is also a sharp contrast to his attempt in 2016, when he remained in a very tough race against Hillary Clinton even after it became clear that she would be the final candidate.

For several months, Mr. Sanders pledged to do everything in his power to defeat Trump in November, and his departure, although he had not envisioned it, amounted to recognition that continued fighting against Mr. Biden would prevent the type of party unit needed to run in the next general election. Mr. Sanders has repeatedly said that he will support the former Vice President if he is the candidate.