Yvette D. Clarke, a Democrat, represents New York's Ninth District in the United States House of Representatives.

Running for president of the United States is no easy feat. It is hard work, and in the best case scenario, requires intelligence, a strong moral compass and internal fortitude. Both candidates for the democratic nomination have all of these attributes but Hillary Clinton remains the strongest candidate by far.

Senator Sanders has spent his political career in Vermont, a state that doesn’t reflect the diversity of our nation.

They both demonstrated a commitment to working hard to earn every vote, which was evident on Tuesday’s primary. The Sanders campaign knew Michigan was a must win for its candidate if he was going to continue this primary contest. He ran a tough campaign and poured tons of resources into the state. Clinton still took nothing for granted, she spent significant time in Michigan, talking to voters, listening to their concerns and working for their support.

In the end Sanders squeaked out the victory, but Hillary remained the true victor, securing the most delegates of the night, fueled by her overwhelming victory in Mississippi and her campaign’s hard work in Michigan.

Hillary Clinton won 90 percent of the African-American vote in Mississippi and 68 percent in Michigan.



Whether it be fighting for schools free of mold and infestation, safe water, or protecting and creating jobs for the middle class, it is increasingly evident that Hillary Clinton’s commitment to the American people is unwavering as this primary contest continues.

This is in no way an underestimation of Sanders, he is likely to win more states, but this primary season has shown that Hillary Clinton can consistently win big, diverse states. Clinton enjoys strong support among African-American voters because she’s been fighting on the issues that matter to us for decades. Senator Sanders has spent his political career in Vermont, a state that doesn’t reflect the diversity of our nation.

Clinton knows that the black community faces discrimination in the job market, education, housing and the criminal justice system regardless of economic status. From immigration, health care, women’s rights, education and economic opportunity, African-Americans are looking for a presidential candidate who is committed to fighting for these issues and one that has the track record to match.



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