“I’ll be reaching out to you. You will be heard by me. As you say: Not me, Us,” Biden wrote in a ready-to-go statement on Medium that read more like an encomium than a eulogy.

The two men spoke midday and had a friendly conversation, said aides, who went out of their way to avoid sniping at Sanders. Then Biden ended the day the way it began, kicking off a virtual news conference about unemployment and jobs with more praise for Sanders.

“He's inspired and energized millions of supporters, especially young voters, to join him in championing a progressive vision for our country. And he didn't just run a political campaign, he created a movement, and that's a good thing for the nation and for our future,” Biden said.

“This is about beating Trump. It’s not about ego,” said one Biden adviser, noting with relief that the campaign and the Democratic National Committee can now easily strike up a joint-fundraising agreement, the DNC can start paying for Biden staff and the party’s messaging can be concentrated in support of the former vice president for the next seven months.

Sanders’ move also clears the way for former President Barack Obama to come off the sidelines and support Biden along with former first lady Michelle Obama.