Earlier this afternoon, Senator Bernie Sanders announced that he would be ending his presidential campaign. In a call to his staff, he stated “I wish I could give you better news, but I think you know the truth, and that is that we are now some 300 delegates behind Vice President Biden, and the path toward victory is virtually impossible.”

This came as a shock to many young voters who believed that he would hold out longer. Sanders went on to say “while we are winning the ideological battle and while we are winning the support of so many young people and working people throughout the country, I have concluded that this battle for the Democratic nomination will not be successful. And so today I am announcing the suspension of my campaign.” His exit represents a stunning reversal following a strong performance in the first three states that voted in February.

Former Vice President Biden “surged to a blowout victory” after winning South Carolina in late February. Barring an unexpected dark horse, the former Vice President has cleared his way to face President Trump this November. Sanders stressed that he did not make this decision lightly and that it was very painful and difficult. Many voters, especially young progressives, rose up after the 2016 election and demanded a new direction be taken in regard to climate change, healthcare, and immigration. Sanders’ announcement will likely come as a major blow to these young voters.

According to Sanders, he and Biden spoke earlier Wednesday morning. Biden referred to the Senator as a “powerful voice for a fairer and more just America.” Biden went on to say that he very much wants to work with Sanders, encouraging the supporters of both candidates to unite. “I know that there may be some in our movement who disagree with this decision, who would like us to fight on until the last ballot cast at the Democratic convention. I understand that position,” Sanders said. “But as I see the crisis gripping the nation, exacerbated by a President unwilling or unable to provide any kind of credible leadership, and the work that needs to be done to protect people in this most desperate hour, I cannot in good conscience continue to mount a campaign that cannot win, and which would interfere with the important work required of all of us in this difficult hour.” Sanders will continue to fight as he knows best, from the outside-in.

New polls released on Wednesday show that the President’s approval ratings are currently at an all-time high, in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite this high approval rating, however, Biden and President Trump are going head to head in general election matchups.

Biden is currently ahead of the President 49.7 to 43.3. Sanders plans on staying on the ballot so that he can push the remaining primary states to push his agenda at the DNC in order “to exert significant influence over the party platform.”

The President made an appeal for Sanders’ supporters to join him, but this is unlikely to happen. Trump then Tweeted, “Wow, Bernie is unwilling to give up his delegates, and wants more of them! What’s that all about?” and, “Can’t see AOC plus 3 supporting Sleepy Joe!”