Biden, Sanders hit Trump handling of virus relief

Joining forces after Bernie Sanders Monday endorsed Joe Biden's Democratic presidential campaign, in a live video stream, both men hit President Donald Trump's handling of the Congressionally passed economic stimulus funding designed to counter the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus prevented Biden and Sanders from appearing together in person on Monday.

"My concern is the Trump administration is going to continue to do it's always done, and that is it's going to make sure the response in a way that the structural benefits go to the wealthy and the well-connected," Biden said.

"What Trump now wants to do is to spend that money without telling us who gets it," Sanders responded. "Do you believe that?"

Biden and Sanders made clear they would continue working together, announcing the formation of six "task forces" made up of representatives from both campaigns to work on policy agreements addressing issues including the economy, education, criminal justice and immigration.

Sander's backing of Biden came less than a week after Sanders ended his presidential campaign. It's a crucial development for Biden, who must bridge the Democratic Party's entrenched ideological divides to put together a coalition that can beat Trump.

Biden, 77, has already made some overtures to progressives by embracing aspects of Sanders' and Sen. Elizabeth Warren's policies, like much of Sanders' student debt forgiveness proposal and Warren's bankruptcy plan. He also backed Warren's bankruptcy plan.

Sanders, 78, is sure to remain a force throughout the campaign.

Biden and Sanders on Monday both emphasized the need to address the challenges confronting young people during the pandemic, with Sanders describing a generation of young people who are experiencing crisis after crisis.