Sanders ran a good race, but now should end it

It’s almost over for Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Independent-turned-Democrat who gave Hillary Clinton fits in the campaign for the Democratic nomination for president. And it needs to be over.

This is going to be one of the most contentious and ultimately important presidential campaigns in a generation, and Sanders’ continuing presence is now a distraction, and not a constructive one. His campaign now is futile, and he knows it. His most passionate supporters have helped Sanders raise important issues, and his stances on minimum wage, college expense (he believes it should be free) and income inequity have forced both Clinton and Republican Donald Trump to address issues they might not have addressed otherwise.

Sanders may feel an obligation to the people who have supported him so passionately to continue his fight and hope to have influence on his party’s platform at its national convention this summer. But he can wield that influence without continuing to campaign.

If Sanders ends the campaign, public attention will be where it should be, on the two major party candidates with entirely different visions and levels of experience to take to the White House. Sanders will be heard at the convention; Clinton is well aware of his influence. He doesn’t need a candidacy to maintain that influence. In fact, it might increase after his withdrawal.

This story was originally published June 30, 2016 at 7:01 PM with the headline "Sanders ran a good race, but now should end it."