Bless his heart

The only problem Bernie Sanders might have with his heart is a physical one. For in every other way, his pumper seems overflowing. He even speaks from it.

We might have had, on frequent occasion, some disagreements with the things pinging around between his ears, but never have we doubted what’s going on in his chest. He seems to have caught fire in two different presidential primary seasons, and with so many young voters at that, because he’s a true believer.

If most politicians have to fake it from time to time, Bernie Sanders seems more genuine. He won’t even disguise his socialist beliefs with a party affiliation. He’d rather just be I-Vt.

Just watch him being interviewed by a Fox News correspondent. The man doesn’t do phony easily.

Now he’s off the campaign trail. “Until further notice,” according to his campaign.

Let his wise actions Tuesday night be a lesson for us all: Chest discomfort is nothing to dismiss, especially as we age, and we all will, should we prove lucky enough. His campaign said two stents “were successfully inserted,” and from what we hear by those who’ve undergone such a procedure, recovery can be swift. Doubtless, the senator and socialist from Vermont will be back any day now. And we can all go on politicking and pontificating and disagreeing as usual.

Having watched him from afar these many years, we’ve learned that Bernie Sanders doesn’t stop until something stops him. Whether it be a rival campaign or his own body. But does anyone doubt he’ll be back soonest? And his biggest challenge might be to just take it easy for a few days.

Get well soon, Bernie Sanders. Your supporters and your opponents can take up the fight again once the doctors let you go. But no need to rush—the primaries are months away.

Oh, yes, and this: Bless your heart. It’ll be good to get you back in the headlines in some context other than medical. We need the editorial grist. And you always provide it.