After losses, Sanders has almost no realistic path to the nomination
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont was reassessing the future of his presidential bid Wednesday after a crushing round of primary losses left him with no realistic path to the Democratic nomination and the 2020 race itself looked increasingly dormant because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Sanders’ campaign has stopped actively advertising on Facebook and its campaign manager sent an email to supporters without asking for donations. Sanders’ aides said he is not suspending his campaign, even as some Democrats have become increasingly vocal that he should consider leaving the race.
After commanding victories in Florida, Illinois and Arizona on Tuesday, Joe Biden has amassed a nearly insurmountable delegate lead and needs only about 800 more to win the nomination outright.
Some Democrats said that with the outlook so bleak, and with a deadly pandemic gripping an anxious nation, Sanders risks looking self-centered and out of step with an insistence on pressing ahead.
“Bernie is getting beat by 30 and 40 points; it’s over,” said Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia, who has endorsed Biden. “This is the adult thing to do — knowing when it is time to disappear.”
Sanders reacted testily Wednesday when asked about his plans, suggesting his sole focus should be on the virus.
“I’m dealing with a f-----global crisis,” he said, addressing reporters at the capitol. “You know, we’re dealing with it and you’re asking me these questions.”
“Right now, I’m trying to do my best to make sure that we don’t have an economic meltdown and that people don’t die,” he added. “Is that enough for you to keep me busy for today?”
Sanders and his allies point out that 26 states, territories and Washington have yet to hold primaries and caucuses. There are still 1,399 delegates left to award — and with the primary essentially on hold because of public health concerns, it could be several months before Biden accumulates enough to secure the nomination (if no other primaries are postponed, the earliest he could clinch would be May 5 with Indiana).
Advisers to Sanders have begun to make peace with the fact that he will in all likelihood lose the nomination to Biden. But they also see no real downside in sticking it out, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding the primaries because of the coronavirus.
Sanders also views the coronavirus crisis as a moment when the progressive agenda he has championed for years is especially vital, and he is eager to leverage his influence at a time when issues like health care and economic inequity are so resonant, some allies say.
Some suggested Sanders should declare a moral victory — Democrats have moved broadly toward his progressive policy platform — and throw his support to Biden.
“It’s time to throw in the towel knowing that he has won the battle of issues,” said Wilbur Colom, a DNC member from Mississippi. “The Democratic Party has moved within inches of his revolution on all major issues. We all are feeling the Bern.”