Right now the United States faces three existential threats: the coronavirus public health crisis that is putting millions of lives at risk; the collateral damage to our economy which is already causing economic disruption the likes of which we haven't seen since the Great Depression; and the destruction of our constitutional democracy if Donald Trump is re-elected.

Bernie Sanders could mitigate all three of these threats by dropping out of the race for the Democratic nomination now, a contest in which he is uniformly viewed as having no path to victory. Poll after poll after poll shows Biden leading Sanders by spreads of up to 30 percentage points. Biden holds a nearly insurmountable delegate lead, winning delegates in the most recent primaries in Arizona, Florida and Illinois by a margin of 2 to 1. 

Continuing to hold primaries, of which there are still more than 20 to go, is in clear contradiction of White House recommendations to limit gatherings to less than 10 people. While many states allow no-excuse absentee voting, not all do, and millions of Americans would still be likely to show up to the polls in person. Poll workers tend to be older, putting them at even greater risk. 

Bernie can literally help save lives by ending his candidacy now. And since it's the public health crisis that is driving the unprecedented disruption to the economy, anything that helps mitigate the health and safety of Americans will also limit the damage to the economy, which itself is putting millions of Americans in danger. 

The case for defeating Trump was manifestly obvious even before the coronavirus crisis. As Bernie Sanders himself has said, “Trump is the most dangerous president in the history of the country.” But now, the stakes are exponentially higher. The incompetence, corruption and mendacity of the Trump administration is without parallel.

Dropping out now does not erase the important, perhaps unparalleled, influence Sanders has had on advancing Democratic Party progressive priorities like dealing with climate change, income inequality, universal healthcare, corporate greed and educational opportunity. Ending his candidacy will not end Sanders’ ability to influence Biden's positions or the Democratic Party platform.

By staying in the race, Bernie is diverting attention and resources from the only opponent who matters, Donald Trump. His incompetence notwithstanding, Trump has huge election advantages with the power of incumbency, dirty tricks, Russian meddling and Republican voter suppression.

How the coronavirus pandemic will affect the general election campaign is anyone’s guess, but there is no question that Sanders staying in the race is a distraction the Democratic Party doesn’t need. The only way to end this national nightmare is to get Joe Biden elected.

Bernie Sanders can help save lives and put this country back on track by ending his bid for president now. Time is of essence. Please urge Bernie to drop out of the race by adding your name to my petition.