Scot Lehigh is right that Joe Biden is far and away the better choice against Donald Trump, one of the worst presidents in American history, and that Bernie Sanders should work hard to persuade his supporters to back Biden (“Bernie and company must rally hard around Joe Biden,” Opinion, April 8). I imagine that Sanders will. Strangely missing from Lehigh’s analysis, though, is any indication that Biden shares responsibility for persuading Sanders supporters to back him.
Yes, losing candidates have a role to play in unifying the party, but in the end it’s the nominee’s responsibility to win votes. Rather than preemptively scolding younger voters, Biden, his campaign, and his surrogates should reach out to us. Making concessions on the issues that matter most to voters under 45, such as a Green New Deal and student debt, would send a powerful signal that our progressive politics will be reflected in a Biden administration. It will also help win our votes.
Ultimately, if Biden fails to earn the backing of the young and progressive voters that are necessary to forming a winning Democratic coalition, it won’t mean that Sanders let Biden down. It will mean that Biden was the wrong choice for the moment—and for the nomination.
Garrett Casey
Cambridge
Note from KBJ: Donald Trump is one of the best presidents in American history, Garrett. If you weren't watching CNN 24 hours a day, you'd know this.
