Letter: Two figures tower over the election

Clinton won big on Super Tuesday — but exactly what? Mostly states that will vote Republican in November, votes that were more a tribute to Bill than to her. A more even split would have allowed real Democratic states — those that yield electoral votes for Democrats — to have a voice in determining the ultimate nominee.

Whether nominated or not, Bernie Sanders is the center of this election. Hillary sounds more like him every day. Even Republicans sometimes do, whether they mean it or not.

We give Hillary credit for sincerity, but the political courage to say these things is there because Bernie said them first.

Two figures tower over this election — Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.

In one of the cleanest campaigns in American history, Sanders gives us a steady, consistent message whose essence is found in the Preamble to the Constitution — a more perfect union, justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, blessings of liberty, and a very real concern for posterity.

Trump, like unto a banana republic tinpot despot, leaps onto his horse and charges off in all directions. Given the other candidates, one can sympathize a bit with Republicans. John Kasich is their last hope and that ain’t going to happen.

It is time that we allow Sanders’ vision — and Trump’s pending catastrophe — to compete directly, not through surrogates.

Hillary will try hard. She will be careful. Vote for Hillary for what she can do. Vote for Bernie for what we should do.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 7:00 PM with the headline "Letter: Two figures tower over the election."