It doesn't really matter whether Bernie Sanders drops out now

[MineralMan]

or next week. Joe Biden's path to the nomination is now clear, and Bernie's path has taken a U-turn.

The question is whether Senator Sanders needs additional humiliating losses before deciding it's over. Next Tuesday Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio will hold their primaries. Florida, the state with the most delegates among those states, is clearly Biden territory, and Sanders will do poorly in that state. Sanders might win Arizona, but will probably lose both Illinois and Ohio, based on yesterday's Michigan results.

So, If Sanders doesn't withdraw this week, he'll get additional reasons to do so next week.

Meanwhile, the March 15 debate will be held without an audience, and both Biden and Sanders have cancelled rallies over COVID-19 concerns.

For all intents and purposes, the personalized campaign primary season is over, courtesy of the novel coronavirus outbreak or pandemic. The realistic view says that the current status of candidate voter preferences will become static, really. Primaries held after March 17 will most likely show similar results to the March 10 and March 17 votes.

Bernie Sanders' chance at the nomination is now virtually nil. So, withdraw and suspend his campaign or not, the die is now cast.

As Joe Biden said yesterday evening, congratulations to Sanders and his supporters for their energy. Now it is time to turn everyone's energy toward defeating Donald J. Trump in November.

[honest.abe]

1. The silver lining is that there is alot of time between now and the convention.

Which should provide enough time to help the disappointed Sanders supporters to come to grips with his losing. In 2016 Sanders was able to keep the myth alive all the way to the convention that he could somehow win. This time its obvious he cant.

[Turin_C3PO]

5. I believe hurt feelings

will be healed by November. Last election cycle I believe 40% of Sanders voters in June 2016 were threatening to not support Hillary Clinton. It ended up being 12%. Still way too many but not the apocalypse it could have been. I think, with the reality of Donald a Trump now exposed, less than 10% will not vote for Biden. That’s my prediction anyway.

[beachbumbob]

2. sanders ego makes this impossible

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. I'm surprised, but I agree with you. Normally, I wouldn't advocate for coddling, but the next....

couple of weeks will be the nail in the coffin and BS can bow out with a modicum of dignity. That may go a long way toward bringing in some of his more level headed supporters. The biggest problem is his divisive senior campaign staff, and rabid media surrogates. A lot will depend on them, and I don't see them conceding this race, not even when we reach the convention.

[dawg day]

4. The COVID issue changes things...

Why go on having rallies and perhaps creating more exposure if there's no hope? Also, time to save $ for general election.