Will Bernie Sanders' Heart Procedure Hurt His Run for President?

According to someone who has had a heart attack and undergone stent implantation, similar to Bernie Sanders, there's no reason this health issue should end his campaign from a medical standpoint. However, the current state of the campaign and the progressive landscape suggest it might be wise for Sanders to consider exiting gracefully.

Medical Perspective

Stents effectively address the heart issue and leave the candidate as ‘good as before’ when coronary arteries were beginning to become occluded. From a medical viewpoint, Bernie Sanders should indeed take it easier, but this advice applies to all politicians running for President. Modern campaigns are extremely strenuous, and a heart procedure like Sanders' should be taken seriously for both his health and the well-being of the campaign.

Political Realities and Strategy

Despite the medical advice, there are political reasons for Sanders to consider an honorable exit. Warren has taken the lead in the progressive wing of the Democratic party, and his presence in the race no longer serves his own or the progressive cause. This statement is made by a self-described progressive who admires Sanders' efforts in 2016 to shift the party's focus. Sanders' time has passed, and it's time to pass the baton to others. His recent heart attack provides him with an opportunity to do so with honor.

Future of the Campaign

It is certain that Sanders will have to drop out. Having a serious health issue at this stage of a presidential campaign is not ideal. However, it's expected that he will deliver a powerful and heartfelt speech at the upcoming convention. As the race heats up, no candidate can afford to have such a significant health issue impacting their leadership.

The Ship Has Sailed

With his 78 years of age and the substantial ground being covered by candidates like Warren, any rational man would retire from politics at this point. Sanders' recent heart attack highlights his age-related health challenges. He faces a difficult decision: stay in the race and risk further health complications, or step aside and perhaps take up a new role after his Senate term in 2025, when he will be 84 years old.

Strategic Exit

It has been suggested that Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are playing a game of 'Good Commie/Bad Commie.' Both are aligned under the progressive banner. Sanders could use this political game to help Warren, calling her a 'dreaded Capitalist' over the weekend. This move could help Warren look less extreme to the uninformed electorate. While such a strategy might be seen as a calculation for political gain, it demonstrates the complex and often behind-the-scenes nature of such campaigns.

In conclusion, while Bernie Sanders' heart procedure does not necessarily end his campaign from a medical standpoint, it presents a strategic opportunity for him to gracefully exit and support the progressive movement's next frontrunner. Time will tell how he navigates this critical juncture in his political career.