Why Bernie Sanders was right to wait to endorse Hillary Clinton

To the editor: Without Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in the race, likely Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton never would have embraced almost every one of his policies, including a livable wage, paid family leave, the right to bargain collectively, opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, tuition-free public college for most families and single-payer healthcare. You name his policy, and she spoke to it. (“Bernie Sanders offers long-awaited endorsement: Hillary Clinton is ‘far and away the best candidate,’” July 12)

That’s influence. That’s power. He was correct to wait until now to endorse Clinton. On to the convention.

Christopher Anderson, Reseda

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To the editor: It was unwise for members of the Democratic establishment to have criticized and condemned Sanders, including the shocking booing by House members, for taking some time before endorsing Clinton.

Yes, the majority of Sanders’ supporters may be ready to support Clinton, but why? Support from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) helps, but I believe it is because Sanders has continued to fight for the causes that he, his supporters and most Americans believe in, and he has been successful. If he had immediately endorsed her, his supporters would have been very disillusioned.

Sanders’ supporters are very important to Clinton and the Democratic Party, both for the election and beyond. They need to be welcomed to the convention, treated with respect and integrated into the party. I believe that this will be crucial in order for the Democrats to become the strong progressive 21st century party that they have the potential to be.

Gertrude Barden, Porter Ranch

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