The real risk from Sanders’ continued campaign is not to public health but to his own standing and influence. In 2016, Sanders continued his campaign long after he had much chance of defeating Hillary Clinton. But while he couldn’t win the primary, he continued to rack up impressive victories in many caucus states and a huge upset win in Michigan’s primary. He was able to demonstrate that progressive ideas and candidates had a strong appeal, which put him in a good position to push the party platform left at the convention.
This year, though, Sanders lost Michigan by double digits, and he has lost in former strongholds like Washington state. When he goes out week after week and gets badly beaten, he doesn’t make the progressive movement look strong. He makes it look anemic and ineffectual.
