Mayor Pete's observation is most immediate. We need a nominee who will not raise our blood pressure, but "bring the temperature down."
He asked us at the debate last night to imagine what "Bernie Sanders versus Donald Trump" would look like.
The answer is that it will be another tragedy for the nation -- piled on the existential tragedies that dispirit us.
Like social media sites I sometimes visit, that matchup will offer shouting, lectures, recrimination, taunts, angry insults, and noise that signifies nothing. It will increase the unprecedented angst, tribalism and polarization that have turned millions of Americans into vicious cynics.
On Monday, I posted about the 85-year-old woman I caretake for -- and how she says she will vote for Trump. One of my acquaintances and FB friends responded with the most inhuman comment I have ever seen (he has since deleted it). He said that anyone who supports Trump should be deprived of any compassion or care. Essentially, that she be thrown into the streets.
Such is one liberal's hatred for Trump. Is Trump detestable? Yes. Do I hate him? Probably. Would I deprive Patty of companionship and care because of her political opinion? Never.
I find no saving grace in Trump's existence on this planet. What he is doing to us (and the planet) is calamitous. Would Bernie be a better president than Trump? Of course.
But as a politician, public figure, whatever, Sanders subtracts from our soul.
Rigidity, anger, righteousness, falseness always leaves us poorer.
Some say Sanders is "inspiring," especially to young people. I ask you to compare his "inspiration" to that of John or Robert Kennedy or the late great Shirley Chisholm. They were poetic. They exuded grace. The poet Robert Spencer wrote a line that would apply to each: "They left the vivid air signed with their honor."
I see Donald Trump and weep for my country. I see Bernie Sanders and weep for my party that it cannot produce a nominee worthy of our better angels.