Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) revealed that he’s backing Sen. Bernie Sanders as the Democratic presidential nominee. Merkley is a huge believer in the power of the presidency, cautioning Americans that “no decision we make as Americans more dramatically affects the direction of our country than our choice for president.” Merkley believes the POTUS position is more than the sum of its administrative tasks, but more importantly a reflection of the nation’s values. And he believes those values are best reflected at this moment by Sanders, the candidate he believes can pursue the “future I want for my children and our country.”
Unlike the candidate he’s supporting, Merkley didn’t proceed to conclude that Sanders’ rival Hillary Clinton wasn’t “qualified” to be president. Just the opposite, in fact, as Merkel — exhibiting a measured reason that lent credibility to his decision — said that Hillary Clinton had “a remarkable record” and “would be a strong and capable president.”
