Sen. Bernie Sanders’ momentous march for consideration at the Democratic convention is yielding to simple arithmetic. However, seeing Mainers caucusing at Deering High, in a line five abreast and a half-mile long, was astonishing.

Then, when a bird lands on his speaking podium in Wisconsin, followed by his wife whispering of a landslide Washington state victory, it is incredible. His triple win, by adding Alaska and Hawaii, must have caused millions of jaws to drop across America. His entire campaign compares to a 16th seed reaching the final game.

Please note that a trustworthy, patriotic, independent, Jewish American progressive Democrat, with a spouse who is not under fire, is delivering good news to the vast middle and lower classes, awakening young people with his messages like no other political figure has accomplished in modern times. His convincing position presentations afford us a rare privilege.

When Hillary Clinton sells speeches and approves fundraisers that generate jillions, we must be suspicious.

How do we react upon learning that Amal and George Clooney solicit $350,000 per couple to sit at the head table with Clinton, while lesser attendees pay $33,400 to down martinis, caviar and truffles? Who among us could even get a job waiting on tables at such an event? And most importantly, do the wait staff get $5 an hour? And tips? Something must be done to keep Bernie on fire.

Let’s suggest he ask our own Angus King as his running mate right now. The similarities are noteworthy: independent, proponents for social justice, true people representatives, uninterested in personal gain, no family baggage, dovish and gentlemen.

Sen. King would add deep gubernatorial and business experience to the slate as well. He is no Sarah Palin, Dan Quayle or Spiro Agnew. But would he accept?

Richard C. Dillihunt, M.D.

Portland