He argued for a single-payer European-style health care system — almost certainly an unattainable goal — and thereby prodded Clinton to the point that she has now said she would like to give people the option to buy into Medicare. On the downside he argued against free trade, and again influenced Clinton, this time negatively, but as with everything, Sanders was passionate and sincere.

Above all, Sanders was big in spirit throughout a tight race for the Democratic nomination and afterward. On Clinton’s illicit use of a private email server while secretary of state: “The American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails.” On his many young supporters: “I am proud of the millions of young people who previously were not involved in the political process who are now coming into it.”

Or, speaking at the conservative Liberty University: “I believe in women’s rights, and the right of a woman to control her own body. I believe in gay rights and gay marriage. Those are my views, and it is no secret. But I came here today, because I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is vitally important for those of us who hold different views to be able to engage in a civil discourse.”

After the primaries, he said: “The major political task that together we face in the next five months is to make certain that Donald Trump is defeated and defeated badly.” And at the Democratic Convention: “Hillary Clinton will make an outstanding president and I am proud to stand with her here.” And in a kind of summation: “There is a lot of sentiment that enough is enough, that we need fundamental changes, that the establishment — whether it is the economic establishment, the political establishment or the media establishment — is failing the American people.”

Perhaps, if Clinton is elected, Sanders could serve as secretary of outreach and conciliation. Certainly, in a dark season, and under a dark threat that is still present as I write, he has through his integrity given America an example to emulate.