One candidate in the race for the Democratic nomination can stand against Trump and win, and that candidate is Bernie Sanders.

During the previous Democratic Primary I supported Bernie’s campaign. I contributed small amounts along with millions of others and spoke to local people to get the vote out. Like many I had high hopes after he won New Hampshire in a landslide.

Then the backlash from the Democratic establishment and media began in full force. For most of the nominating process Bernie was favored in polls to go against Trump. The people in power chose to fight him with propaganda and deceit. The result was a weak Clinton challenge to Donald Trump that ultimately failed.

This is where it gets personal. After being a strong supporter of Bernie Sanders, I swallowed my pride and voted for Hillary Clinton. Though I found her uninspiring as a candidate, I believed that her presidency would be better for the American people than a Trump administration. With a bitter taste in my mouth I cast my vote. All of this is not unique to me. My story is a common one.

Here we are four years later. Trump still has the support of an enthusiastic base of voters. They see him as the figurehead of their fervent nationalism. He has the backing of the Republican establishment after proving himself to be anything but a populist challenge to the system. He is a strong incumbent against any status quo Democrat.

Bernie appeals to voters who have become disenchanted with Trump and are looking again to challenge the political establishment. Bernie’s support among young and progressive voters is as strong as ever. His platform connects with the working class. His record on civil rights is outstanding and minorities support him. He is one of the most dedicated and effective advocates for veterans anywhere in politics.

Meanwhile Joe Biden and Michael Bloomberg have none of the broad appeal that Sanders has. They fail to connect with young voters and progressives whose turn out is essential to victory. They offer little to voters who are fed up with the status quo. They bring personal and political baggage to the table that Trump will certainly use against them.

The chief quality of both Biden and Bloomberg is that they are safe to those in power. That may earn them a cozy place in the media and the backing of oligarchs — heck, Bloomberg is an oligarch — but it is a serious liability in a general election against Trump.

Bernie can stand against Donald Trump and part of that owes to his visionary platform. It sets him apart from the other candidates. The way he inspires key voting blocs and draws working class voters away from Trump is essential to a successful Democratic challenge. The policies he proposes have been proven elsewhere in the world. They enjoy popular support here in the U.S. He has a winning platform.

Bernie will fight as President to enact his bold agenda. He will rally the people and work tirelessly on our behalf. I remain hopeful that Bernie will receive the Democratic nomination and if he does I believe he will go on to defeat Donald Trump in November. If it happens it will be in spite of every major power in the United States with one important exception: the will of the American people.