I don't think that the USA is ready to catch up with Europe, Canada, New Zealand or Australia politically. However, Sanders is another step on the way.
Otherwise, see St-Sinner's comment.

There is no doubt that Bernie Sanders is a decent man, honest man but presidential elections are not about decency. It is about the strength of the candidacy, the strength of the messenger and secondly about his message. Bernie is currently faltering on both although this is his second run. Elizabeth Warren just overtook him for the second spot.

Democrats are not desperate of a decent man. There are many decent men but not all can successfully win for president or challenge a ruthless candidate like Trump. We are desperate for a general, a leader who can lead us to victory, we do not want a nice man.

I agree that we owe our gratitude to Bernie for giving a voice for revolutionary ideas for healthcare for all and economic equality. What was a taboo 10 years ago, is a common talk now. He should rest and recover and retire from politics now. The age of 80 is long enough to quit (after 40 years in politics) and give the younger generation a chance to perform better.

If we ever get the Utopian plan passed in the next 20 years, we will name the law as "Bernie's Law."

Yes and the fundamentally decent people never get elected. Not sure what that says about us as a people.