Let me say once again that my deep concern about Sanders as a candidate is not about his presidency — it’s my fear that he can’t beat Donald Trump.

Bret: As you know, sometimes (in my darker moods) I’m disposed to think he’s the only Democrat who can beat Trump. He inspires the same kind of fervent, true-believing following as Trump. He has a clearly articulated sense of right and wrong that makes it easy for his supporters to feel good about voting for him, without looking closely at the fine print or price tag of his policy proposals. He channels the rage so many Americans feel not only about Trump, but of the entire system he represents. And Sanders can win at least some of the working-class voters who went for Trump last time and who feel the president has done nothing to make their lives better.

Gail: Well that cheers me up.

Bret: On other days, I think he’s the reincarnation of George McGovern and will lose to Trump in one of the biggest landslides in history.

Gail: You know, I always liked George McGovern. He never yelled.

Bret: He also became a hard-working capitalist in his later years, after he tried to run a hotel in Connecticut that went under as a result of overregulation. Sorry, please continue.

Gail: We’re on very different pages here. You think Bernie could win but he’d be terrible as president. I think he’d be fine in office, but I’m worried he won’t win. Think positive. Maybe we’re both right: Bernie can win and if he does, the country will be better off.

Bret: Alternative hypothesis: Maybe he can’t win, and he would be a terrible president. Which is sort of like the joke about the food being terrible and the portions too small.