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They are supported because both are beyond reproach: Sanders has raised more independent money than any candidate in the history of elections and Trump is self-financing his campaign so far.

They are also unequivocal. Sanders attacks the one per cent agenda, and Trump explains why big shots get favours for donations. “Hillary Clinton, I said, be at my wedding, and she came to my wedding. She had no choice because I gave to a [Clinton] foundation,” he said bluntly in the first GOP debate in August.

Americans are fed up with political payola. Ever since 2010, when the Supreme Court opened up campaign contributions, their government has been auctioned off to the highest corporate and billionaire bidders. The result is that politicians and policies are not aligned with public opinion on everything from same-sex marriage to marijuana legalization, gun controls, health care. In these matters, Americans and Canadians are in sync.

For instance, a January poll showed that 80 per cent of Democrats and 25 per cent of Republicans support a single-payer system like Sanders is proposing, known there as “extended Medicare.” Endorsement grows.

For Canadians (and Americans), the worst outcome would be a Donald Trump victory. He would build fences against both neighbours, actual or virtual. He’s pledged a bigger wall with Mexico and says Canada wouldn’t require one, but the warning is obvious. For example, a Trump Presidency would react decisively if smuggling resulted from legalization of marijuana in Canada. Perhaps we would face a “Cannabis” toll at border crossings or, certainly, a more clogged border for our goods.