An ally of Mr Trump’s even went on the radio to promise a “bloodbath” if the vote is “stolen” from him. In response to this terrifying list of policies, Mr Trump’s opponents appear remarkably complacent. Perhaps that is because even Mr Trump talks about his campaign as if it’s a ratings game. During an interview with The Washington Post, he interrupted himself to point at the TV, which he had on in the background: “Look at this. It’s all Trump all day long. That’s why their ratings are through the roof.”

He lists his poll numbers like football scores. He beams superciliously at his fans like a Hollywood action man. “Yes,” his smile says. “Finally you see it too: what a brilliant guy I really am.” It all seems more reality TV than reality. That must be why the American establishment still doesn’t really believe he could win and moderate or liberal voters are far from panicked.

They are underestimating the structural changes that have been taking place in a disillusioned electorate, which hasn’t seen its wages rise for years. Despite the existential threat posed by this reckless demagogue, supporters of Bernie Sanders are extraordinarily reluctant to swing behind Hillary Clinton.