OK, we now have reports that Trump and Sanders have kinda-sorta agreed to a debate before the California Primary:
In the latest twist to this unpredictable 2016 presidential race, presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders independently agreed Wednesday night to debate each other.
Donald Trump appears on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" AP
On ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" Trump was asked if he would consider holding a debate with Sanders. Trump agreed to the idea.
"If he paid a sum toward charity I would love to do that," said the business mogul, noting that a Sanders vs. Trump debate "would have such high ratings."
Bernie tweeted in response:
So let’s run through the potential scenarios:
- Trump comes up with an excuse to back out.
- Result: Trump looks like a punk.
- Bernie debates, and does not come off well.
- Result: Hillary wins, not Donald, because Trump cannot use this against Hillary, and it makes her nomination more certain.
- Bernie gets more exposure to his platform, and gets to present a real contrast anyway.
- Bernie murderizes Trump in the debate.
- Result: Bernie wins because he wins the debate, and is likely to get more votes in the remaining primaries.
- Result: Hillary wins, because Trump is damaged while the likely nominee gets to appear above the fray.
- Bernie gets more exposure to his platform, and gets to present a real contrast with someone who disagrees with him.
- The Yellowstone supervolcano erupts.
- Ash covers ¼ of the United States which destroys much of midwest agricultural production.
- Sulphur dioxide levels in the atmosphere surge to unheard of levels, with resultant massive climate disruptions.
- We finally get rid of the Iowa Caucuses. (Win!)
- Trump does not become president (Win!)
OK, so that last one is a mixed bag, but I do not see any that Trump can benefit from this.
It all reflects well on Democratic prospects in November, which is a good thing.
It’s all upsides, and no downsides.
Saul Goodman.