The assumptions about this hypothetical Bernie/Trump debate epitomizes the current problem

[Armstead]

Some people are assuming that if Bernie were to actually debate trump (probably an unlikely prospect) they would double-team Clinton.

And that if Bernie does it, the purpose is to aid Trump.

First, there may be self-interest in terms of perhaps wanting to demonstrate to voters how he would be going up against Trump, to add to his electability argument.

But apart from that, it is quite possible that Bernie will pull an Elizabeth Warren on Trump. Go on offense against him big time, , and ultimately damage Trump against Clinton.

He also may say things like "Clinton and I have some differences, but we share a basic vision for America, and we both totally agree that you should not go anywhere near Washington DC."

[Gothmog]

1. If Sanders does this debate, he will be burning bridges with a number of groups

[Trust Buster]

2. You take this too seriously. Trump is just a tweeting fool. He's raising big time money from donors

now. No debate with Sanders will take place.

[dana_b]

3. Bernie has had ample opportunity to attack Hillary on e-mails, personal issues, etc.

but he hasn't done it and I don't think he would start during a debate with Trump! He has debated the ISSUES with Hillary - not gone into some attack mode. I think if Trump were to start in on Hillary that Bernie would head back to the issues. That's the way that he is!

[brooklynite]

4. There IS no debate, hypothetical or otherwise

[lumberjack_jeff]

5. It's not "possible", it's "without doubt".

Bernie debating Trump would be the best thing that could ever happen for Clinton.

Despite that, it's still one of the best things that could happen for democracy.

[YouDig]

6. I think the only person with something to gain is Trump.

Maybe Bernie goes after him, maybe he finds common ground, maybe both. Trump, for his part, would be very kind to Bernie, he has nothing to gain by attacking Bernie.

When Trump says "Bernie, I think the Dems rigged the system against you and you were cheated," is Bernie going to say "actually, no, we had a fair election and I just lost." Of course not, they will both be up there talking about how they are outsiders and the corrupt politicians tried to thwart them.

[BeyondGeography]

7. Trump would have a field day with it

Bernie would be assigned a pet nickname and be summarily dismissed, just like Little Marco or Lyin' Ted. Coming from someone who would never be his opponent, his criticisms would be so cute! "Your communist policies (because you are a Communist, Bernie, admit it) are so whacked out, I can see why even Crooked Hillary's beating you, Bernie..."

Then there is the criticism of Hillary problem. Does he stand up for her and look like her errand boy, or ignore them and do Trump a favor? A clear no-win situation.

I understand why Bernie took the initial bait, but his fans really should hope it stops there.