I have always been a supporter of Bernie’s policies, but have been uncomfortable with the angry presentation style he prefers. It has been the trademark of Democrats since FDR and is taking the battle to ground the opposition is much more familiar with. We needed Bernie’s anger in ’08 when it would have been much more effective after the crash, as it was for FDR.

Ms Williamson may have just the message that would turn Trump voters, and she has very workable policy recommendations to back that up if one takes the time to listen. Her policy of direct investment in those things we wish to promote is nothing but a generalized recap of Bernie’s platform, but delivered in a way that doesn’t make voters’ eyes glaze over.

There is fertile ground for such a platform and delivery. Trump proved that by beating Hillary, the ultimate policy wonk, from her left without one single specific policy beyond building a wall, and even then he couched that with “make Mexico pay for it”. Was it a con? Hell yes. Had he followed up with any of his promises he could have been a transformational President, for the country and the GOP.

His voters can’t be blamed for believing and supporting him then, but now is a different story and I believe his potential is much weaker than the pundits would like to admit. That, of course, depends entirely on how firmly the DNC is rooted in the past and its neoliberalism.

Sadly, Ms Williamson will likely not be a contender much longer, which is why Anderson Cooper can afford to examine her more kindly than he would Bernie or Warren. That doesn’t mean that any of those in the running would not be making a big mistake by not giving her more consideration and finding some room in their campaign for her ideas, as well as her delivery methods.