...Some of that could be racism, but, it's mostly partisan hatred, imo.
I think it's not a question of could, only a question of percentages...
I still think Bernie is the strongest candidate vs. Trump. Anyone who tries to play Trump's game is going to lose. Trump can say indefensible horrible, non-factual things and the ignorant rubes will bend over and obey. People on the left actually care about accuracy and morality. So, if you engage Trump in the mud slinging, my theory is that it's going to energize the Trump base, because they love that ****. But, if you're basically a broken record on policy like Bernie Sanders is, Trump has no defense on that. Trump is 100% ignorant on policy and 100% unable to feel compassion or empathy towards other humans. So, he struggles connecting dots on what bad policy actually does to people. He'll basically have conspiracies, slander, and standard right wing talking points. If Sanders is just a left wing golem animated to speak Medicare-For-All, Climate Change, and Corruption, I think Sanders takes it with a walk off home run.
I agree with your low opinion of Don and his mud slinging. It's never a good idea to compete with someone who acts like a child and enjoys making mud pies. As much as I like Saunders and love his proposals, I think Sander's would be the weakest candidate vs Trump. I think he's doing a great disservice to the Dem party.
Regardless of what the Dems, do, say, or nominate, they couldn't possibly energize The Cult more. Don has wound the stem of The Cult's watch until it won't move. They've never had someone who expresses their fear and hatred so often and crudely and it makes their hearts soar like an eagle.
Both sides are as energized as they can get. Dem nominees don't
need to inspire or motivate their base with far left proposals. They're going to vote for anyone but Don regardless of whoever's on the ballot. If both sides are spoken for, it's all a question of how the majority of moderate conservatives and independents vote.
Pander to them, tell them what they want to hear, whatever it takes. We
need them, the fate of our country is literally in their hands. Thankfully after watching the clown show for two years, we have most of them sewn up. Let's try not to piss them off with radical proposals, this isn't the time. We have to get our foot in the door before we can start moving the country in a better direction.
We won't know who'll have the best shot against Don until four to six months before the Dems choose their nominee. Let's wait until then before we make our decision. And for God's sake, I hope it's a practical,
not inspirational choice.
Btw, why are only Dem candidates referred to by their first names? For Dems it might be an endearment thing, for The Cult, I think it's more of a unconscious or intended lack of respect thing, like calling a black man a boy...