I believe someone like Bernie Sanders or Robert Reich must run for president.

[PDittie]

7. I think Bernie is quite likely to run

Just not as a Democrat. Since he isn't, you know, actually one. And if I'm right, it will be interesting to watch the reaction of those who still cling to a Nader-in-2000 grudge.

But Bernie will still only pull something around 4-5% tops, and almost no electoral votes. Might not even influence the electoral count in any more than a handful of Northeastern and Pacific Coast blue states.

Hillary Clinton is going to be the nominee if she runs, Joe Biden if she does not. And Ted Cruz or Rand Paul is going to be the GOP nominee. And hilarity will ensue. If it is Cruz versus Clinton -- and Clinton picks someone named Castro from Texas as her running mate -- it's all over for the foreseeable future for the Republicans. (White House prospects, that is.) Texas turns blue and stays that way for a generation or two, along with the nation.

If the Democratic nominee is Biden or *surprise* anybody else, then the GOP has a bonafide opening. That's all they have, is a puncher's chance.