Bernie Sanders' supporters are convinced he could win a general election. They're wrong.

Just consider the kinds of attacks he would face from Republicans

Supporters of Bernie Sanders may have unrealistic faith in him.
(Image credit: AP Photo/Mel Evans)

Bernie Sanders' rather unconventional personal style and characteristics are part of his appeal. Not some blow-dried politician who could fill in doing the weather on your local newscast, Sanders looks different from other candidates. A 74-year-old socialist with wild hair, frumpy suits, and an old-timey Brooklyn accent thicker than a pastrami sandwich, Sanders seems like the last guy who'd be able to assemble a national majority. But if that's what you think, his supporters will tell you, you've got it all wrong. In fact, they say, Bernie is the only Democrat who can win in the fall. It's only if the party screws up and nominates Hillary Clinton that Democrats are doomed.

It may be getting late in the process for arguments about electability, particularly when Clinton will almost have the nomination in hand if she wins in New York. But since Sanders supporters are so insistent on this point, it's worth exploring.

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Paul Waldman

Paul Waldman is a senior writer with The American Prospect magazine and a blogger for The Washington Post. His writing has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, and web sites, and he is the author or co-author of four books on media and politics.