a genuine commitment to public service, particularly an extremely well-informed one.

because you're much more well informed and intelligent than he is. But I guess he's at least intelligent enough to realize that.

... have about debating Bernie is the fear of having their time wasted.

There is no political benefit to either. The only benefit here would be Bernie getting free airtime because his donations have dried up, and he can't afford to buy it.

Bernie, out of sheer desperation, tried to rope Donald into a "debate" - and got punked. Trump is his party's nominee - HRC is her Party's nominee. Why would either waste their time debating Mr. Also-Ran Loser?

... that's your prerogative.

It doesn't change the fact that debating Bernie-the-Loser is a waste of their time.

... to that hope.

I can't see why she would.

... put any faith in her as president?

Uh, because they know her, because they've dealt with her as First Lady and as SoS, because she has forged relationships with people the world over while Bernie was naming post offices in Vermont?

That's why HRC has the SDs she has, the endorsements she has, the support she has - because she earned it by working with people - instead of spending her entire career complaining about everything, and accomplishing little.

Do you honestly think that any "world leaders" are thinking, "OMG! She refused to debate that loser guy - how can we ever trust her again?"

I'm kind of hoping he goes for Elizabeth Warren.