This is what I got when I asked Canva’s AI illustration generator to give me a picture of “donkeys debating,” in case you wondered whether AI is ready to manage human civilization on our behalf. (Behalves?)

Anyway, the subject for today’s sermon is the Democratic primary for governor, featuring two worthy but unconventional candidates: Economic policy analyst Amanda Janoo versus Aly Richards, best known as the former head of Let’s Grow Kids. One can only hope that the primary campaign will start attracting more than token attention, now that the legislative session is safely in the rear-view.

(Prime example of token attention: This WPTZ-TV whiz-banger from March 11 entitled “Vermont Gov. Phil Scott applauds Amanda Janoo for running for governor.” We’re so glad you approve, sir.)

If you’re of a mind to pay some attention, there’s no better place to begin than two recent editions of “802 News,” the podcast hosted by veteran journalist (a.k.a. Fellow Old Guy) Mark Johnson. He conducted in-depth interviews with both candidates, providing insight into the beliefs and personalities of the two contenders in a convenient two-part package. Listening to them gives you a clear picture of two candidates who promise very different approaches to the office.

Richards is a self-described centrist Democrat who offered words of praise for Republican governor Deane Davis, “a pragmatic, very effective governor.” (To which Johnson replied “Good answer.”) Her “big proposition” isn’t specific policies, it’s “the approach. I don’t have all the answers.”

Richards’ only criticism of Scott was indirect. She spoke of a lack of “specific vision.” She presented herself as a moderate Scott alternative with a more strategic approach.

Janoo, on the other hand, is an unrepentant progressive — I’d call her a democratic socialist — although she doesn’t use either term. Right out of the gate, she referred to the Trump administration as “a bunch of sociopaths,” and “at the state level we’ve got a governor who’s holding the Legislature hostage over forced school consolidation,” remarks that were true enough when she made them, before Scott’s sudden compromise with the Legislature on school reform.

And she said, quite correctly, that many of Vermont’s challenges have gotten worse under Scott including health care, housing, homelessness, workforce development, and even Scott’s favorite issue, affordability. She was also critical of the Democratic Legislature for failing to take up the Fair Share plan, which would impose tax surcharges on those who earn more than $500,000.

Janoo advocates universal primary care as an achievable alternative to single-payer health care. She’d pay for it with something like Fair Share. She’d also ease property tax pressure on homeowners by enacting higher taxes on second homes and short-term rentals, and targeting corporate ownership of housing stock. “We need to take bold and swift action to get to the root causes” of our problems, she said.

The choice for Democratic voters couldn’t be clearer. If you think a centrist, pragmatic Democrat is the most electable kind, then Richards is your candidate. If you want a real contrast with Scott and an unabashedly progressive agenda, then Janoo is for you.

It must also be said that Johnson’s two interviews revealed the challenges of the first-time candidate. Both Richards and Janoo have experience in communicating ideas and convincing others to go along, but neither have been in the spotlight themselves. Richards came across as a bit over-eager, a little too energetic, as if she was really trying to hold your attention and not quite certain she could pull it off. Janoo was cautious with her answers, especially in the first half of the interview. There were some long pauses. But she warmed to the task, and the second half was much smoother.

I do think either candidate could be a good, or even great, governor. Richards did yeoman’s work in convincing the Legislature to enact an expansive new child care program, proving that she has the skills and the gumption to advance good policy. Janoo has worked with governments in America and elsewhere, promoting progressive ideas and getting them implemented. They may be unconventional candidates, but each has done the job and enjoyed success in the public policy sphere.

This is a debate worth having. Let’s hope it gets a lot of attention over the next two and a half months. Good on Mark Johnson for getting us off on the right foot.