The night began uneventfully, with the Mike2020 feed tweeting: ‘We promised to tweet stuff. We promised fun stuff. We promised the best stuff. Here we go.’

‘Mike’s not in tonight’s CCN Dem Debate,’ his staff added, ‘but, to get to know him better, here are some interesting facts about Mike.’

That was followed by a few actual facts – his place of birth and alma mater – before a message that said: ‘Test your political knowledge: SPOT THE MEATBALL THAT LOOKS LIKE MIKE.’…

The team then sent out a barrage of 43 tweets that included tidbits such as: ‘Mike’s house is designed to look exactly like the interior of the Millennium Falcon.’

Another said: ‘Mike has eaten clams casino for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day for the past 30 years.’