Although surveys say that more Americans are moderate than liberal, I do think a progressive candidate could win. But, in order to win, that candidate must give very detailed information as to how they plan on accomplishing their goals in a way that sounds reasonable. For example, Medicare isn't a program that is simply provided by government. Part C, the Advantage plans are very popular and they are provided by private insurance companies. The 20% plans that cover Part B deductibles are optional but they are all provided by insurance companies. And, Part D, the drug coverage part of Medicare is all provided by private insurance companies. They have a lot of copays and far too many drugs are unaffordable or not even covered. What can we do about that? Many people want to continue with private insurance, because the fact is that these policies are often, not always, but often, much better than Medicare coverage. I speak from personal experience. So, a candidate who says we need to get rid of all insurance plans like Bernie did, is unlikely to win enough moderates. But, a candidate who explains that there will be options, has a much better chance of being successful.
What I would like to see is a detailed plan. It will contain how the money will be provided, what the costs and copays will be to the individual, what options the individual will have when they choose their coverage, etc. etc. For the most part right now, all we are hearing is a slogan. Medicare for All tells me almost nothing. We need a smart candidate with a realistic plan. That candidate can be very progressive as long as he/she is realistic. They can support a plan to increase taxes on the upper few percent, but it has to be reasonable. That candidate can support more help for lower income people, as long as it's reasonable and easy to understand.
Things like raising the minimum wage, assuring that SS will remain intact for both current recipients as well as the younger generations, doing a lot more to save the environment and decreasing dependency on fossil fuels are things that both liberals and moderates usually support. I'm waiting for a candidate that explains how they are going to do these things. Unfortunately, that candidate must also have an appealing personality, one that exemplifies the ability to work with both foreign and domestic leaders of different types, and is also pleasing to the American electorate. Who will that candidate be? If all you have is to tell me that I'm not far enough to the left or I'm too far to the right, don't waste your time answering.
The icing on the cake would be some good, constructive ideas regarding foreign policy. That certainly would be a nice change. I do sometimes wonder about the sanity of anyone who wants the job, especially considering the mess he/she will have to clean up.
