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>The shift from Bush to Obama was a tiny shift compared to what going from Obama to Sanders would be. Nope. The shift from Bush to Obama was immense. It result

by Bud 11y ago

>The shift from Bush to Obama was a tiny shift compared to what going from Obama to Sanders would be. Nope. The shift from Bush to Obama was immense. It resulted in two Supreme Court nominations by a Democrat instead of a Republican. What would the Obama to Sanders change be? Zero. Nothing. The shift from Bush to Obama resulted in every Cabinet position becoming Democratic too, of course. Obama to Sanders? Basically no shift would result here; possibly a couple nominations that are slightly further leftwards. Legislatively, what would Sanders veto that Obama hasn't? Very little. Would Sanders have more or less luck than Obama at passing major legislation with a hostile Congress? Hard to say for sure, but I'd argue he'd have less luck, simply because he's less moderate. You're right, of course, that Obama is a moderate, but still wrong about your overall point.

vidarh 11y ago
I find it absolutely crazy that you write off the change of someone who could have comfortably served in the Reagan administration (Obama) to a socialist as "zero". Yes, if that's all that happens, he'd be severely constrained. But you appear to totally miss my point, unless I've misunderstood you: An electorate that votes for Sanders over issues is an electorate where a majority would be fundamentally out of step with every Republican and pretty much every serving Democrat in Congress with perhaps a handful of exceptions. The only situation where there wouldn't be massive changes in Congress over such a presidency would be if these people elect Sanders almost entirely over personality or party membership rather issues. Which is possible, but, as I said, it would be truly bizarre. (I say this as a European well to the left of Sanders; I really hope he gets elected as it would be fantastic to see the US shift more in line with Europe, but I give him a snowballs chance in hell)

by Bud 11y ago

vidarh 11y ago

I find it absolutely crazy that you write off the change of someone who could have comfortably served in the Reagan administration (Obama) to a socialist as "zero". Yes, if that's all that happens, he'd be severely constrained. But you appear to totally miss my point, unless I've misunderstood you: An electorate that votes for Sanders over issues is an electorate where a majority would be fundamentally out of step with every Republican and pretty much every serving Democrat in Congress with perhaps a handful of exceptions. The only situation where there wouldn't be massive changes in Congress over such a presidency would be if these people elect Sanders almost entirely over personality or party membership rather issues. Which is possible, but, as I said, it would be truly bizarre. (I say this as a European well to the left of Sanders; I really hope he gets elected as it would be fantastic to see the US shift more in line with Europe, but I give him a snowballs chance in hell)