2016 Postmortem
Related: About this forumKaine says Clinton will try to work with GOP
BOSTON -- Tim Kaine is sounding a hopeful note that a Democratic White House could work with Republicans to bridge deep divides laid bare by this bitter presidential campaign.
The vice presidential candidate told The Associated Press on Saturday that he and Hillary Clinton have already spoken about how to heal the nation if they should win. He said tackling economic anxieties, finding common policy ground with the GOP and perhaps bringing Republicans into the administration would be elements of unity, though he added that he and Clinton did not discuss Cabinet positions.
"We have not run this campaign as a campaign against the GOP with the big broad brush we've run it against Donald Trump," Kaine said. He predicted: "We're going to get a lot of Republican votes and that will also be part of, right out of the gate, the way to bring folks back together."
Clinton's campaign has been preparing for the possibility that Trump won't concede the election if he loses, based on his assertions that the contest is rigged. Kaine said he hasn't talked with Clinton about that scenario.
Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/national-politics/article109990562.html
UncleTomsEvilBrother
(945 posts)As a rationally thinking DEM, I know the only solution is to be able to work with the "other side of the aisle", but I can't help but think how they were not willing to work with President B. throughout his entire term.
With hope, Hillary will get more accomplished.
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)there may be more motivation to cooperate. The alternative is another 8 years of obstructionism, and how did that work out for the GOP the first 8 years they did it? This time there is the added element that if Hillary has 8 years, it is highly likely that she will name a replacement for at least one of the remaining uber-right Justices.
However, my only real complaint with Obama that he was too quick to make bad deals. He just isn't much of a negotiator. I hope Hillary will be a bit more hard-nosed in negotiations.
Barack_America
(28,876 posts)Speed may be altered, but never course. Particularly for a dying party. Head due left, and never look back.
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)that a case can be made in certain areas (many of them) that the American public actually strongly favors the progressive positions. But it is a simple reality that, even if the GOP is willing to cooperate a little, it will be necessary to make some deals.
I certainly agree with what I think you are saying to the extent that if the GOP continues to obstruct everything, then hell with them. Make this the beginning of the 2018 campaign and base that on very progressive ideas, keeping people like Elizabeth and Bernie near the front of the parade. And we can continue to tie what remains of the GOP to people like Trump and Britebart.
TCJ70
(4,387 posts)Deals are where both sides give up something...we need to be sure we start far enough left to not give up things unnecessarily before negotiations begin. We have 8 years of history to suggest the GOP will continue to obstruct everything so why not go for gold?
BlueStreak
(8,377 posts)or her husband, for that matter.
We can't draw the line a mile away from the GOP on every issue. But there are a few issues that are worth staking out a very aggressive position. The college assistance is one such program.
Another important one is the funding of Social Security and Medicare. Hillary said all the right things in the debates. That's exactly where she should stake out her solution, and not even entertain any privatizing discussions. After all, the public strong supports her position, and she should relish the opportunity to take the show on the road to point out what the Ayn Randers want to do.
Third Doctor
(1,574 posts)Lucinda
(31,170 posts)oasis
(49,400 posts)nolabels
(13,133 posts)That's crazy
Barack_America
(28,876 posts)Scrape them off, they're done. Don't provide them legitimacy.
Bucky
(54,041 posts)Big Dog tried it. Obama tried it. Whenever we stick our hands across the aisle they always shit on it. But really the right thing to do is to try. Don't be a chump, but yes, do ask them to come along and compromise. If they do, we make progress. If they're not willing, make them say it in public. That's what makes them lose elections.
William769
(55,147 posts)Make them look to be the fools that they are.
socialist_n_TN
(11,481 posts)would be Republican priorities. Is that what the Democratic Party is about? That's a serious question, NOT rhetorical.
Guy Whitey Corngood
(26,501 posts)Recursion
(56,582 posts)And they'll stonewall her, just like they did Obama.
But we are still the adults in the room, and it's still on us to keep trying. Kaine is right.
Johnny2X2X
(19,107 posts)And if we can somehow win the House it's going to be easier to work with them.
book_worm
(15,951 posts)they won't try to work with her at all.
TCJ70
(4,387 posts)8 more years of Republican stonewalling and obstruction! If that's what they're going to do, and it is, you turn left as hard as you can and go into every negotiation from that standpoint. No more giving up things before talks begin.
FrenchieCat
(68,867 posts)As it is the next census year! Till then, we most likely will have a GOP House if nothing else!
DemonGoddess
(4,640 posts)I'm hopeful that she can bring that spirit of working together back.