"We won't tax you! We won't tax me! We'll tax that feller behind the tree!"

[Atticus]

That little bit of rhyme was, I believe, attributed to LBJ. He was a TRUE master of the deal and often went about it by doing his best to make getting his way seem painless to his opponents. But he DID understand and acknowledge that even the best proposed undertakings would not get off the ground if you could not explain how they would be funded.

I am a liberal. I doubt you can name a progressive policy proposal---from Medicare for All to a $15 minimum wage to the Equal Rights Amendment---that I do not wholeheartedly support. I'm sure I could make up a "wish list" of a couple dozen proposals that, in my opinion, would make this nation---and the world---a better place. So, would I support a candidate who would look at my list and "promise" to enact it all? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

That candidate would be insulting my intelligence. His or her "explanation" as to where the money for all these wonderful programs would come from would be either vague nonsense or super-complicated formulas made up to obfuscate rather than explain.

I'd rather hear the simple truth. "Here's what I believe and here are my priorities. I believe we MUST accomplish X and, once that's done, my priorities will be Y, Z and maybe A. I would increase these taxes, cut these expenditures and persuade private investment to reduce taxpayer burden."

Unicorn salesmen do not deserve our support.

[brooklynite]

1. Another apt quote...

"A billion here, a billion there, pretty soon you're talking about REAL money..." -- Sen. Everett Dirksen

[Atticus]

7. One of my favorites:

"Some of my friends support the measure, and some of my friends oppose it. I support my friends."-----Dirksen again.

[Gravitycollapse]

2. Not that complicated. Decrease defense spending and impose reasonable tax on wealthy.

Those two things alone would fund all the programs you want.

If you think believing that makes Sanders a "unicorn salesmen," I think your vision of a possible future is quite bland.

[Atticus]

3. I don't believe I mentioned ANY specific candidate. If you believe those generic remarks

concern Bernie, that's for you to explain.

But, the title of your post is, indeed, the type of "vague nonsense" the OP mentioned.

[Gravitycollapse]

4. It's literally not vague nonsense. It's direct policy.

Just as solid as any other candidates policy. You think it's "vague nonsense" unless they have a bill drafted?

Obviously, you're speaking about Sanders. So don't insult my intelligence suggesting otherwise.

[Atticus]

10. "Insult your intelligence"? No, I'll just let your post speak for itself. nt

[Scurrilous]

5. When is the last time Republicans in Congress voted to increase income taxes?

And defense spending has gone up 5 years in a row, aided in part by programs Bernie Sanders supports. Any cuts to this budget have to be passed by Congress. Again how will Bernie get the votes? Answer: he won't. You can't pay for stuff with a slogan. No plan to pass, no plan to pay. It's unicorns.

[Gravitycollapse]

8. This is a rather cynical view of things. And it requires an admission...

That there is no way to curtail defense spending or increase taxes on the wealthy. So we might as well go along with it.

Excuse me if I do believe that's nonsense. If being successful means sacrificing our principles, I don't want to succeed. If the only way to beat Trump is to become him, why bother?

[Scurrilous]

13. Congress loves pork. Good luck getting them off it.

Bernie was asked how he'd cut the military budget in an interview w/ VOX. He said he'd present a budget and everyone would say OK. I'm dead serious. That is his plan. That's why I'm cynical. He did it to me.

[Gravitycollapse]

14. Like I said, if being successful means abandoning our principles, it's not worth it.

If we all agree that defense spending is out of control, then there is no reason why our candidate shouldn't do something about it.

[DaDeacon]

12. Sooo we should only propose...

Things that Republicans will vote for?!? I mean if we win the presidency it's not unreasonable to think we could win the Senate. Even if we don't should we only aim small. Safe and small will get you a big ol nothing. At least FIGHT for what you want.

[Scurrilous]

16. We're not getting 60 votes in the Senate.

We have a small chance at majority. Slim.

Actually that's a trick question though. Trump's tax cut is a tax increase in 10 years when some of the cuts disappear and turn into net tax increases.

The GOP won't up taxes. They take a pledge. LOL It's been almost three decades since the GOP voted for income tax increase. So we need Dems.

[Atticus]

17. I have no real idea where you got your premise. nt

[DaDeacon]

18. Post #5

Please keep up or read other post before posting:
"When is the last time Republicans in Congress voted to increase income taxes"

[Atticus]

21. My bad. You are correct. nt

[HarlanPepper]

6. He's also said he's going to raise taxes on middle income folks to pay for M4A

That will go over like a turd in a punch bowl to a GE electorate.

[Gravitycollapse]

11. A modest tax increase for fully funded healthcare. They will spend much less overall.

If that goes over like a turd in a punch bowl, it's because people are ignorant of the facts.

[UniteFightBack]

29. 75% of Americans are against it. And yes people are ignorant to facts...where have you been? nt

[oldsoftie]

24. Still wouldnt add up to be enough. EVERYONE has to pay more.

In Europe EVERYONE pays. Thats the only way it'll ever work here.
You cant get enough from the Defense Dept and still have a viable effective force.
And plenty of experts will be happy to point that out in a campaign

[Loki Liesmith]

28. Counterpoint: that's not near enough.

[TheFarseer]

9. It's not 1992

Balance the Budget guy gets killed in an election nowadays. Hell, balance the budget guy didn’t even win in 92.

[Doremus]

15. The problem for too long has been we've been too eager to give up a mile to gain an inch

In negotiations you start high and use concessions as bargaining chips. You don't take single payer off the table before you've even arrived at the table, let alone before anybody's even asked you to. Not if you are serious about enacting real change.

Interesting that you bring up LBJ, the man who gave us Medicare. Did he announce that single payer was off the table? Just the opposite, he badgered and pressured opponents until they capitulated. THAT is how it is done. And THAT is what has been missing for 40 years. In its place we've had centrist incrementalism, i.e. give repukes whatever they want and accept a few crumbs in return.

I hope the people take back their power this cycle. I also hope it isn't too late.

[DaDeacon]

19. This guy is spot on!!!

[Atticus]

20. I don't think I disagree with anything you've said. We could do much better than we've been doing.

But, there is still a difference between horses and unicorns and we have to know which we're shopping for.

[MarcA]

22. +1,000 n/t

[dflprincess]

26. Bingo! nt

[Hoyt]

27. Problem is that the general election is not where you start bargaining with the ploy.

[Sherman A1]

23. Here is the list of Policy Proposals from Andrew Yang and a link to his website for more details.

https://www.yang2020.com/policies/

The Freedom Dividend
Human-Centered Capitalism
Improve the American Scorecard
Empowering Unions in the 21st Century
Ending Predatory Payday Loans
Federally Regulate Online Poker
End Bidding Wars for Corporate Relocation
Timing of Payments for Small Businesses
Data as a Property Right
Crypto/Digital Asset Regulation and Consumer Protection
Empowering MMA Fighters
Prevent Airlines from Removing Customers
Increase Assistance for Single Parents
Make it Easier to Save for Retirement
Make it Easy for Americans to Move for Work
Ease the Transition to Self-Driving Vehicles
Capital Gain/Carried Interest Tax
Financial Transaction Tax
NCAA Should Pay Athletes
Zoning
Provide Basic Banking Services through the Post Office
Value-Added Tax
Net Neutrality
ENVIRONMENT
Combat Climate Change
Hold the Future Accountable
Nuclear Energy Stopgap
Geoengineering
Flood Prevention
Positive Use of Military Expertise
Sustainable Development
Using Trade Deals to Fight Climate Change
Powering a Sustainable World
Financing a Sustainable Economy
Sustainable Practices – Buildings, Materials, Storage
Sustainable Agriculture
Renewable Energy
Move to Higher Ground
Invest in Research and Adaptation
Sustainable Transportation
Fossil Fuels: Their Days Are Over
Preservation of Public Lands and Water
Reduce Wildfires
Grid Modernization Race to the Top
Reduce Packaging Waste
The Penny Makes No Cents
Carbon Fee and Dividend
Rebuild American Infrastructure
VOTING REFORM
Democracy Dollars
Attack Dark Money
Ranked Choice Voting
Amend the Voting Rights Act
Prohibit Voter ID Laws
Early Voting and Vote by Mail
Native American Voting Rights and Polling Locations
Voting for People with Disabilities (PWD)
Election Security
Reform the FEC
Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons
Improving the Electoral College
Automatic and Same-Day Voter Registration
End Partisan Gerrymandering
Make Election Day a Holiday
Lower the Voting Age to 16
Modernize Voting
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
Reduce Mass Incarceration
Legalize Marijuana
Decrease Pre-Trial Cash Bail
Fighting the Rise of White Nationalism and Extremism
Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons
Decriminalize Opioids
Every Cop Gets a Camera
Gun Safety
Algorithmic Trading/Fraud
Hold Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable
Economic Crime
HEALTHCARE
Medicare for All
Control Prescription Drug Cost
Opioid Crisis
Women’s Right to Choose
Care for People with Disabilities
Preventative Care and Food Security
Investing in Telehealth
Invest in America’s Mental Health
Fund Medical Technology Innovation
Fund Autism Intervention
Right to Privacy/Abortion and Contraception
Expand Access to Medical Experts
Hold Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable
EDUCATION
Reduce Student Loan Burden
Promote Vocational Education
Supporting HBCUs
Inclusivity for LGBTQ+ Youth in Schools
End Active Shooter Drills
Expand Selective Schools
American Exchange Program
Early Childhood Education for All
Control the Cost of Higher Education
Make Community College Affordable for All
Life-Skills Education in All High Schools
Increase Teacher Salaries
GOVERNMENT REFORM
Stop the D.C. Revolving Door
Prevent Corruption in the Federal Government
Department of Technology
End the Filibuster
12-Year Congressional Term Limits
Make Washington, DC, a State
Head of Culture and Ceremony
Public Council of Advisors
18 Year Term Limit for Supreme Court Justices
Revive the Office of Technology Assessment
Relocate Federal Agencies
Make Puerto Rico a State
Limit Bureaucracy in the Federal Workforce
Automatically Sunset Old Laws
Support the Revival of Earmarks
Closely Monitor Mental Health of White House Staff
Tort Reform/Reasonableness Dismissals
Local Journalism Fund
American Journalism Fellows
Media Fragmentation
Making Taxes Fun
FAMILY / SOCIAL COHESION
LGBTQ+ Rights
Expansion and Restoration Voting Rights
Minimize Harm of Modern Tech on Our Children
Support for Transgender Individuals
Clean Water is a Human Right
Fight the Spread of Hateful Ideas
Improving Our Political Rhetoric
Extend Daylight Saving Time All Year
Modern Time Banking
Support for the Arts
Free Marriage Counseling for All
Prosperity Grants
Right to Privacy/Abortion and Contraception
Free Financial Counseling for All
Early Childhood Education for All
Implement Mandatory Paid Leave Policy
American Mall Act
Robo-Calling Text Line
WOMEN
Women in Leadership
Women’s Right to Choose
Paid Family Leave
Guaranteed Childcare
Working Conditions During Pregnancy
Fight for Equal Pay
Increase Assistance for Single Parents
FOREIGN POLICY
Foreign Policy First Principles
Veteran Employment and Businesses
Ending Veteran Suicide
Positive Use of Military Expertise
Sustainable Development
Using Trade Deals to Fight Climate Change
Powering a Sustainable World
Every Vet Under a Roof Initiative
Controlled Substance Waivers for Veterans
Improving Veteran Health
Military Training: The Gold Standard
GI Bill Improvements
Reverse Boot Camp
Quantum Computing and Encryption Standards
Southern Border Security
Modernize Military Spending
Nuclear Launch Decisions
IMMIGRATION
Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
Support the DREAM Act
Entice High-Skill Individuals
Southern Border Security

[highplainsdem]

25. K&R

[NurseJackie]

30. No lollipops. No unicorns. No pie in the sky.