2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Can Bernie supporters comprehend why someone would prefer Hillary over Bernie? [View all]JohnnyRingo
(18,581 posts)I reside in a democratic union stronghold in NE Ohio, and many, many, of the voters here identify with the term. A lot of them despise Clinton as well, but not because she's not liberal enough. Believe it or not, they fall for media hype and see her as too liberal for their likes. They would laugh at the notion that she's on the political right.
The republicans are not likely to put up one of the far right whacks that currently dominate in the polls. Just like in every past primary since WWII, they will filter down to the most moderate candidate on the ballot. I look for John Kasich or Jeb Bush to survive the final cut, relatively common sense moderates both. The far right will howl that "the fix was in" as usual, then show up en masse to cast their vote... again, as usual.
She's very polarizing, so I'm not optimistic about how Ms Clinton will do against either, but I know that if the great middle who elect our presidents are faced with a choice between a perceived moderate republican and a far left candidate, they'll vote for the one who will do no harm and maintain the status quo.
No one will ever use the slogan "Let's Kick The Can Down The Road", but that position is what attracts the 60% in the middle aren't as enthusiastic about their party affiliation as liberals and Tea Party voters. People naturally tend to fear radical change.
I agree with nearly all of Bernie's position on issues, but that "Socialist" handle, whether warranted or not, is poison to American politics. As we know, most foolishly relate it to Communism.