The Democratic Party has moved too far to the left.

[Dill]

(12-02-2019, 03:21 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: In that sense, absolutely.  In the sense that they can advance far left programs like paying off college debt, socialist medicine with no private insurance, essentially eliminating the country's borders, drastically decriminalizing crimes against property, etc. they are not at all.  For all of Trump's foibles, of which there are many, his policy positions are not that radical.  His words/tweets are completely beyond the pale and he is clearly comfortable with using his position to his advantage, but his policy positions are pretty standard GOP positions.  His biggest difference with GOP orthodoxy is in the foreign policy sector.

Perhaps if I lived in CA I would be more familiar with some of the above-mentioned "leftism." I am not aware of any push to decriminalize property crimes, etc.  Not sure what "essentially" eliminating borders consists in, nor how representative of the Dem party such positions are. 

But paying off college debt and "socialist medicine" have the ring of public schooling, social security, GI bill and Medicare--programs once opposed as "socialism" but which 20 years after implementation become 3rd rails no politician wants to touch.  

Foreign policy blunders have far more disaster potential for the US economy and democracy than whatever "socialist medicine" is likely to be. Some 10% of the GOP have recognized this this. I think it the primary reason for never-Trumpers.  

(12-02-2019, 03:21 PM)Sociopathicsteelerfan Wrote: What people like you routinely fail to grasp is that a Trump voter can be aware of all these things, completely acknowledge them, and still prefer Trump to an Elizabeth Warren or Bernie Sanders for pure policy reasons. 

Trump voters may be very aware of the "dangers of socialism," for sure (and much less aware of Trump's consequences for foreign policy).  Their big donors know it means higher taxes for them.  Trump and Fox have chosen to emphasize these dangers as part of the risk of opposing Trump.
 
So would you agree that fear of "socialism" plays an important part in keeping Trump in office, in keeping his appeal?