However, I am not convinced Bernie could have gotten an agenda through either. It's not exactly like his political ideals are even loved by a lot of the Democrats in government.
Not saying I wouldn't have wanted him for president, I voted for him. But I am not convinced he would have been any more effective than Carter.
It's really hard to implement a progressive agenda when even the so-called left isn't on that agenda's side.
Look to FDR as a model of what happens when a progressive agenda gets a firebrand President. It's not like the politics were all that different, or Congress any less corrupt.
That's the point of the firebrand President. We have not had a President since FDR who knows how to stand up to special interests and even their own party when necessary.
You mean on principal? Those in Congress with principals are on our side. Those without principals can be convinced it's in their best interest. Don't fall for the facade that anything that happens in Congress is ideologically driven.
Their best interest is also whatever helps keep them in office. Terrible representatives are typically only secure in their offices if they have the protection of the party. The President has as much power as leader of their party as they get from their actual office. FDR used that to great effect.
The point is that it's a self-imposed handicap. If a party has 50%+ in both houses and the presidency, they have the ability to pass whatever they like and choose not to use it.
That is entirely possible.
However, I am not convinced Bernie could have gotten an agenda through either. It's not exactly like his political ideals are even loved by a lot of the Democrats in government.
Not saying I wouldn't have wanted him for president, I voted for him. But I am not convinced he would have been any more effective than Carter.
It's really hard to implement a progressive agenda when even the so-called left isn't on that agenda's side.
Look to FDR as a model of what happens when a progressive agenda gets a firebrand President. It's not like the politics were all that different, or Congress any less corrupt.
I disagree. The politics were a lot different. For example, the filibuster worked completely differently.
You only need 50%+ of the senate to change the rules that allow the filibuster.
Good luck with that.
That's the point of the firebrand President. We have not had a President since FDR who knows how to stand up to special interests and even their own party when necessary.
Why would they listen to him and get rid of the filibuster if they don't agree with his agenda?
You mean on principal? Those in Congress with principals are on our side. Those without principals can be convinced it's in their best interest. Don't fall for the facade that anything that happens in Congress is ideologically driven.
Other than Bernie, who are those?
Their best interest is what can make them the most money, which is why they're legally allowed to do insider training.
Their best interest is also whatever helps keep them in office. Terrible representatives are typically only secure in their offices if they have the protection of the party. The President has as much power as leader of their party as they get from their actual office. FDR used that to great effect.
The point is that it's a self-imposed handicap. If a party has 50%+ in both houses and the presidency, they have the ability to pass whatever they like and choose not to use it.
I agree. And they wouldn't have gotten rid of that handicap if Bernie was president because it benefits them.