I finally got time to look this up: There's 3-5 Million SEVERE cases of the flu (influenza) EVERY YEAR and 350-650 thousand deaths from the flu EVERY YEAR. (cf. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza et al)
Is it my imagination or is this Corona Virus scare just Trump's buddies & the Bloomberg Channel doing a massive Pump & Dump?
"But if he’s the nominee, it’s the job of Dems to make him electable..." Full stop. How? Declare that you will vote blue, no matter who. The GOP can't stop him, but centrist "democrats" can. Ready for 4 more years of Trump, and 40 more of his supreme court appointments?
5
One word: Warren.
2
A suggestion for Bernie or Busters - Google McGovern.
1
No thanks to Bernie. Voting Bloomberg. If it’s Bernie I’m in a pickle.
6
@David Price:Your premise is correct.I would expound to also add South Carolina debate,Michael Bloomberg.
Track down any native New Englander, like our household, and we will tell you the tales of Bernie Sanders, which have been nothing but an ego trip since he crossed the New York /Vermont border decades ago in pursuit of a political career.
First as a Communist in New York, then a Socialist in Vermont, then a Democrat in Vermont to become a mayor, and when the VT Dems had enough of his speeches with ZERO results or accomplishments as a Senator and refused to support him, he ran as an Independent.
Now he is a Democrat again.
How many ways can you spell EGO trip or no results, self-serving political career?
When he said he wanted new supporters, we didn't know they would be Russians.
7
If he governs as he campaigns, his personnel will all be chosen for loyalty to his ideology and to himself personally, and the troll armies which the dark-money arms of his campaign now organize will have the resources of the government to doxx, harass, and threaten those who speak against the dear leader. None of his policies, of course, will be implemented since he has made enemies of half the Democrats let alone the Republicans, and his wrath will largely be turned against those he perceives as disloyal within the Democrats.
2
I consider this a breakthrough moment that shows when things are down to brass tacks, Krugman will come thru. Now if he could only drag the rest of the Times along for the ride.
3
"Sanders is an infinitely better human being than Trump". This is crucial. I don't agree with all of Sanders' proposed policies but wouldn't be a stain on America. Trump has been credibly accused of sexual assault by over 20 women, is a nepotist, blatantly corrupt, racist, and wholly unqualified for the role. a vote for Trump, is a vote is support of just that.
6
Mr Krugman, you know what happened in the “socialist” European states when the credit crunch traveled across the Atlantic. Can you please enlighten your fellow Americans on what social-democracy is all about ? Thanks.
3
With Trump setting up a tell if your neighbor is disloyal to Trump our Republic will be gone. The only hope of saving our Democracy with Bernie is a massive uprising with the- old Pitchforks and Torches-attacking the white house
Wow... the New York Times has been broken and the center-RIGHT icon, Paul Krugman, has moved on to the bargaining stage of grief, thinking Sanders will eventually have to sell out to Krugman's bourgeois masters.
He did his selling out in the 80s - he isn't going to give in - and that is why he is so popular. Love it or hate ithe says what he believes - and that is why people believe in him and why it is political suicide for any politician to vote against Medicare for All - a plan so popular that most Republican voters support it.
2
Just hours after writing this column, Sanders praises Fidel.
Krugman, do you ever tire of being wrong?
2
Bernie has a real soft spot for communist dictators. That's right. NOT "Democratic Socialists." Communists. Dictators. Pep rallies for the Moscow-backed Sandanista "freedom fighters" who slaughtered thousands of peasants and priests. A pep rally in Havana extolling how great life is under the Castro Bros. And then there's the Honeymoon all-expenses-paid by Intourist in return for Bernie and wife playing Soviet stooges. Their "Peace Tour". Really crummy lives in the Soviet Union, but HEY IT'S CHEAP and Ben and Jerry can help out! Bernie and spouse were really, really busy with the Peace Tour. So they "didn't have time" to visit any of the 5 million political prisoners locked up in Gulag death camps. Scratch a "Democratic Socialist" find a doctrinaire Communist dupe. Or maybe Bern's association goes deeper than "peace tours." And here I thought Bernie was different from the dictator-loving Trumpists. In fact, between their mutual egos and love of thugs, maybe they should be on the same ticker.
2
Thank you for your voice, Paul! Loved and highly recommend the debate you did w Richard Wolff on Democracy Now https://www.democracynow.org/2020/2/24/paul_krugman_richard_wolff_socialism_debate?fbclid=IwAR3cbsgN-j7y4Q4mBgSXdbtAALwX9jxGRSSPLx5OKSFCNBVJk2gGp2liARU
If the left loses this election to Trump it won't be because Paul didn't try and be a voice of wisdom!
Oh, let's not jump the gun.
From the NYT:
"Bernie Sanders told “60 Minutes” that it would be “unfair” to say “everything is bad” about Cuba’s Communist revolution."
https://nyti.ms/2VkSt2X
Sure sounds like "There are good people on both sides." does it not?
Bonus Question: What does Bernie think of Che (the mass murderer): https://i.pinimg.com/564x/68/8e/65/688e65c3da15de9f10d84801c7915978.jpg
We can only wonder, will the CBS crew pose the question on 2/25?
Surely Univision, or even Anderson, will ask on 3/15.
Are you saying there are good people on both sides of the Cuban revolution; how about that Che summarily executing people?
3
You wrote: "unwinnable fights like abolishing private health insurance."
You need to stop repeating the flagrant misconception that the private health insurance industry would disappear.
I have Medicare and I have supplemental insurance in the form of private insurance called BC/BS Medex. My wife is approaching her 65th birthday, about to go onto Medicare-for-all in its current iteration--for all seniors. She is being inundated with mailers from private insurance companies soliciting her business for supplemental insurance.
Most, if not all, other countries with universal health care have private insurance companies providing supplemental coverage for those who can afford it and choose to have it.
Contrast that with the US where only those who can afford private insurance (on their own or through their employers) can buy it.
The point: if we ever get Medicare-for-all, the insurance industry---which would insure anything, for a price-- would adapt and make out just fine.
6
Nominating a candidate with only 25% support within the party is a recipe for disaster.
Yes, the headlines proclaim SANDERS TAKES THE LEAD!
But then you go to the second paragraph and see:
"Sanders received 25% support among Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents... (Quinnipiac University poll)"
I am reminded of this telling exchange between reporter and editor in Billy Wilder's version of The Front Page:
Walter Burns: "Don't we take any credit?"
Hildy Johnson: "It's in the second paragraph."
Walter Burns: "Who the hell's gonna read the second paragraph?"
Today, considering the way news is spread via Social Media, that is updated to: "Who the hell's gonna read beyond the headline?"
https://emcphd.wordpress.com
3
I cannot image what my nerves will be like with four years of a scowling Bernie Sanders glaring and frowning every freaking day and barking out speeches—and that is even if i might agree with him on some issues.
Think of the problems that will be dumped on the country if Bernie can't get contril of the Senate. 3 or for year waits on trying to get a judge named.
2
No, Bernie's not the Left's Trump....he's much, much worse.
I would vote for Biden, Bloomberg, Mayor Pete, Amy, maybe even Warren over Trump....but not Sanders.
If Sanders runs, I'll be first in line to vote for Trump...and so will millions of other Americans.
76
@JMS ...Sure, because a living wage + free universal education and health care are so terrible that you have to vote for Trump, right? The horrors.
I'm not sure exactly why Sanders seems to frighten some folks so much, particularly older people. But a lot of people are really energized by his proposals and think it's high time for a change.
To say that his proposals will "never happen" misses a key point: We Americans have been dealing with this kind of "pragmatic" naysaying for year, and if you think something's not possible, it's not. But things have been changing in recent years. Obama and Trump were elected despite fervent predictions to the contrary, and a groundswell of people have decided that they're going to support people and policies that inspire them and that they believe in, not those that defenders of the status quo deem "realistic." This is how change happens. You're witnessing it.
32
@JMS - Like all the elected, Bernie's hard left stance will be tempered upon gaining office - if he wins. There is much that the candidates agree upon - climate change, gun laws, social issues and, above all, the country must show Trump the door. Let's support whomever gets the nomination just as though he/she were our first choice. Our Democracy will depend on it.
26
@JMS Why is Bernie worse than Trump? I can see how you might disagree with his policy proposals, but I do not see how anything he proposes is worse than what the Trump administration has done.
Bernie wants everyone to have government funded healthcare. Trump wants to kick millions of Americans off healthcare.
Bernie wants to increase financial regulations to limit white collar crime. Trump pardons white collar criminals and has surrounded himself with countless felons over his life.
Bernie wants to improve access to higher education. The trump admin has reduced promised loan forgiveness for teachers and other federal employees.
Bernie wants to increase taxes on the rich. Trump wants to pay $0 taxes while the poor pay for his golf trips.
Bernie wants to increase American action to combat climate change. Trump has sold national land to oil companies and removed environmental protections that keep our water and air clean.
Are there issues I am overlooking that Bernie is wrong on that Trump is right about? I do not believe anyone who calls themselves a democrat could say there are many. You may disagree in the methods, or magnitude of Bernie's proposed solutions, but he identifies the same problems that all other democrats identify. Trump is the antithesis of democratic ideals, whether you prescribe to the center left brand of Clinton or Biden, or the progressive brand of Bernie or AOC.
18
Sanders cannot win the electoral college. If he is the guy on the ticket the senate will remain in republican hands and he will not be able to do anything. Even his judges will be blocked. If he does manage to win and keep congress he will lose both houses in the midterms because of his policies. This is my objective, unemotional, reasoned opinion. I hope I am wrong.
5
I’m very grateful to Mr Krugman for this column.
Whatever Sanders’ flaws, and notwithstanding the New York Times’ right, or responsibility, to articulate its plethora of concerns about Bernie Sanders campaign, it has been grating to hear frequent and typically spurious comparisons to Trump as part of what has felt like a barrage of cautionary columns.
Why haven’t we heard about Bernie and Warren supporters who have come from the center, but now believe our system needs a more radical departure are are simply not prepared to trust the more-electable than though centrists? They are out there.
2
Sanders' lead probably results largely from splitting the Not-Sanders vote among too many other candidates.
If Sanders is the last Democrat standing this fall, I will vote for him, just as I will vote for Bloomberg or anyone else. But I am afraid he will drive a lot of less liberal voters into the Trump column or keep them at home (which means a de facto vote for Trump). This is the most crucial election of our lifetimes, and I am very much afraid the Democrats are going to blow it again.
1
Without a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, even defeating Trump might not be enough to pry him out of the White House.
Assuming that the current GOP senate would not cooperate with him if he tried to postpone the election, declare the results illegitimate, or otherwise extend his stay is a huge assumption. The Bush/Cheney White House apparently discussed the idea of postponing the 2004 election, which --even if hypothetically conjectured and shot down immediately -- is uncomfortably thought-provoking. It's spine-tingling to imagine the idea ever entering this incumbent's mind.
But even if a defeated Trump did go quietly, it's impossible to believe that such a Senate would cooperate to any extent with the new Democratic president, no matter who s/he is or what his/her policies and politics. At best, it would be Merritt Garland every day.
My daughter is old enough to vote for the first time this year. Her excitement and her passion for the democratic process is enough to get me onto my feet and fill me with hope after years of exhausted cynicism. She was the one who got most of our family out of the house and waiting in line for three hours for the Sanders rally. She is the one who invites me to join her to watch every debate, every election, every caucus on TV.
And she is the one who points out that the majority of the handwringing over Sanders potentially being the candidate is coming from older white males of specific age bracket. Look, the irony doesn’t escape me that Bernie is of that same demographic, but what humbles me as a 40-something white woman who frankly likes her health insurance the way it is (while she pays lip service to the dream of universal healthcare) is that Bernie represents a major shift in the status quo-yes, for us rather smug, self-righteous liberals as well as conservative Republicans-that truly represents the longing and voices of those in our country who have been marginalized for so long. They are the voices of minorities, the young, and the poor. Time for the rest of us to pay some respect and actually listen.
5
Back in the NH debates, Sanders defended his decision to vote against the USMCA—even though Sens. Warren and Klobuchar, and Hassan and Shaheen all had—because it didn't touch climate change. Sanders may not necessarily be as authoritarian as Trump, but I nevertheless have concerns that he would pick unpopular hills to die on and be a completely ineffective president in that manner, based on that precedent. It is at odds with his description of himself as someone who can work across the aisle.
1
You would think Sanders is the guy who said he could shoot someone on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and get away with it, cheat his workers and subcontractors, has no respect for the constitution or the three branches of government, has listened to dictators in front of international media instead of assessments of US military and Intelligence , has publicly insulted judges based on their gender or ethnicity, has taken every opportunity to charge the US government for services at his private resorts where he spend more days off than any president,asks foreign governments to interfere with our elections, and gives positions to family members and those who will follow his wishes - be they legal or illegal- while terminating anyone who questions an illegal request.Apparently , Sanders' gains in in caucus states are not evidence that that he can build coalitions ,but only that voters are being mesmerized as if he is a flimflam TV personality with no moral compass , not a US senator And the hand wringing and wailing comes from elements of the Democratic party while a billionaire is trying to circumvent the primary process and buy the nomination ? It is regrettable . Beware ,he may try to reduce drug prices and insist on health care that won't tie us to one employer or one location because of a pre-existing health condition !
6
Millennial like democratic socialism if it can reverse of Reagan’s trickled down capitalism. It is the Reagan revolution which created a wealth gap resembling many third world countries. The top 10% own 85% of the nation. They rightfully bemoan that economic opportunities are much worse than their parents. Those who cannot see their truth should be drowned by the political tsunami that Bernie will bring for them.
We have a system where politicians must beg plutocrats for funds to win elections and when in office, they must do their bidding or lose, country be dammed. We have industrial monopolies paying higher prices in health, educations, telecommunication, infrastructure, than all developed countries with services are much worse.
We continue Reagan's policies of continued tax cuts, corporate welfare, environmental destruction for profit, astronomical military spending, exploding deficits, etc. The top 1% accumulated outrageous wealth at the expensive of the rest of us. Our education, health, infrastructure, etc. all are stuck in the 1980s due to a lack of public funding. This is mortgaging the future of these Millennial most.
Unions are destroyed damaging the income of the uneducated, while and those who to get an education are strapped with a minimum of $40,000 debt when they finish. If one cannot understand why Bernie is their messiah for paying with their future for the curse of the GOP's St. Reagan's plutocracy, then you are blind.
5
Sanders is electable if all those who've said "Vote Blue No Matter Who" will do that even for Bernie. Sanders is no socialist with a capital S. He is socialistic, NOT a socialist.
6
I think one thing to be concerned with in a Bernie nomination is the affects he could have on the down tickets in regions won in 2018 and 2019. That is: the Senate and House seats that will be up for grabs; those areas were not won on a far left ideological platform. A lot can happen between now and November but when an economy is doing well it's not really a time for revolution or a burn-it-all down platform.
1
Mr. Krugman, don't you ever get tired of being so wrong!?
3
Unity or Trump
2
Mr. Krugman complains about Mr. Sanders calling himself a democratic socialist.
Self-indulgent. Was it self-indulgent when he started it 50+ years ago.
What does he want Sanders to do, suddenly disavow decades of rigorous consistency?
Saager (a "conservative"?!) on the Useful Idiots podcast said:
"That's why I think it's actually genius for Sanders to say yeah I'm a democratic socialist,
because then you're not even trying to say no, I'm not,
you say, I am this, this label, this is what it means to me.
what it means to me is quite reasonable in the minds of many americans.
That's all you do. I think it's brilliant."
3
looking at NYT Opinion page online (broswer) this column is buried small at the bottom of the page under 'coumnists' while David Leonhart's anti-Bernie column from the same day is splashed LARGE across the top!
Bias, anyone?? Come on, NYT!
3
I dont know what planet you live on Paul becasue Bernie is amentally ill man not unlike Trump and is a megalomaniac who only cares about himself in the end.
He is a guy who has a fantasy of leading a world wide workers revolution to communism.
The fact is that Sanders has been a life long politician who has done nothing but talk. His early adulthood was spent as king of the moochers getting kicked out of the all white commune he lived iin, knocking up a girlfriend stealing electricity from his neighbors, ranting in the streets and on bar stools cribbing "progressive ideas" from the man boy love association on how children should determine who and when they have sex etc. writing fantasy fiction about women who dream of being gang raped. This is not a man who is capable of leading the free world. or actually accomplishing any of his ideas.
Bernie Sanders signed 239 bills he introduced with his intials BS. Eexpecting a man of 80 entering his dotage to change is likeplanning your retirement by buying 100 scratch off lottery tickets. Sanders has had a career of making empty promises to poor people and taking their cash like a televangelist. They stay poor and he gets rich and his ego fed while they starve.
4
Sanders is eminently electable. So are Warren, Buttigieg, Biden, et al. All it takes is for every candidate to state flatly that should they not get the nomination or drop out at some point, they will tirelessly support and promote the person who does get nominated, and devote all their energies to seeing that person win the general election. Let the primaries play themselves out.
2
Thank you for this. For those Democrats that have been running scared, and I include myself, I think it's time we settle down and settle in.
Bernie Sanders is an impressive bright vital person who has a huge following.
He is pragmatic and will choose a good running mate.
Let's rally here instead of creating our own version of self-destruction.
4
1. If he loses the process and the vote is unfair.
2. If anyone criticizes him they are evil.
3. Most policies are unlikely to come to fruition and/or are unconstitutional.
What exactly is the difference?
4
Yet *another* white man admonishing those of us with justifiable anger and concerns to relax and calm down.
Go figure.
I'll vote for Sanders if I absolutely must, but I'll plug my nose while I do so. I've never been less excited or hopeful about an election.
2
I am SO TIRED of the articles about the "electability" of Bernie Saunders, which focus on the negatives (unlike this one).
Almost as disgusting as the people around here (Darkest Arkansas; I hear Banjo Music...) as the people who can't acknowledge what a disgusting human being Trump is.
It's futile to attempt to educate the local voters about just how far to the RIGHT the Republican Donor class has shifted the "middle".
Let's try shifting our center back to where it was in 1975 or so. Candidates need to educate their "swing" district voters, not just craft a message about what they believe voters want to hear. Somehow explain that what we want is our country back.
3
Here is a link to a video produced by Reason TV (libertarian organization). For those of you that are middle aged or older that actually know about communism and the Soviets etc. Please determine how many damming ads could come out of this video against Sanders:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2d3DMC6qyg&t=6s
The majority of voters are older.
2
The biggest problem with Sanders, based on my working interactions with his supporters, is that his supporters see the presidential election as the only one that's important and won't vote down-ballot, and won't work on local or state issues and races. If this is true nationally, it will be a huge problem for the Democrats if he's the nominee.
1
If you're looking for someone to be behind 100% then you're setting yourself up for a very long fall. Such a person is not only unrealistic but impossible.
I'm all for youth filling in the Senate or anywhere else younger candidates are more qualified. However, white, old men who are still kicking should not be discarded based on their age. How decent and smart and kind are they? How brave? How honest? Cleaver?
No matter who or at what age, nobody's perfect.
4
The Democratic Party is becoming the party of "exception"alism. Many who have been saying "anyone but Trump," are now saying " anyone but Trump, except the one who is too old, or too left, or too young, or too centrist, or too shrill/female... "
The current President represents an existential threat to our democratic republic and, possibly, the human species. Any Democrat currently running is preferable to the Republican alternative. Either you believe that or you don't and vote accordingly.
7
I would argue otherwise. To say that Sanders is not the Democrat’s Trump is to miscalculate why Trump is such a force. The Democratic/Liberal intelligencia have yet to realize that the world has passed them by. They have yet to awaken to the fact that what they think matter no longer matters. People in the real world recognize that “that dog don’t hunt”. “The people” want freedom from healthcare bankruptcy as intensely as actual freedom from terrorists rather than theories for how to get there diplomatically. West Africans come here for economic opportunity, not gender identity. Once again, we are headed for transformational change in our political fault lines. The days of the policy wonk who has never cleaned a bathroom are numbered.
How about we disqualify both Sanders and Trump because Russia is helping them, and just start over from there? There’s plenty of time before November!
1
There's a strange and disturbing trope I keep seeing here: "Sanders isn't even a Democrat."
Why should past party identification matter at all? He's not acting as an election spoiler. He's participating in the Democratic party primary process according to the rules. If you disagree with his policy positions or messaging or whatever, say that.
But disqualifying someone because they have not always worn the same uniform as you is not just irrational, it's rank tribalism.
My top choice is Warren, and there are plenty of substantive reasons to prefer someone besides Sanders. But I'm tired of these substance-free, divisive attacks.
3
One way it matters is because, just like 4 years ago, there is still a lot of whining from him and his supporters about being mistreated by the DNC. And the reason for any complaints is the fact that, as someone who is an Independent except when he wants money and support, the DNC owes him nothing.
3
@Phil I am not whining - I am stating that the DNC shat on the process four years ago.
Further, the DNC owes its public, and if the public wants Bernie, then they ought to open their collective eyes instead of the business (faiing) as usual.
1
Most of us agree that it's important to beat Mr. Trump before he does something irreparable to this country. Ok. Agreed. So just vote for Bernie if he's the nominee. In all his years in office and all his years in the public eye Bernie has worked hard to take care of the American people. He has marched with Union members. Driven people into Canada to get their prescriptions filled. Got Amazon to raise its minimum wage. It's clear that he would never, ever do anything to hurt this country or the people in it. Never. He will fill his cabinet up with people who feel the same way he does. They will be there to help. Not to hurt. This comes from someone who is going to vote in the Primary for Elizabeth Warren but if Bernie wins the nomination I will do everything I can to help elect him. We all should. And give him the House and the Senate too. We all know he will make good use of it! It's not a secret. Bernie is an educated, good, decent, kind, moral man who wants the Democratic Party to help middle and low class people. The top one percent don't need any help.
12
I'm not certain if Bernie will help or hurt our chances of getting a Democratic Senate majority and maintaining a House majority.
Bernie is not my first choice. but I am aware that on most of the issues where executive orders and executive selections are made, Bernie is in agreement on those issues with his Democratic rivals, and will act in a manner similar to them. On the issues where he differs, like eliminating all private health insurance, he will need a Senate majority and possibly even 60 votes. Even if we got 60 Democrats elected - which absolutely no one sees as possible - there would still not be 51 votes from Democrats for many of the policies like private insurance where he differs from his rivals.
Relax. If it's Bernie, we'll be fine.
7
I certainly think it's possible that Sanders could win the presidency, but that's not the problem, IMHO.
The problem is what kind of congress he gets to work with. Even assuming democrats can win both houses on his coattails - quite a leap of faith - his first midterms would likely be a disaster that would make Obama's 2010 debacle a huge win in comparison.
And the continuing see-sawing of power is certainly bad news for any kind of progress for this society, with one extreme being one-upped by the opposing extreme in every cycle, continuously cancelling each other out while the huge problems we face remain in limbo.
And just to be clear, as Sanders likes to say, I agree with most of his diagnoses, just not with his prescriptions.
1
I still have my concerns, as a lifelong Democrat, that Bernie is not a Democrat vying for Democratic voters. He is also not a socialist as he claims. But, most importantly, he is not a Repub and I begin to lean toward Bernie.
3
I believe it's way too early to say that Sanders is the clear front runner. I don't think he'll win SC; that's likely to be Biden, with perhaps Buttigieg or even Steyer second.
Even if he becomes the front runner after Super Tuesday, we don't know who he would choose as a running mate. If he chooses a moderate--and he almost has to--we will be looking at a more moderate position.
Finally, Sanders at work knows he has to compromise. He's been doing it for decades. He won't change now.
1
At the end of the day, Bernie Sanders is a deeply moral individual who cares about the well-being of others, especially working class folks. Comparisons with Donald Trump start and end at being populists.
Eerily similar, however, are Trump's and Sanders' supporters. The deification of their respective candidates, ignoring simple facts that confront their worldview, and relying on antagonizing anyone who disagrees with them as a form of debate is a common strain in both constituencies. Their propensity towards conspiracy theories and reliance on dubious media outlets is equally concerning. I worry a great deal about what the cult-like worship of Sanders will do to the Democratic Party (a la GOP under Trump) if he is the nominee and becomes President. This, and electability, is what is concerning, not Sanders himself. Although he is not my preferred candidate, I feel I could trust him to make the right decision in the Oval office, at least most of the time. But the culture that his supporters create could make it near-impossible to criticize or hold him accountable the few times he makes the wrong call.
To clarify, in no way does this represent all Sanders supporters. Many are just working class people who want a fair shake. The same is true for Trump's supporters, but the faction of supporters in both camps that fit this description is substantial and, at least online, a similar proportion.
2
Thank you. Unless we want four more years of chaos we must unite behind the Democrats, no matter who they choose.
I'm not a Bernie supporter but if he becomes the Democratic nominee, it will not be the end of the world. He may actually help defeat the current WH occupant because most Americans do not like the Republican party OR the Democratic party, and these people may welcome Bernie as an outsider. I actually know people who would have voted for him in 2016 but instead voted Republican.
I only hope the Democrats can keep from tearing each other down so that in November, we won't have to build our candidate up from scratch. That may be how we lost in 2016.
So if Bernie wins the nomination, I will do everything in my power to help him win. And everyone who is serious about putting an end to the current reign of terror, should do the same.
Vote BLUE, all the way down the ballot. Please. For the sake of our democracy, vote blue.
2
First line, "Look, I know the primaries aren't over..." This implies that Sanders candidacy is a foregone conclusion, and the primaries have barely begun.
What have we had so far? A deeply flawed Iowa caucus debacle; a Nevada caucus in which a total of 68,326 votes were cast and one, count 'em, one primary in New Hampshire.
There is no scenario in which I see Sanders as a the candidate of destiny for the Democrats.
However, were Sanders to end up the candidate, there is also no scenario in which I could see myself voting for him. I'll sit the election out rather than support him.
2
Paul, I’m still upset about the way you kept trashing Bernie in 2016, but I’m glad to see you’ve backed off a little this election year, if only because four more years of Trump would be a disaster. A little takjed-about fkaw in Bernie’s campaign argument, however, needs to be addressed before he becomes the nominee because the conservatives certainly will do so during a general election campaign.
When interviewers ask Bernie if taxes will go up for the middle class with his plan of Medicare for all, he has to say, ‘Yes’, but then he quickly points out that this extra tax will be off-set by savings from not having to pay premiums, deductibles or co-pays.
What he doesn’pt say is that for all those who have insurance through their employer, the premium is already being paid, sos that particular off-set will not benefit them. They will just pay more taxes. You think the right won’t exploit this? In this regard, the other candidate’s plans are better. Make the Medicare option just that – optional. If you opt out, you get a break in your taxes.
@Bob Vogelaar
If it is the M4A proposal that you are critiquing, then there will be no more private insurance premiums for employers to pay. It will take some hashing out of the mechanism, but either employer payments can be legislated to be paid to the national health service, with a tax credit to employees who are covered by that arrangement, or, if employers no longer have that obligation, it opens up a whole new avenue of employee negotiation for their share of those dollars.
2
If Sanders can not even identify himself as a Democrat then he doesn't deserve Democrat support.
112
@Deborah and all you other Sanders haters—Sanders is certainly more of a Democrat in spirit than Bill Clinton, the person who started this slide of the Democratic Party to the Right, away from the New Deal. Stop complaining about Sanders, vote for whomever you prefer in the primaries, and then "vote blue no matter who" come Nov. As Sanders supporter in the last election and this one, that's what I plan to do, and did in 2016.
41
@Deborah
Have you ever read FDR's Four Freedoms and Economic Bill of Rights? Sanders's platform builds on these aspirations and reflects the very best of the Democratic party values and ideals.
Bill Clinton repealed the New Deal banking regulations, and Barack Obama tried to cut Social Security and Medicare. Yet they qualify as Democrats and Sanders doesn't? Is a label more important than actual goals and policies?
27
@Ann
Then why doesn't he declare as a Democrat? I understand that his state doesn't require declaration of party affiliation, but the other Senator from that state is a declared Democrat. Being an Independent from a small state is a "safe" choice.
The only reason Bernie runs as a Democrat (rather than as an independent) is money.
2
Bernie Sanders will be a wonderful DNC candidate. This shows where the DNC really is going. Now if Bernie Sanders is the DNC nominee and gets crushed in 2020 with the GOP getting 60 senate seats plus taking back the house, then you have Nadler Pelosi Schiff Schumer and others to thank.
Democrats are so hell bent on destroying Trump they have destroyed themselves in the process. MSM was so laughable with yet another Russia Russia Russia Trump is a Russian Asset fake media blitz yet again brought on by leaks by the Democrats in the intel committee. IT is illegal to leak that information so why is no-one ever brought to account for that?
Sir,
Your shortest, least wonky piece and maybe your best.
You’re right, eyes on prize.
12
Sir,
Your shortest, least wonky piece and maybe your best.
You’re right, eyes on prize.
3
Today I had my come-to-Bernie moment. He’s not my cup of tea, but nothing matters as much as whacking the Republican Party hard and fast and where it hurts in November. I
10
Really?
1
So what's your point? You usually write much more clearly than this, Mr. Krugman
1
It takes 1,991 pledged delegates to win the nomination on the first ballot.
Consider this outcome:
Sanders - 1746
B1 - 778
B2 - 694
B3 - 539
If the delegate spread at the end of June is near the hypothetical spread above, where no two of the "B's" combined win more pledged delegates that Sanders alone, isn't the candidate who gets the most votes entitled to the benefit of the doubt?
Is the Democratic Party, (a/k/a the Clintons - Obama - Biden - Bloomberg Wall Street Party), seriously going to hand the nomination to one of the three "B's" in the name of "electability?"
"Even if someone has [only] a 50 to 100 [delegate lead], we're really going to take the nomination away from them in Milwaukee? I'm not sure the party recovers from that for decades."
- David Plouffe, Barack Obama's campaign manager in 2008, speaking with MSNBC's Chris Mathews, February 20, 2020
To answer Plouffe's question, the Clintons - Obama - Biden - Bloomberg Wall Street Party is out for blood.
They will stop at nothing to deny Sanders the nomination - the voters be damned.
2
Whatever he calls himself, time for the rest of us to simply call him a New Deal democrat. Less threatening, less attackable.
14
My small family pays a $1915/mo. premium for health care. They suck us for another $45 co-pay - $65 for a specialist - during the rare occasions our healthy family requires basic attention to a health issue. If we see an in-network specialist, invariably they send us another $50 - $100 bill to cover "our portion." I believe we as a nation, left, right or center, are done with this. Yes, raise my taxes and take this outrageous, obscene burden out of our lives.
And, more importantly, I believe we as a nation, left, right and center, are done with outrageous, obscene dissembling about climate change.
The rich do not have enough money to distract us from these two core and critical issues: broken health care and broken climate.
Bernie Sanders understands how badly we want them to be repaired.
19
@tobrien So does Elizabeth Warren, my choice.
2
So what, really, is the knock against Sanders? All of the Democratic contenders express support for progressive goals. Is it that he wants to reach some ultimate goals too quickly? Or is it really one of style? The oft repeated, “He shouts.” (Do all you 2016 Clinton supporters remember your reaction to “Hillary’s just too shrill”?) Is style over substance truly the determining factor for Democrats? Are we that shallow? If it’s “He’s too far left”, I can only advise “moderates” to take a deep breath, chill and repeat the mantra: “The President is not King”. Unless Sanders takes office with a majority of 60 in the Senate and 218 in the House, everything must pass though the moderating brake of Congress.
So why vote for Sanders if his policies won’t be fully implemented? Because he is the only candidate not running with a “No we can’t” mindset. The only one whose starting position is not to compromise before the fight is joined. (Remember that “Public Option” Obama abandoned before we even had an opportunity to include it in the debate?)
What Sanders WILL bring to the table is a President who will use the bully pulpit to fight like hell to overcome the stasis of our plutocratic status quo and nudge us in a direction that all the other candidates claim to support. Centrists and Progressive need to realize that by joining forces, we can accomplish both goals of moving towards progressive solutions and ridding us Trump.
15
Thanks for writing this Paul!!
Seems like it's been OK to tell those of us who supported candidates on the left that we need to "suck it up and vote for the nominee". But to think that self described centrist, moderate & conservative democrats should do the same if they are faced with voting for someone who does not meet their criteria? What a horror!!!
It seems like these folks have all bought into the idea of an Imperial Presidency and have conveniently forgotten that a president generally needs some support in Congress to make major changes. Or maybe they are upset that a Sanders presidency won't go to war or send troops hither and yon at the drop of a hat? I am not sure what they are really so upset about? How many of them were not willing to vote for a woman in 2016 or an African-American in 2008 or 2012? Or bought into the idea that Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, Kerry, et al, were rabid liberals who would do something they didn't like?
A lot of us out there rarely have seen our first choices (e.g., folks like Tom Harkin, Ed Muskie, Fred Harris, Gene McCarthy, and others) win. Maybe it is my labor background which helps me to see who gets out to work for candidates for the general election, but I have constantly seen many who supported far more liberal candidates work like crazy for the eventual nominee.
So rather than moan about the possibility of not getting their choice as the nominee, maybe remember what is happening now and deciding if you want 4 more years of that.
9
Yeah well Krugman is an economist.
Sanders is nearly as bad a choice as Trump. He is doctrinaire which means he will drive the country off a cliff before admitting that his dogma is creating a problem rather than resolving it.
As important, he will view anyone that questions his dogma as an enemy of “the people” to be disregarded and suppressed. He does not play well with others. He demonstrates almost no understanding of foreign affairs despite all his years in the Senate.
I would have said in the past that if elected the party would keep him under control. But the DNC is, to use a criticism laid against Obama, nothing but a gaggle of community activists. But seeing how Trump destroyed the Republican Party I can anticipate that the Bernie Cultists may well achieve the same coup d’etat with the Democratic Party.
So, do I spend the next four years fighting Trump or trying to rein in Sanders.
As an aside, to all young BS’ers:
You will not get free medical.
You will not get your students loans forgiven.
Your will not get free higher education, at least not from the Feds.
The border will not be open to all.
You will have to pay income taxes.
You will still have to find yourself a real job and work.
Your standard of living will decline from that of your parents because of the need to put resources into climate control.
And you must understand that the richest people in this country do not have enough wealth to pay for half of what you want or think you deserve.
6
So, endorse Bernie, already!!
6
"But this is no time for self-indulgence and ego trips. Freedom is on the line (!!!!)." I gotta' be living in a parallel universe! I swear. I am not being sarcastic or condescending. How has Trump's administration endangered our freedom? Please. Please. Explain this to me. I think the guy is a oopa-loopa but an authoritarian fascist dictator!? Where is that?
3
Excellent column!
5
Probably best to wait for Super-Tuesday before declaring a clear front-runner.
I always thought of Buttigieg as the left's Trump. He's going to save us all with nothing but his personal prowess. He's pretty much all platitudes. His experience is minimal. But his side likes the way he speaks.
2
Bernie may not be the Left's Trump, but Trump will beat Bernie by portraying him as a Socialist/Marxist/Communist
5
Thank you Paul Krugman, you are the rare writer at the NYT who isn’t trying to dissuade support for Bernie Sanders through fear-mongering or false comparison ( appalling and not journalism) to Trump.
12
Thanks Paul. I really, really dislike everything about Sanders. I hate the idea he could become president after trashing Clinton so he could run again in 2020. Big jerk.
Yes, we need to save the country, so I will make an attempt to support the person who runs against trump. Hopefully it won’t be Sanders.
8
Heartening perspective, but there is something seriously wrong with a guy who seems to get more of a buzz from debating the term "socialist" than actually debating the policies he'd like to implement. I have a hard time taking him seriously for that one reason. That said, he might surprize us by pulling some prevoius Trump voters into the tent. Unless they are complete morons, they should know by now that Trump will do nothing for them other than cover for their non-PC language.
Amen, Paul. If DNC were smart (or or just honest and legal) we would not have had 3 years of this clown in the WH
7
#WARREN/HARRIS 2020
All The Brains Without The Shouting
7
20 million illegal aliens will get free healthcare, education, and electric cars!
2
Republicans and Putin keep tossing matches at the gas-soaked body of the Democratic Party, apparently seeking to generously aid in the party's surreal and witless desire for self-immolation.
1
Its all for naught dicussing any of this. The country has gone stupid or Trump would never have been elected. My aquaintences that support Trump don't have a clue as also half of this country. A 49% approval rating for this idiot and his party who are decimating our democracy and making a mockery of the Constitution? Nothing is going to happen to unseat this cancer unless we have a depression or we all start choking on our own avarice and its carbon residuals. Even if Bernie wins, the senate will not change and Mcconnel will stifle Sanders as he did Obama.
10
Some voters here say they are holding out because Bernie is not a democrat, does not call himself a Democrat.
How idiotic is that?
10
Professor please explain to me why pushing for private insurance companies to be shown the exit door is not feasible in because of Congress?
If the people of this country are still the masters and not the serfs, and if they think Bernie is right and the Democratic congresspeople are wrong, why won’t they boot them out of office?
Do you personally think private/for profit insurance companies are a good idea in this country while they are not in Scandinavia and France? If so why?
Are you sure are a center left policy wonk and not a status quo economist who pretends he has anything to do with a progressive agenda. No one forgot your support for Hillary. Surely she is not “center left.”
By the way, plenty of excellent economists like Emmanuel Saez, Robert Reich, Sam Bowles, Gerald Friedman, Dani Rodrik and even Joseph Stiglitz will come about and help a Bernie administration.
The attitude of a priori assumptions of what Congress Democrats will do or not do is myopic at best. Do you think, we would have had the New Deal, Social Security (ran not by money managers and investment banks as an analogy to private heath insurance), EPA, Medicare for 65 and over if we FDR, LBJ and even RMN listened to the likes of you? No we wouldn’t.
Bernie 2020. It is almost here, the era of Rawlsian Justice.
Third attempt 18:26 NYT
4
Very generous of you. Wow. Willing to sacrifice your ‘ego’ for the sake of our future. Gee. Thanks. Why not just set aside your ego FOR REAL and support demand-side economics?
1
Editor please print this. You hate my comments but you need to allow dissent. I hope Paul Krugman will respond if you do.
Professor please explain to me why pushing for private insurance companies to be shown the exit door is not feasible in because of Congress?
If the people of this country are still the masters and not the serfs, and if they think Bernie is right and the Democratic congresspeople are wrong, why won’t they boot them out of office?
Do you personally think private/for profit insurance companies are a good idea in this country while they are not in Scandinavia and France? If so why?
Are you sure are a center left policy wonk and not a status quo economist who pretends he has anything to do with a progressive agenda. No one forgot your support for Hillary. Surely she is not “center left.”
By the way, plenty of excellent economists like Emmanuel Saez, Robert Reich, Sam Bowles, Gerald Friedman, Dani Rodrik and even Joseph Stiglitz will come about and help a Bernie administration.
The attitude of a priori assumptions of what Congress Democrats will do or not do is myopic at best. Do you think, we would have had the New Deal, Social Security (ran not by money managers and investment banks as an analogy to private heath insurance), EPA, Medicare for 65 and over if we FDR, LBJ and even RMN listened to the likes of you? No we wouldn’t.
Bernie 2020. It is almost here, the era of Rawlsian Justice.
1
Krugman decided that Bernie isn't the left's Trump, so that's that. What absolute hubris-fueled nonsense. Bernie is a 21st century Communist. Same old, same old in an updated(ish) package. Bernie will take away my healthcare, raise my taxes, and persecute Israel. No thank you. I'll stick with Trump for the next 4 years!
6
Well put.
1
Thank you for being the first person at the NYT willing to talk some reason and stop the poisonous attacks on the person who is very likely our only shot against trump.
8
This is hogwash. Bernie Sanders economics. are moronic. Bernie, how many metric tons of steel will you direct American manufacturers to make in 2023? What is the price of a Ford Escape going to be in 2024 and how many will be sold in Delaware? Iowa? New Mexico? Will you be decreeing those things? What do your central planners in your command economy tell you?
3
Yes!
Don’t over think this...”Freedom is on the line”
Well said Mr. Krugman
Keep saying it!
From one who typically resides just right of center.
9
"Democratic Party wouldn’t enable abuse of power the way Republicans have." Now, there is a stupid statement. How does the Hunter Biden corruption add up to that? How does the corruption of the DA in the Smollet Case add up? How doe the FISA warrent abuses of the Obama Administration add up? Abuse of Power is the Democratic Party's middle name.
Blue no matter who (at least he's got "democrat" somewhere in his affiliation)!
5
Thanks. I was waiting for such an article from NYT.
3
read up on Bernie Sanders wife and her leadership of Burlington College....then you will understand why socialism does not work....short story, she was President of Burlington College, authorized the purchase of land for grand building...no funds....left as the going got tough, college closed (with job losses) within 6-years.
4
@Marketing Manager: Sounds like Trump's business record.
1
Bernie works for me....read that anyway you want
3
If you know Bernie's history and have listened to any of his remarks about Socialism and his praise of Socialist/Communist Countries you know he is the left's Socialist Star and that is far worst than Trump will ever be
2
This column is a goodly dose of realpolitik into the panic of so many of our air-headed pundits.
2
Bernie, himself, is a relatively harmless, babbling old fool; but he will give Trump the Presidency and the House. Not good
4
I’ve read many of the comments here, and there’s one thing here everyone needs to remember. Trump has the nuclear football. That should be enough for everyone to vote blue no matter who! I read of people who won’t vote for Bernie because he yells to much. Or some of his bro’s aren’t polite. Or they are worried about M4ALL being too expensive. TRUMP HAS THE NUCLEAR FOOTBALL AND HE IS NOT RIGHT IN THE HEAD!!!!!! If he starts World War III none of that is going to matter to anyone but the cockroaches. Get a grip and Do The Right Thing. Vote blue no matter who!
10
Viva Krugman! With some minor qualifications.
2
Bravo, Mr. Krugman.
2
I'm as left as they come but support Warren over Bernie simply because the wretched behavior of Bernie supporters. I'm a gay man and am appalled at the treatment of queer Bernie supporters going after Pete Buttigieg, even creating a group called Queers Against Pete. Not Queers For Bernie, but Queers Against Pete. I may not support Pete for the nomination but even I can see the importance of this historic moment. I think supporters of other candidates can see it, too, and can respect Pete for that bravery. Bernie supporters, on the other hand, are vicious and hateful. So, yeah, many Bernie supporters are exactly like Trump supporters. Bernie's army is just a bunch of bullies, are mostly men, and believe in conspiracies. Can we go with the saner, calmer left-wing candidate of the Democratic Party?
5
Yes, thank you for saying it.
1
This column, along with David Leonhardt’s (https://nyti.ms/2uosZGZ) — and many of the comments in both — foreshadows how, yet again, the “elite” and leadership of Democratic Party is currently poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
3
It seems the old "fascism vs. communism" battle is starting to play out again here in the US.
4
Well Paul now you have the whole cult on your side. Now is not the time for Ego and you are throwing in with Sanders. Is that meant as irony?
It would be beautiful to see a nation get behind these fresh New Deal energizers.
If any trumpista actually sat down and scrutinized their real interests -- and were actually patriotic -- they will be voting for the Dems, esp. if Sanders clinches the (new) deal.
5
Scaremongers like Buttigieg need to be called out for their nonsensical lies that would help re-elect Trump.
1
True. He is worse.
And the left is just as farcical.
3
It boils down to this. Trump has the nuclear football. Trump. Has. The. Nuclear. Football. That should scare everyone to death, for he is not mentally stable. So does the fact that Bernie yells, or some of his bro’s are distasteful really outweigh the fact that we could all die in a nuclear fireball because Trump starts World War III over whatever crazy stupid idea bounced around in his empty skull until it finally made contact with one of the few working neurons left in that echo chamber?
4
Bernie will lose to Trump in a landslide. Then, of course, we are all doomed - our democracy will be destroyed. Thank you delusional Bernie supporters.
4
We Republicans are ecstatic that you will run that confused and wealthy socialist to ruin our country. That gives up great hope in flipping the House back to the correct party affiliation, Republican. Bernie was our first choice too and wait until ego-maniac Bloomberg or good boy Steyer decide to run Independent. Great fun ahead and Thanks to you liberals for your choice! Trump will amaze you in the next 4 years. Be Happy!
2
I'm still looking for the rest of this column. It seems like Krugman isn't convinced by his own argument to commit more than a few paragraphs.
2
Two words....Super Tuesday. Moderates who “can’t” vote for him are Clinton Repubocrats abandoned by their former party but ultimately tied to their bank account above also. Give me liberty, or better yet leave me my debit card. Watch the Latino vote.
1
Your last thought is the important one.
2
No doubt Trump is a mean-spirited, dishonest, ignorant uncouth individual. I acknowledge I am understating his limitations. Nevertheless whether through good luck, good policy, or by artificially inflating the economy, Trump like other presidents will get the credit for good times.
It is hard to imagine a humorless grim ideologue who has not had a new idea in 50 years, and describes himself as a "democratic socialist," prevailing in an upbeat economy.
It is also impossible to predict if a Democratic Congress would bow to a President Sanders as the Republicans have to Trump.
I admire Paul Krugman's effort to put a positive spin on Sanders, but to quote an old Wall Street adage, "It is hard to put lipstick on a pig."
3
Sanders is a decent human being.
He’s not going to kidnap children and put them in cages. He’s not going to abuse the office of President by coercing the leaders of foreign countries to do his political dirty work. He’s not going to have secret meetings with Putin. He’s not going to fire everyone in government who doesn’t pledge loyalty to him.
And we really do need single payer healthcare in this country.
If only we could bring an end to this nightmare.
6
Bernie’s not the left’s Trump. He is Putin’s choice for president as a fellow Communist and comrade in arms. This is exactly why the Dems are scared to death, because this means four more years of the Donald.
Now let’s do the right thing and prosecute Bernie Sanders for benefiting from Russian influence in this election. He knows it, the government know it and the voters know it. Yet, no one wants to do anything about it. Nobody wants a Marxist in the White House.
3
Ooooh, at last a fresh breeze and temporary from the anti-Bernie sentiments and tide from the Times panicking pundits...anyone notice, Bernie wins two caucuses and there were three Times pieces predicting disaster for the Democratic presidential hopes. The same Times pundits were wrong n 2016 and they're wrong again. It ain't over till it's over!
3
Democrat here. You are wrong. Bernie and Trump are the same. Outlier, spoiler, egotist, nasty. Closed minded, gun loving (Trump probs better there). Russia loving.
4
You forgot to contrast trump’s insane hatred for fact based, earnest, dedicated government employees. Bernie would have to rebuild our federal government from the ground up. Our country is in grave danger as every department is being blown up and populated by trump-adoring incompetent, hostile automatons!
4
If Bernie is the candidate, as it appears he may be, the junk yard dog named Trump with eat him for lunch in a debate and use his bones as a toothpick.
1
Yesterday, Chris Matthews compared Sanders' victory in Nevada to the Nazi invasion of France. In case you missed it, the implication is that Sanders (a Holocaust survivor once-removed) is Hitler and his supporters, including over half of Hispanic voters and a nearly 30% of Black voters in Nevada are Nazis. As of now, we've heard nothing from the NYT about this, although the NYT busily churned out article after article about the dustup between Sanders and Warren over the behind-the-scenes statements on the electability of a female candidate. I derive two lessons from this: (1) In our society, "intersectionality ends where anti-semitism begins (apparently the appearance of misogyny merits attention but anti-semitism does not); and (2) our media elites support democratic participation only if the people, including voters of color, support the "right" candidate. This transcends any disagreement over whether we ought to nominate a moderate or a progressive.
4
well said, he is left , but not a liar, shameless, lawless and a manipulative dictator wannabe , don't call him Trump, he's way better than that.
6
I just can’t believe that after 3 years of madman trump, the best the democrats can do is a go alone socialist who’s 78, just had a heart attack and hasn’t gotten anything done in congress for 50 years. God help us.
6
Sanders isn't my cup of tea. If he chose Mayor Pete as running mate they would balance each other out. However, the loathing and disgust I feel about Trump will make me vote for whomever the nominee is. Even crazy Sarah Palin.
2
Thank you, Paul.
Now, if you don't mind, could you please get the NYT to turn off the algorithm that controls the news feed. This whole "constant state of emergency" news cycle is a huge part of the problem. Casting Bernie as the "Trump of the left" is just a ratings grab and a way to get clickthroughs.
Remember when humans decided, once a day, what went above the fold and what went on page six? Maybe there was an evening or bulldog edition update (hey, old paperboys can throw around these terms, ok...) but what went to print was decided by humans. Yes, humans who wanted to sell papers, but humans who had journalistic principles and integrity just the same.
The problem with your point, Paul, is that it doesn't sell. And that's the problem with American values, ain't it?
2
Bernie has no possible path to victory. It is an unreal delusion that you can win the popular election with 24% of the population(see the gallup poll below). The country is center right. When faced with a socialist or a low tax crazy person the country will take the low tax crazy person. 4 more years of Trump. Wonderful.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/275792/remained-center-right-ideologically-2019.aspx
3
I agree this is no time for ego or self-indulgence. So why is Sanders running for President? How isn't that egregious egotism and self-indulgence on steroids?
Sanders isn't the Left's Trump. If not for media's moth-like fascination with a lit-up Trump, even Trump isn't like Trump. He's a 100 year flood that's left us treading water as gawkers at the monumental mangling of our dwindled American idea.
They're more alike than not. Both are odd-duck mavericks, angry misfits. Not on principle but for sake of style. Both are too long of tooth to play at teen male rebellion but they persist because introspection is for losers. Both see the world as hostile conspiracies. This simplifies things: why stretch or grow if the world is at fault and you never are. A chip on their shoulder this late in life is either a character flaw or deep psychosis. Why take responsibility when you can yell instead?
Trump is smartest and Sanders is purest. Both say my way or the highway. Both are loners and others are fools to be suffered. Both live a lie: Trump the billionaire winner; Sanders the Democratic Socialist.
Sanders represents a tiny state that's white as snow with a population less than San Francisco. He's a Senator because the system is rigged for small states. He says politics is a lie. But for our vote he promises free college, healthcare plus he'll Lock Wall Street Up.
If a heart attack doesn't stop him, reality will.
5
Be happy to vote for someone not chanting in hate rallies, giving top secret info to Putin, and someone who might actually be at work during the day instead of tweeting and waddling around a golf course.
I remember seeing Bernie in the race for mayor of Burlington, Vermont in 1980, at age 39. I was skiing and happened to be in Burlington, VT. It was a small city then, but he was uplifting and homespun and "real.' I could certainly see his appeal...not a slick Madison Ave bone in his body.He is remarkably consistent and predictable. Since the GOP's policies are all about "Stomp the middle class" and "Lie" and "tarnish real American military heros" while giving all of the tax funds to defense contractors and ICE/DHS, it's No wonder Sanders is a welcome alternative to an boorish and bitter and perpetually angry casino mobster with his gaudy crime family and money laundering abilities.
Do I think all his policies will work? Well, he's distinguished himself from the dishwatered down Democratic message.
When Bernie had this citywide rally everyone was happy, listening, and no one was chanting about witch hunts and walls, lock her up, Mexican rapists or what an amazing deal he was going to make with Kim Jon Un and China. If Bernie's gets into office, I won't have to listen to a bloated impotent spoiled whiner brag about his non-accomplishments or how "hot" his daughter is on the 6'clock news.
That's a 600% improvement on the existential threat of Jim Jones Donnie.
6
Gotta love Krugman's repeated attempts to mainstream or otherwise de-radicalize Bernie Sanders. Here's a tip Doc..
your agenda isn't a secret and you're not fooling anyone.
And to be clear, calling Bernie Sanders 'left-leaning' is akin to calling Mao or Stalin 'totalitarian-leaning'.
1
My concern is not that Bernie Sanders is the left's Trump. It is that he is another George McGovern.
3
Bernie is an infinitely better human being than Donald Trump. ..quote Paul Krugman. Wow, just wow. Where does he get that idea, with no question, no support...just thinks its an obvious statement of fact.
As a resident of a province in Canada that once elected a socialist party to lead us, let me just say the panic over Sanders socialist policies are overblown...yes the deficit will rise (anyone take a look at the deficit under the capitalist Republicans) yes your taxes will rise, yes lots of money will be spent to help the disadvantaged and the poor...but you know what you can do if you don’t like it, vote him out in four years time...like we did.
1
The ‘Russian interference’ headlines are misleading. If the current White House is involved with anything, just assume that ‘Russian interference’ is involved. ‘Russian interference’ is DJT’s co-brand and the White House hasn’t proved it otherwise.
Well said, sir. Thank you.
1
Bernie Sanders is arguably the most electable Democrat.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/
Sanders does as well or better than Bloomberg or Biden against Trump, including in swing states such as MI, PA, WI, NC, and AZ.
4
Any candidate the Russian's are supporting should not be one Americans are supporting.
3
This op-Ed is the death rattle of the Democratic hopes for the presidency in 2020.
4
is this almost an endorsement?
1
How quickly Democrats seem to have forgotten :
"Vote Blue no matter who!"
2
Excellently said. Thank you.
You have been consistently wrong since Nov 2016. Nothing seems to have changed.
3
Thank you!!! Bernie's not my 1st or even 2nd Dem choice.
But infinitely better person than Trump? Absolutely!!
Better for American than Trump? 1000%!
3
I have read the "Why I love Bernie" comments since 2016. Yes, Sec. Clinton was a tough woman to love especially as she gave over her campaign to idiots at the macro level; however she was a legitimate candidate and the Democratic leadership and its consultants did a less than adequate job of promoting her as its nominee. Bernie would not have won in 2016, either.
In 2020 I will vote against Trump for many, many reasons my relatives cannot understand. They could not understand my protests against the wars in South East Asia, Iraq and Afghanistan or my support of voting rights and civil rights.
I will vote for Michael Bloomberg because I survived being the only woman in the room at a tech company and because I believe he is the only candidate who can manage the executive branch of the federal government and return it to a functioning level after Trump is defeated.
Trump has through his ignorance and egoism destroyed any semblance of normal governance---either from a "business perspective or a federal government perspective.
Mike Bloomberg has proven executive skills which can transform the executive branch of the government of the USA into a functioning organization which will perform its duties for the people of the USA. 3 NDA's for jokes in the 1990's don't change that reality nor does Warren's dramatic voice.
I am grateful Mike Bloomberg is funding clever ads against Trump's policies. Let's support him doing that.
Mike Bloomberg is a registered Democrat
1
Republicans can no longer criticize economic policy that increases the deficit. Not even the kings of hypocrisy will have the ausicaity to say "increasing the deficit for tax cuts for the rich is ok, but not for social programs that benefit most people". Bernie will have a lot of rhetorical ammunition to get his programs passed.
1
Thank you Mr. Krugman for being the voice of reason.
1
he may not be a left trump but we will lose the House and have no shot at the Senate AND bernie bros are VERY like the tea party - uncompromising ideologues with a litmus test for every thing.
Bernie Sanders is like Trump in one respect: he can draw huge crowds and he can ignite them. This is nothing but good!
4
Best bet is that Bernie chooses a good running mate. For God's sake he is just too old!
Bernie is not my first choice for the Democratic nominee. But he is so infinitely preferable to Trump, I will have no trouble voting for him and encouraging others to do the same.
Country comedian Minnie Pearl put it this way:
"I met a feller the other day. He was JUST my type. He was breathin'."
See what I mean?
VOTE BLUE -- NO MATTER WHO
I am reminded of what
3
What’s amazing in all the Bernie rhetoric is that Pete B is a front runner in delegates but near the bottom in polls. And Steyer, Warren, and Klobuchar have no standing with the electorate. Sure the latter are NYT picks but really? I am reminded of the pro- Mondale hype and adoration by the young. He earned less than 10 votes in the electoral college. Can the Dems win the Senate and keep the House? Let’s hope so. Needless to say I am not a Bernie fan. He and his supporters are partially responsible for Trump - let’s hope the scenario is not repeated.
1
Funny how people think the word socialist is a negative.
Are they really against Medicare and Social Security?
If these two things don't affect them because of their youth, do they want see see their parents do without them?
The carnival barker Trump lies, exaggerates, plays the victim, etc., and so many fall for this.
I think history will show the FDR saved America, and Trump destroyed it.
5
Prof. Krugman,
I have great respect for your research, but not so much your column, because you are no longer direct by facts and reasoning, but by your "guts". And this piece is an example. I cannot believe ANY economist, let alone one with expertise in international trade, would embrace Sander's protectionism trading policies. On trade, he is not the left's Trump. He IS Trump.
Without the Senate, none of this matters.
2
Thank you, Paul--and Go Tigers!
No, he's not our Trump. He's our George McGovern or Jeremy Corbyn. Besides which, he's a grumpy, cranky old man, who's already had one heart attack. A great deal -- perhaps evrything -- will depend on whom he choses as his running mate.
1
Thank you Paul for an editorial that doesn't make it look like the wheels have come off the Democratic wagon.
1
All the pontificators babbling confidently that Trump will beat Bernie in the general election can actually put their money behind their bloviating and get down a bet. Trump is currently -170 to win in Vegas. (i.e. you risk $170 to win $100) So I'm expecting all the smug commenters to put down at least 80% of their net worth on this prospect, tomorrow. But somehow I think they don't have the courage of their convictions to do that. An empty, baseless amateur prediction in the NYT comments section that, right or wrong, nobody will remember in 8 months time costs them nothing, after all.
1
As soon as Bernie Sanders starts of full-on assault on decency, the free press, and truth itself, not to mention myriad democratic norms, as if he's borrowing a page from the NSDAP playbook, then I'll start thinking he's the left's Trump.
3
Bernie Sanders is not who you think he is.
He praised the Soviet Union when he returned from traveling there in 1988 and spoke glowingly, years later, of what Chavez was doing in Venezuela. This is the kind of socialism he believes in, not the watered down variety he is touting on the campaign trail.
If elected President, he will severely damage the US economy.
He recently said that there was no room for pro-life people in the Democratic party, showing his lack of tolerance for dissenting views.
His response to the Bernie Bros' thuggery has been pathetic, and he hires, endorses and is endorsed by numerous Jew haters.
I would love to vote for a Democrat for President in 2020. I would take Bloomberg or Klobuchar in a heartbeat. But I can't vote for Bernie.
1
Unlike the Republicans, Democrats will not roll over and play dead no matter who wins the nomination and election.
I'm also curious to see the reaction of the Trump camp if a Jew wins nomination by the Democrats. If you think the Republicans has been playing the race card up to now, just wait to see what happens if Trump has to run against Sanders.
3
An unwinnable fight that hasn't even started yet.
1
I disagree with Krugman.
A MAGA hat is a MAGA hat.
Even if it's blue.
2
DEAR NYT:
YES, Mr. Krugman nailed it again.
Bernie Sanders IS a left-leaning version of Trump, promising crazy stuff like decriminalizing drugs and illegal immigration, handing out free medical care, college tuition and minority jobs, and making billionaires pay for it all.
Oh yeah. He also will destroy the capitalist engine that has created the best economy and job market in decades, driving wages higher for the least capable among us.
But don't let the facts get in your way, Dr. Krugman, as you urge Democrats on to a McGovern-scale debacle in 2020, to complete your winless cycle as a clueless political prognosticator.
I remember when you at least pretended to be an economist.
1
Thank you for writing this. Other writers at the NYTImes and commentators cable news have lost their minds. I'm glad you are separating yourself from the Clinton machine. You are better them them.
1
Bernie is a polarizing figure, and his supporters seem to exude a "if you're not friend you're foe" siege mentality. Every time I express concerns I get shouted down. Telling me I'm stupid, stuck in my ways, out of touch, or just don't get it is NOT the way to gain my support. I expect this from Trump supporters, but not from my own party. There is ample evidence to suggest that he and his supporters were lukewarm at best in regards to supporting Clinton, and it was certainly one factor in her loss and Trump's victory. And yet they full expect everyone to fall in line if, as it appears, he prevails at the convention. If that happens I will probably just hold my nose and vote for him in November, but I'm having a difficult time supporting him.
Is wealth inequality just another “buzz word”? I’m not sure this is really an issue that will ever be “solved”
It’s a “good narrative to get votes” and likely, supported mostly by people who want free stuff.
I have been seeing it do often in the panicked Mainstream Media I am starting to think Sander's first name is not "Bernie" but "Stop" . . .
I have to disagree. Sanders IS the left's Trump at least in his ability to gather a near cult following of groups of people who seemingly have no correlation. Trump, the sleazy NY developer attracts farmers, blue collar workers, and religious folks? Makes no sense. Likewise here we have Bernie, the octogenarian curmudgeon, disproportionately attracting youth? Makes no sense. And this slavish devotion is what will in the end be ruinous.
If Sanders gets the nomination due to the fragmented centrist vote being spread over too many candidates he will never attract enough centrist independent or republican voters to be electable. But if he loses the nomination his cult-like following will not be motivated to vote. In either scenario we get 4 more years of Trump and the end of our democracy.
That's where my $$ is for now, unless the D's get there act together and the non-viable centrist candidates drop out soon.
Sanders is not a wannabe authoritarian ruler but he is a stubborn, wannabe leader. News flash: he ain't one.
1
Economist and neo-libs are always so hungry to be to the right of someone. It would be nice for America to return to at least a far-right center that we had under Reagan than the extreme far right we currently are at.
Paul It is such a relief to see a NYT editorial FINALLY writing sanely and plainly about Sanders campaign. The public has been greatlyconfused by the NYT's reporting the real problems, then pretending they don't exist when Sanders addresses them We support Bernie because he is serious about confronting the new Oligarchy of the Rich, the Corporations and the MIC who have created immense and unfair economic inequality, destroyed our democracy with Citizens United, and have also destroyed our environment. It's time for a change.
5
Too soon to say he's a clear favorite. Wait till after Carolina and super Tuesday.
79
@David Price He has won 3 primaries/ caucuses so far, that pretty clearly makes him the obvious front runner.
4
@Elizabeth - The 3 states so far do not represent the country as a whole, particularly democratic voters. Still early in the game.
3
I will vote for whoever the Democratic nominee is, however I am very concerned that over a month ago, Sanders was told about Russian interference to help him.
Yet, we only heard him say don't do that. He hasn't alerted people to how it's being done, he hasn't taken steps to counteract that.
He is accepting foreign interference to his campaign because it his helping him. Doesn't this sound familiar?
The first thing the r's will do if Sanders is elected is start impeachment hearings.
2
If we elect a "Blue" Senate, he should be able to lift a lot of boats, that have been bearly staying above float. Why shouldn't Billionaires have to share the tax burden? Why are the "Boomers" hindering a better life, like they had under Franklin Roosevelt? The Boomers gave us Trump....I'm just saying.
2
Thank you for tempering the hyperbole that is taking over the media right now. Sanders' honesty and concern for the people who back him really makes him more of the anti-Trump, which is why people are so enthusiastic about him.
I hope that Dems don't shoot themselves in the foot on this one - Hillary lost because so many Bernie supporters felt the system was rigged against fair elections. If he has a commanding lead in the votes, he should be the nominee.
4
good one
1
Who are you kidding Mr. K. Sanders isn't even a Democrat. He has no successful history of working with others. He'll rule by executive order and destroy huge portions of the economy. We are a nation of laws, not executive orders, which have become the rule under Democratic presidents. If Sanders is elected, he may end up being the first president impeached and removed from office.
1
I’ve been trying to understand why I’m not behind Bernie 100%. He will be far better than Trump, of course, not least because what Bernie says and what he believes are the same thing. I am enthusiastically in favor of M4A and free post-secondary education opportunities for everyone. So in a lot of ways Bernie checks all the liberal boxes. (It doesn’t even bother me that Bernie’s not really a Democrat.)
But I’m not excited about another old, white man in the White House. This country is too diverse and we’re not seeing enough of the majority of the people who truly make America great, women and people of color. If Trump is anathema to what this country really is all about, tossing in another old man can’t really be seen as that much in the way of progress.
Nevertheless, I’m going to vote for whomever goes against Trump and his Republican enablers. I’m doing that because I believe the future of our nation is at stake.
Bernie strikes me as a good alternative to Trump and Republican corruption and cruelty. I guess I just thought that as Democrats we could do even better.
So, I’m not there yet.
1062
@M
There just aren't large numbers of statesmen willing to go through the gauntlet of running for public office. Who can blame them?
47
@M
We *can* do better, and should. I'm also concerned about an old white man who has had a heart attack recently. Also, I can't envision who would agree to be his running mate. If it's someone who's going to harmonize with the top of the ticket, than the whole ticket will look utterly Left to the center of the country.
42
@M-- I agree with you. I will still vote for Buttigieg in my state's primary. He is by far the better candidate with a better chance of winning in the states that matter. If Bernie is the candidate going into the general, I will very, very, grudgingly vote for him. But, I do not believe he will beat Trump. No without completely changing his message. I think he will lose the South and likely the mid-West as well, and he will make a very poor showing nationally. I am also concerned about his age and health, and his choice of running mate will be very important. It's highly likely that his VP will become president at some point.
63
Bernie Sanders has a great program but United States are not Europe, in United States his program looks like, for a lot of people, particularly the working class, coming from another planet. Hilary Clinton won by 3 million votes but lost because the working class didn't support her, blue collars preferred Trump. As sad as it is and sounds. A radical candidate will lead the Democratic party to an historical defeat, the same than McGovern in 1972. It'll be a proud defeat, but a defeat. An electoral "Little Big Horn". And let's face it, Sanders is old, if he is elected he'll be 83 at the end of his mandate and won't be able to rerun to end at the age of 87. Not to mention that he recently suffered a heart attack and this won't be forgotten by Trump during the campaign.
4
Mr. Krugman: Your analysis in disavowing any comparisons between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump in one swift brushstroke does not fill a canvass.
Sanders and Trump both agree that undocumented labour has helped to depress the wages for the country's lower income citizens and legal residents. And they both want more restrictions on the influx of unskilled workers.
They're both favour increased tariffs on China and want more protection for American intellectual property.
Yes, they're divergent in many ways, but make no mistake that they both resonate with much of America's lower and middle classes.
1
Sanders is an absolute NO! Whether or not he is “technically” a socialist, I don’t care. His ideas are foolish and even malevolent.
7
I don’t have ‘ideological issues’ with Bernie Sanders, per se, as many of his policy ideas are just not that radical in a larger/longer American context, but I do have strong doubts about his viability as the presidential nominee of a poorly led, and already fractious/fractured, political party.
One doubt is that the fervent advocacy his passionate base exhibits will translate, and spread, among moderates, independents and undecideds: I don’t think it’s likely to, as most voters already know who Sanders is. Not many voters are likely to suddenly ‘see the light’ about an almost 80 year old politician who’s been in politics since long before many of they were born.
My second, closely related, doubt has to do with how easily his long, well-documented history of hard left pronouncements will play into the gop’s hands as they base their 2020 campaigns (very much plural) on scaring the general population into believing that electing a self-declared socialist would damage, if not destroy, a fairly strong economy.
But please don’t tell any Berners I said any of this, as they will attack me for being ignorant, elitist, privileged, or whatever the hipster put-down du jour is... On bad days, I fear we are living through the fall of the United States.
1
You are right, Bernie Sanders is a good man, but it seems unlikely he can win the presidency. Which is of vital concern. I was struck by the disconnect between Iowa voters saying their most important issue was electability and Sanders and Buttigieg who would be the hardest to elect finishing first. What were they thinking? And then we learn that the Russians favor Bernie very likely with the same reasoning. And we don't understand how they are doing it because we are not told. Our elections and the future of our country are in doubt. And I don't like that Bernie only disclosed possible Russian help a month later.
1
I think you have the wrong conclusion Dr. K:
"To be honest, a Sanders administration would probably leave center-left policy wonks like me out in the cold, at least initially. And if a President Sanders or his advisers say things I think are foolish, I won’t pretend otherwise in an attempt to ingratiate myself."
First, progressives and their ideas should have been given a seat at the table long ago. The fact that they were excluded, and maybe you were part of that action, leads you to think you and yours will be excluded in a progressive administration.
Consider an alternative - that multiple political/economic philosophies are considered while policy is being created. You may think someone has said something foolish; but if you consider it, you may find a hidden gem that can be applied to the problem at hand.
Collaboration my friend. We are headed into uncharted territory, and new ways of working together must be found.
(Fwiw, I am the 2020 Democratic nominee for Congress in Kentucky's 2nd District. 270-925-9498)
1
Last year, "Opinion" writers were asking questions such as what the Democrats should say to middle america to get their vote. Today Mr. Leonhardt states"The art of peeling off voters — those in the middle or those who aren’t ideological — may be the most important skill in politics." Mr Krugman states he is "concerned about (a) the electability of someone who says he’s a socialist even though he isn’t",and "it’s the job of Dems to make him electable." Trump won the election by being Trump, not by letting the RNC make him electable. And, for sure he doesn't worry too much about what he says regardless of in what part of America he is speaking. Mr. Krugman goes on to trying to make Sanders electable, by saying Sanders isn't really a socialist. He downplays the cost of all Sanders and Warren want, saying it can be dumped on the rich. But in countries that provide what they want, the average tax rate is around 55%. In Denmark, a country often touted for what it provides, the tax rate ranges between 60% to 65 %. One country has a tax rate at 50% but tacks on a 16%social security tax of 16%. It is uncertain that Sanders can defeat Trump. But for sure, he won't have a chance if a bunch professional politicians or Op-Ed contributors try to tell us he really isn't what he says he is or educating him that "politics is inescapably performative" so he should perform rather than tell us what he stands for.
1
I find it hard getting comfortable with Sanders because he openly talked about primarying Obama given the siege he was under from the Republicans. He supports policies that are idealistic but have no chance of passing.
He thinks that he can appeal to people who would rather have their roads turn to gravel than pay increased gasoline taxes. He lacks pragmatism and his time is short due to his age. He needs to stop the revolutionary language because history tells us that revolutions mainly fail.
2
Will Sanders deliver? Is Sanders a reaction to Trump's tax bill? Housing? Lousy jobs with terrible benefits (if at all)? An over the top "sickness system" that steals away the last breath of patients for a dollar? No change can happen without a willing Congress. There are problems. But how are laws passed? How many problems are local, caused by right leaning governors, and mayors who can't get a pot hole filled? Will Sanders cause the Dems to loose both Houses of Congress? Do caucuses really reflect the will of the voters, or are they simply a vehicle allowing media to turn the election towards one candidate or another? There have been other decent candidates like Sanders, think of McGovern. Younger then, we flocked towards McGovern's decency and bright ideas as he delivered a massive victory for the other side. Given the growing desire of so many to unseat Trump, and the vast media control he enjoys, is Sanders the very best that the Democratic Party can bring us, or is this simply another media show?
2
Mr. Krugman, 40 years of the centrist dance, 2 steps right, one step left, has resulted in: Republican deregulation of the economy, privatization, voter suppression, political dirty tricks and attacks on the rule of law. The democratic 2 step has resulted in 3rd world housing for military families and money for the troops being redirected to contractors building Trump's politically driven wall. I'm sick of Wall Street democrats, like Clinton, Biden, Buttigieg, and no indictments Obama. I have no confidence that the Trojan horse Bloomberg is not just Trump with a moral filter.
That said, I'm a Warren democrat; however, no matter who, I'll vote blue.
6
When Bloomberg's ego and his billions combine to become the backfiring catalytic converter that further divides the moderate field and ensure the Sanders nomination I have one thought.
Karma.
1
"America under a Sanders presidency would still be America, both because Sanders is an infinitely better human being than Trump and because the Democratic Party wouldn’t enable abuse of power the way Republicans have."
Doesn't the second part especially sound naive?
@Kris
No, Kris, it does not. Does it sound naive to you?
History shows that for at least 40 years Republican's (often successful) efforts to enable abuse of power have FAR exceeded Democratic efforts. So, on the evidence, a Democratic administration would be MUCH more likely to result in abuse of power.
Cynicism about political parties is warranted, but it is not a useful substitute for observation and analysis.
1
No, not at all.
1
Sanders and trump are not the same, but they have significant similarities that cannot be whitewashed away. Bernie Sanders speaks to the anger, resentment and disenfranchisement of many Americans. trump does as well. The difference is twofold. The first is trump's obvious inability to tell the truth or do anything that does not serve his own petty needs, whereas Sanders has a clean honesty record. The second is the target of the resentment and anger. The wealthy and "Haves" for Sanders, and foreigners and dark-skinned folks for trump. The overlap is that they both appeal to people who want/need to "stick it to the Man" as they used to say. Therein may lie the key to electability. If Sanders can use that overlap to strip off voters who feel angry and resentful but also don't like trump's behavior he could win in ways the other Democrats could not.
2
The VP must be a younger and solid choice for president because of Sander’s age of 78. He recently had a heart attack so his susceptibility to a repeat is alarmingly high. In any event, Sanders is a whole bunch better than the autocratic, out of control Trump.
1
Sanders is just the demagogue as Trump. Look at his "health care plan." Single payer is not a complete solution. Other countries "get better results for less." No- they get the same (or actually inferior results) for less. Why? I have worked in Europe. They do not offer what we do. In a nursing home with Alzheimers? You do not get treated for your hip fracture. You get pain medication. Same result- patient dies (at some point). Less money spent. I could go on and on.
Is that a bad thing? No- but I doubt that Americans will tolerate it.
Bernie is a smart man. I do not think he is blind to this. He is intentionally misleading his blind followers into believing that we can deliver health care just as we are now, and to even more people, and that we will not bankrupt the country.
Compare apples to apples. Bernie is a utopian dreamer who seeks to fundamentally transform America into something that it has never been nor will ever be. He needs to go back to the '60s.... their ideologue is missing.
2
That Sanders has the right ideas to break with our current economic inequalities, no question about it. The problem with revolutionaries is that, if their program fails, they may be dubbed as reactionaries, delaying what is the right thing to do. That would be my concern...plus his electability, while bully Trump keeps lying right and left and seeking foreign help, so to re-assault the presidency this November.
Bravo Mr. Krugman! You are one of the few in big media who state the obvious: that Sen. Sanders is popular because he is a decent human being, and because his program reflects what many people want.
The Democrats screaming bloody murder at the prospect of a Sanders candidacy or presidency, should stop and think for 30 seconds about the word "democracy." How do they defend the idea that the will of the people to have education and health care just like other wealthy nations, is wrong and impossible?
So they would rather have Donald Trump for another 4 years?
Thank you Mr. Krugman, for stating (and restating) the obvious. Apparently it can't be said often enough.
3
Sadly, Americans are transfixed by decades - actually almost a century - of propaganda over universal health care that a piece like this is entirely explicable. It is almost as if 'somewhat' leftish people like Krugman believe the right wing adage that the US is truly exceptional.
What is actually true is that the Democrats are center-right party who have people within it who have now called time on the fraud perpetrated on those who support them. Whether Warren or Bernie hardly matters. It is simply about time someone mildly left takes over. Anyone who is not a proto fascist Trumpet should get behind them.
The alternative is unthinkable.
2
"I’m more concerned about (a) the electability of someone who says he’s a socialist even though he isn’t and (b) if he does win, whether he’ll squander political capital on unwinnable fights like abolishing private health insurance."
I'm more concerned, Paul, about candidates' ignorance of the Constitution. Bernie is no bettter than Trump in that regard.
"But this is no time for self-indulgence and ego trips. Freedom is on the line."
No matter who wins this November, we are not going to be more free in the manner the founders intended, Paul. What sort of "freedom" are you talking about?
Submitted 2/23 @ 7:55 p.m. EST
I am an independent. I supported Obama and think he was a GREAT president. I supported Hillary and believe she would have been a GREAT president. I despise DT. I’m still shocked that he was elected. If Sanders gets the nomination, I will vote for Trump, and Republican down the ticket. I used to think that no one could be worse than Trump. I’ve changed my mind, there is one worse.
What worries me most about St. Bernie is that he’s not listening, too many of his supporters aren’t listening, and that too many of the claims about such things as rigged systems amd rocket-propelling the economy sound a lot like Trump. Way too much like Trump, in fact.
And while I expect pols (Bernie’s a pol, okay?) to duck and dodge, stuff like that Wednesday answer to a question about what you tell a lot of Pennsylvania gas and oil workers to get them to vote for you after you’ve told ‘em you’re taking their fracking jobs next year...well, not good.
There is a characteristic shape to disasters, as they start coming down the pike. Included in that shape is not listening, threatening the messenger, and shucking and jiving away from very real concerns.
Might wanna stop yelling at people whose votes you’re gonna need, too. Some of us old guys show up to vote twice as often as your folks under 30.
2
If being a socialist means wanting to make healthcare and a college education available to everyone, then Bernie's a socialist. Same thing for wanting corporations and billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes.
Besides, being a republican means you're willing to cripple regular people with healthcare and college debt while you let billionaires and corporations get away with paying as little taxes as possible.
3
Among Bernie's most serious problems is his age. He is far too old to run for POTUS- looking, undoubtedly, to two full terms- leaving office at 85! And recently recovering from a heart attack!!!
WHY IS HE RUNNING? Likely, because politics is addictive.
So, understandable for him. But WHY does he have ANY followers, let alone the youth? Arguably, he bought some of the youth with his giveaways- free college, free medicare et al. Hopefully, they- and certainly his older, more sophisticated
supporters, will come to their senses before it is too late.
Sure Biden is old, but Biden has limited himself to one term- with hints of just a year or two. Biden has two goals: beat trump (he is the odds on favorite) and, finally, win the election
for POTUS. He seems to have no interest in serving, even one term. He has been there and done that under Obama. So
Biden does not pose the same risk as heart-damaged old
man Saunders that really wants to govern for two terms.
Still a guy's world, but just barely. Joe will win and hand the reins to a talented gal, who will serve 6 to 10 years- leading us into the gal world which is surely coming- soon!
1
The real shame is that neither party has a candidate that I care to cast my vote for. I can't be the only individual that feels this way. Can I?
Not sure if Mr. Krugman is telling us that he is a ”never Bernie” or ”Bernie may be”.
I think Mr. Krugman is showcasing what we know about economists:
”on one hand, Bernie could do really good for America, and on the other hand, it could all be over”
I also think that this endless search for a centrist in these primaries is futile at best and worst at hiding what Democrats truly believe at least during the primaries.
Americans in general have grabbed on to the fact that at least during these primaries – most of Bernie's rivals are either half Bernie or a few percentage of Bernie.
Not one has championed free markets or capitalism as we know it – that has made America the envy of the world.
Democrats should actually insist that America needs to debate Bernie's socialism vs POTUS socialism.
Even Sen McGovern never proposed anything ;Ike what Bernie is proposing.
If Democrats squander this chance to confront America with a stark choice of socialism – they would have done a disservice to America.
I say ”let Bernie be Bernie”.
1
I will vote for neither Trump or Bernie, those 70+ year old guys both need to go away. Neither are what the country needs long term.
1
I'll vote for Sanders even though he'll be an ineffectual president. He remained an independent, stayed out of the Democratic Party for all those decades, because he can't work with other people. That's as core to his personality as lying is to Donald Trump's.
He reminds me of Jimmy Carter, a fine man but a poor president.
2
I have profound respect for Paul Krugman, but I think he's wrong because I just don't think Bernie Sanders can withstand the onslaught of Trump-sponsored slander and hysteria that will be mounted against him.
I'm sorry I believe this because I think his policy proposals--except for his arrogant blindness on abortion, which I oppose--are mostly mild or harmless--and in other respects profoundly more beneficial to the country than the blindness and cowardice of the Republican Party.
Even so, Mr. Krugman, I respectfully disagree. Given the absurd power of the electoral college I think Bernie is a great danger and weakness this year.
While I appreciate your valiant effort at clarifying that Bernie isn’t as bad as Trump (and I completely agree), you know as well as anyone that there is no chance Bernie will win the Presidency. The failure here should be laid squarely on the shoulders of Democratic Party leadership for pre-ordaining Hillary Clinton as their candidate in 2016. I continue to feel strongly that if any centrist candidate had been given a fair chance to get the nomination besides her, we wouldn’t find ourselves where we are now. DemocratIc leaders have proven themselves as inept as the Republicans are spineless.
1
Running a candidate, whose only source of funding is the individual contributor, against the Trump war chest seems like a noble, but lost cause. I hope the people who vote for Bernie realize that they will also need to make generous donations in order for Bernie to be able to respond to the barrage of lies that Trump will put on the airwaves. Bernie needs more than your vote, he needs your money too.
1
Freedom is on the line. "Bernie Sanders isn't the lefts Trump".
Bernie Sanders bears no resemblance to Trump. Sanders is not an authoritarian, he is not a liar, he is in touch with reality and he is a patriot ... for the USA. Sanders wants America to be successful for us all.
I am delighted that he is out front in the caucuses, the polls and in the way he presents himself. He is true to his ideals, which I share. Trump with his bullying, venomous, belittling, bigoted and lying attacks will not find Sanders flat footed. He is more than a match.
I believe that the majority of voters will recognize Sander's good character, ideas and intentions. I think he has a very realistic chance of winning the presidency. We need a leader, not an authoritarian dictator.
I'm very pleased that a leader has emerged from this democratic campaign. It has become clearer for whom I will vote on March 17th in the Ohio primary. While I would vote for the nominee in Nov. 2020, I'll take pleasure in voting for Bernie Sanders.
2
Not sure if Mr. Krugman is telling us that he is a ”never Bernie” or ”Bernie may be”.
I think Mr. Krugman is showcasing what we know about economists:
”on one hand, Bernie could do really good for America, and on the other hand, it could all be over”
I also think that this endless search for a centrist in these primaries is futile at best and worst at hiding what Democrats truly believe at least during the primaries.
Americans in general have grabbed on to the fact that at least during these primaries – most of Bernie's rivals are either half Bernie or a few percentage of Bernie.
Not one has championed free markets or capitalism as we know it – that has made America the envy of the world.
Democrats should actually insist that America needs to debate Bernie's socialism vs POTUS socialism.
Even Sen McGovern never proposed anything ;Ike what Bernie is proposing.
If Democrats squander this chance to confront America with a stark choice of socialism – they would have done a disservice to America.
I say ”let Bernie be Bernie”.
It would be a complete disaster for the Authoritarian Dictator wannabe who is rapidly dismantling all the guardrails of our democracy to remain in power another 4 years. Dems need to be realistic and pragmatic and realize that getting rid of Trump is THE ONLY goal for this election that truly matters. Four more years of Trump and our Democracy may be salvageable. the ultra-liberal agenda must be put on the back burner. A more Centralist candidate will bring in more moderate, independent, and even the sane Right Wingers who know Trump is a danger to our Democracy.
1
100% disagree.
My way or the highway - applies to Trump and Sanders
Ideological purity tests - applies to Trump and Sanders
Aggressive and angry base of support - applies to Trump and Sanders
Long on rhetoric short on accomplishments - applies to Trump and Sanders
Zero ability to compromise - applies to Trump and Sanders
These guys are quite literally the flip sides of the same radical coin.
1
Here's why I support Sanders, aside from the fact that he has never veered or pandered in order to curry favor:
- He cannot be bought
- He is not a liar, he is honest
Adhering to those two items alone blows all the other candidates out of the water. For me.
3
As FDR SAID in 1936:
"We had to struggle with the old enemies of peace
business and financial monopoly,
speculation,
reckless banking,
class antagonism,
sectionalism,
war profiteering.
They consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs.
We know now that Government by organized money is just as dangerous as Government by organized mob.
Never before in all our history have these forces been so united against one candidate. They are unanimous in their hatred and I welcome their hatred."
Welcome their hatred Bernie.
Bernie 2020.
2
Reality Check: Trump lost the popular 2016 presidential vote by 9 million. (He lost to Clinton by 3 million, 6 million more went for anyone but Trump or Clinton.)
If half of independents who went for Trump in ‘16 now find more opportunity with Bernie, Trump’s history.
Happily, it appears our youth are following their hearts instead of listening to the self-anointed, clairvoyant, establishment punditocracy and their regurgitating followers - many of whom appear in these comments. Hopefully, these new, young voters will turn out in the big numbers their demo reps.
The rest of us might just want to up and get on board.
1
Any Democrat Can Win, If . . . .
ANY candidate that the Democratic Party chooses LEGITIMATELY can beat Trump, whether Bernie, or even Mayor Bloomberg. The key is legitimacy. Bloomberg's wealth works against him there.
And don't forget a number of Trump voters, angry at the corporate/government cabal, but sick of Trump's tweets might well jump aboard the Bernie/Warren Revolution Express.
If there are shenanigans by high power Democrats and the mainstream media to undermine any Democratic candidate, look for the party to split like an amoeba. Can Bernie and the Democratic establishment get along?
Power politics only help the status quo. Consensus can only be gotten through cooperation and looking past personal biases and hope to reflect crowd wisdom and a patchwork majority. Unfortunately the horse race mentality the media injects in to the political process makes desire to cooperate seem like a sign of weakness, or even worse, Communism!!!!
Elections should be a time to express hope, not monger fear. We should vote for whoever we want in the Primaries, but support whoever the nominee is, as long as they got it fairly by your standards.
Just vote!
1
The trouble, Paul, is that a Sanders presidency would be a big fat zero for policy since nothing could get through Congress and Bernie is not someone who compromises.
So, what does a stymied President do, they take more power to get things done. No matter what the motives, it will seem authoritarian to those who oppose those moves.
Bernie may not be Trump in personality, but he WILL be Trump when it comes to policies that he decides to cram down American's throats.
Paul,
To say you are not a convert to MMT is to say you believe the Federal Government could run out of the US dollars it creates.
It is to say that you think a check from the Federal Reserve could bounce.
I know you don’t think either of these things. No educated person could.
So we are all MMTers.
Sanders isn't the left's Trump, but i see the similarities. Both have a strong base of "true believers" and like it that way. Both are disrespectful of people in their own party who disagree with them. I just don't see how Sanders will enlarge the democratic tent to include people who can't swallow all his ideas.
". . . this is no time for self-indulgence and ego trips. Freedom is on the line."
Doesn't that about say it all?
Thanks to Paul Krugman for a down-to-earth reminder of what is at stake.
For all of us.
Wow, someone in NYT is finally looking at the optimistic side of a President Sanders. Thinkers like you and voices of reason, Dr. Krugman, are rare these days in the democratic establishment bent on vilifying Sanders and hasten their own demise.
Your seniority and sagacity puts you in a unique position to try to bring about some rational thinking back to the NYT Newsroom that has inundated us subscribers with articles after articles of anti-Sanders drumbeat. Thanks in advance.
1
thank you thank you thanks you for saying this, mr. krugman. not only democracy but the planet write large.
AMEN.
No one gets everything right, especially this writer but I know from long ago studies and Foreign Service experience with Social Democratic parties in Europe and Latin American that Democratic Socialist parties have a lot in common with FDR and Truman's New Dealers.
When JFK said "I Am a Berliner" he was as standing beside Berlin's Mayor Willy Brandt, a Social Democrat, later the West German Chancellor. Brandt was succeeded by Helmut Schmidt, an author of Germany's economic miracle, whom the Nixon administration found to be a staunch ally.
The Spanish Socialist, Felipe Gonzalez (disclosure, a long ago acquaintance) righted Spain's economy by selling off or closing money losing state owned enterpri
I doubt Benie has the Black Gen-X and older vote. He won't win the South. After living in California for a few years, I doubt he wins here as well.
This race is going to the last primary. Hang in there Amy and Pete!!
1
Unlike Trump who comes off as a brash marketeer, Bernie comes off as a loud college professor. Trump doesn't read, Bernie does. Trump lies, Bernie is generally though to be honest. That said, Bernies adopted tactics foisted by his campaign are akin to Trump; that is the basis for the comparison being made today. His politics on the other hand are like vinegar and oil with Trump without the benefit of a shake. As a moderate, frankly, I can't stand either and think either, or would be the ruination of our country.
The next President needs to be someone who can heal the country after the past 20 years of divisiveness. It started with Clinton and his enemies and the Lewinsky affair, went on to Bush and the dangling chads, then the Republicans had a really hard time with an African American president which brought us to the marketeer who said anything to get elected and then lied and lied and lied. The next President doesn't have to have the best ideas. The next President has to have gravitas to bring America back to itself, the leader of the free world and a beacon of hope to the down trodden. That person will have to work with Congress for solutions to our problems so they actually write good legislation. The dilemma with Bernie is if Congress stays the same, or is adversarial to him, nothing gets done. His agenda frightens everyone but those on the far left.
1
Getting rid of private for profit health insurance through employment plans will not be easy but it is not impossible. Tommy Douglas did it in Saskatchewan Canada and it became adopted nation wide. There is even a statue of him as a revered founder of this concept. Private health insurance will always exist for those than can afford it in our society, as do private clinics in Canada and elsewhere. But for the vast majority of Americans, they will benefit from a plan with lower premiums, no pre existing conditions rider, and no co pays. Why health insurance is tied to employment is and has always been a dumb idea. I guess you are only supposed to time your illnesses when you are lucky enough to have employment with benefits? It's about time that every citizen in the United States has the right to health care.
But isn't the very same thing true of ANY Democratic candidate? Isn't something more required?
"I [don't] understand why so many people [worry] about a [Sanders] presidency that would restore dignity and integrity to the WH."
1
Yes, I will vote for Bernie if he is the D candidate. But, I wonder what sort of government he can pull together. It may consist of his BernieBros only as we have seen with Trump and his Trumpkin cronies. "My way or the highway".
Radicals don't fit in mainstream America well, right or left. In the end, with Bernie at the helm, we are most likely to lose congress altogether. Even if he is at the helm the WH could be an island of despair. They judicial branch will continue to shift to the right and Rule of Law will be history.
The GOP can and will trash what they will promote as the 'communist'. Many will forget the threat Trump himself represents as a despot. Doomsday? Yes, that is what I see with Bernie.
I have been astonished at the repeated assertions that a Sanders presidency will bring us closer to the policies of FDR, a president elected nearly 100 years ago, in a radically different environment. What poppycock! Roosevelt was a product of the the New York Democratic machine. The country had fallen into a worldwide depression and a compliant Congress was willing to try almost anything. Sanders is not nearly the politician Roosevelt was, and is an ideologue to boot. The past is not coming back.
I remember, not too long ago, a candidate that ran a very progressive campaign against a group of centrists opponents where he talked about Medicare For All, ending the regime change wars, addressing Wall Street abuses and asking the wealthy to pay their fair share in taxes and dealing with climate change. What was the response? He was elected by one of the largest margins in history. The huge, enthusiastic, grassroots Democratic voter turnout for that candidate lifted the entire Democratic ticket to a filibuster-proof Senate and a large majority in the House and even many state positions.
Here's what that person said recently: "Democrats aren’t just running on good old ideas like a higher minimum wage, they’re running on good new ideas like Medicare for all, giving workers seats on corporate boards, reversing the most egregious corporate tax cuts to make sure college students graduate debt-free,” he said. Does any of this sound familiar? It's exactly what Bernie Sanders is saying. The enthusiasm his campaign is generating really reminds me of 2008, and we all know what happened to Democrats back then. My suggestion for the party and the skeptics is to stop retreating in a defensive mode and go on the offensive with why Bernie Sanders' ideas are sound. Do not allow the Republicans to set the narrative and do not allow them to "Swift Boat" you. Punch and counter-punch. It shouldn't be that difficult. The Republicans have horrible ideas and their leaders are horrible.
1
I think it’s time we check our bias (and fear) that ‘Bernie can’t win’. Do you agree with his diagnosis of our problems and platform of ideas, but refuse to support him because you’ve embraced this negative narrative? Of course Repubs are gonna be negative- that’s all they know who to do. Quit cowering in the face of it! Bernie CAN win- is winning and in projected match ups is beating Trump. I think Dems have been gaslighted into believing the ‘trump is invisible’ propaganda. Snap out of it!
I just can't see Sanders conducting foreign policy. I am trying to imagine him talking to Putin or Kim or Erdogan or Modi or Dutarte or Xi, but especially Putin. I can't imaging smoozing with Macron or having cocktails with Trudeau. That might be as bad as going to a wine cave. I certainly can't imagine him attending a state dinner with Queen Elizabeth. All that display of wealth and privilege and outdated rituals. But on the other hand it make good comedy.
Bernie Sanders is a Communist, pretending to be a socialist, running as a Democrat. How's that for authenticity? Like Donald Trump,and Obama before him, Sanders promises to disrupt the traditional way of doing politics in America. The left is repelled by Trump's disruption because he is an amoral human being who will say anything to achieve his goals. Trump's supporters see results that they like and ignore how he achieves them. Sanders has one characteristic that neither Obama nor Trump had before they were elected. Sanders has a forty year career in politics with no achievements. Hillary Clinton is Democrats' Cassandra and she has called Sanders out. How will Sanders track record hold up in a general election? He has nothing but promises to run on and a record of nothing achieved in 40 years.
'...Democratic party would not enable abuse of power...' Apparently according to Sanders and his supporters they were as immoral as can be by 'rigging' everything so much so that if not for that Sanders would have won. So I doubt he and his supporters would accept that take on the Dem party! Unless the lawmakers from that party roll over and allow Bernie and his unbending supporters get everything they want, when they want and exactly the way they want! I for one am trying to psyche myself to four more years of immorality and authoritarianism which in the first place was at least partly due to the venomous behavior of Bernie and his bunch! Let me add that despite what I prefer, I'd be happy to be wrong about Bernie's chances against the current dictator in 2020!
1
He's not the left's version of Trump?
He may not be as reckless or as authoritarian as Trump, but...
* rails against his own party as much as the opposing party
* complains about the "mainstream, corporate media" whenever it says something he doesn't like
* has a curious record of voting against sanctions on Russia
1
Calling Sanders left leaning is the same as Stalin was left leaning, in fact many Democrats at that time in history thought exactly that. Just a bit of left leaning. Let’s stop making Sanders into a harmless left leaning politician. It took Russia 70 years to get rid of their socialism and they are still a messed up country.
1
Sanders is an angry divisive person who carries chips on his shoulders and uses his intellect and experience to rev up the population in shared anger. His policies will destroy the economy and the quality of our healthcare system.
2
I think that Trump has traumatized a lot of Americans (myself included), not just by his obnoxiousness, but by showing us how fragile our democracy and all its institutions can be, in the wrong hands. It's hard for some of us--even those who voted for Bernie last time around--to get behind ANY candidate.
Fear, that's what it is. We might have disdained Trump's candidacy in 2016, but most of us didn't actually FEAR the guy. But now we see how someone in the role of president of the US can really hurt us, destroy our nation, and threaten to hurt people who disagree with him. We're afraid that our candidate may turn out to have worse impulses than we believe.
I just hope Bernie will choose Elizabeth Warren as his VP, not some pathetic doormat like Pence.
1
Did you write this between two subway stops? If he s nominated vote for him, that’s the message? Ok.
1
You know, I remember that Dr. Krugman's NYTimes blog was "Conscience of a Liberal." Perhaps you changed or liberal didn't mean what I thought it meant.
Goodness gracious, Dr. Krugman! What prevents you from seeing that the working class, poor and elderly need substantive change that materially improves the quality of their lives? Your centrist guy, President Obama (remember the "Grand Compromise"?) set up this whole situation by not bringing about once in a generation change when he had the opportunity. Centrism got us the lunatic in the White House and you want more of it?
Come down off your high, materially comfortable, fully health insured horse and walk a mile in the shoes of the working class, poor and elderly. See how that changes your politics.
2
I am an old white man and life long Republican. I agree Sanders is no Trump. Unfortunately, he's the American Jeremy Corbin and we all know how that turned out. That said, American democracy is on the line and so if he is the nominee, I will vote for him. My fear is that there are not enough people who grasp the peril this country is in to hold their noses and do the right if unpalatable thing.
1
The ego and self-indulgence belong to Sanders and his rabid base of supporters. Now is not the time for an 80 year old who has already had a heart attack and has more than enough for TrumpCo to attack him with, whose agenda he wouldn't even be able to get passed even if he were president, but who will scare enough of the middle of the country into either staying home or voting for Trump. Now is not the time for an extreme candidate for the Democrats.
1
I think that capitalism is not the the problem. The problem is that our legislative branch doesn’t function.
It has not functioned in a manner that solves meaningful issues. Healthcare, immigration , infrastructure, nothing is attended to
and we fall further behind.
I still can’t get over that in 2016 both parties put forth incredibly distasteful candidates. Both of them congenital liars and corrupt.
1
Paul Krugman's final sentence here must live in every
American's mind and heart. "Freedom is on the line." We must unite to defeat this would-be Mussolini plus vanity plus hair facsimile plus strange facial skin paint.
Simple -- because for the past year or so, we've had nothing but private polls (which were notoriously inaccurate in the 2016 election) with which to gauge how the actual voting public felt about candidates. This time too, for that matter: We've already learned, for example, that the polls vastly overestimated Biden's support and underestimated Sanders.'
"Why does the press and the electorate follow early states like hungry animals on the sent [sic: the writer presumably intended "scent"] of food? How about a little research ... [?]"
1
"And this is no time for ego or self-indulgence."
Thanks for deciding to resign. Hopefully they replace you with someone who isn't a complete hack.
1
Bernie Sanders equals George McGovern, 1972.
Does that sound familiar?
The Trump Campaign sends its sincere thanks.
A refreshing voice of reason in the most unreasonable times I can remember.
Trump vs ???? is not a hard question to answer for anyone who is the least bit informed.
Remember how things were in Obama's second term. Look at things now, and imagine what chaos Trump will wreak if given 4 more years to bulldoze sanity and decency. Trust me, the reality would be far worse than any of us can imagine. Far worse.
It is ironic that latinos in nevada supported bernie sanders over more moderate democrats. Bernie opposed immigration reform in 2007 and expressed his xenophobic,anti-immigrant reasons to lou dobbs of cnn in an interview. Bernie along with Lou claimed that brown people from India and Mexico were coming in because of the guest worker program and it was hurting american workers. Now we know that both bernie and lou are xenophobes and anti-immigrant. their real problem is brown people coming into the country and bernie panders to US workers and their irrational fears. History has since proved these fears wrong. Unemployment has dropped to 3.6 percent, steadily falling since after the 2008 recession. H1Bs are not at fault. It is paranoid, xenophobic americans who don't go to college and qualify themselves for the skilled jobs that companies need to fill to compete with rivals, that are at fault. why can't americans acquire the same skills instead of victimizing brown people and painting themselves as the victims? this is the country that built iphones, tesla and spacex rockets.
Bernie is the angry man. The only people he appeals to are other angry people
1
Perhaps you are right!
Unfortunately, Bernie will not change his acerbic and bellicose personality. I'm not sure I can tolerate that for four long years!
1
Sorry, your argument is hollow. You have no idea what Sanders will do once installed. We had no idea how bad Trump would be. If Bernie Bros get power they will frighten Democrats just as Trumpers have Republicans. So unless you can actually see the future. This argument is hollow. Seeing Krugman throw facts aside, in yet another article, to pander to liberals is quite sad. It’s as if he is already fearing the Bros.
"Even if you disagree with his ideas, he’s not a wannabe authoritarian ruler." - is a pretty weak statement. Bernie's entire political career has been about publicly allying with dictatorships from the USSR to Cuba to Nicaragua to, most recently, Venezuela. He is very obviously a wannabe authoritarian ruler since dictatorship invariably goes hand in hand with socialism and he is a lifelong socialist.
Professor please explain to me why pushing for private insurance companies to be shown the exit door is not feasible in because of Congress?
If the people of this country are still the masters and not the serfs, and if they think Bernie is right and the Democratic congresspeople are wrong, why won’t they boot them out of office?
Do you personally think private/for profit insurance companies are a good idea in this country while they are not in Scandinavia and France? If so why?
Are you sure are a center left policy wonk and not a status quo economist who pretends he has anything to do with a progressive agenda. No one forgot your support for Hillary. Surely she is not “center left.”
By the way, plenty of excellent economists like Emmanuel Saez, Robert Reich, Sam Bowles, Gerald Friedman, Dani Rodrik and even Joseph Stiglitz will come about and help a Bernie administration.
The attitude of a priori assumptions of what Congress Democrats will do or not do is myopic at best. Do you think, we would have had the New Deal, Social Security (ran not by money managers and investment banks as an analogy to private heath insurance), EPA, Medicare for 65 and over if we FDR, LBJ and even RMN listened to the likes of you? No we wouldn’t.
Bernie 2020. It is almost here, the era of Rawlsian Justice.
Someone posted: Despite many valiant efforts, we can't fix the antiquated, disastrous, unfair Electoral College until we start winning.
I'll take the judgement of the founding fathers over that of sore losers.
I like neither Bernie's vociferous indignation nor his followers pugnaciousness.
It is so unfortunate that democrats in these early-voting/caucusing states are so radical.
What's the choice Trump or Sanders? Please.
Bernie will try to save us from the grip of big money -- ready to eat alive anybody who gets in its way. It wants every dollar we have, us underlings, and will do anything whatever to get it! Works us to death -- what of it? Sells our homes out from under us -- so what? Sees us die without the medical help we can't afford -- who cares? Bernie knows, somehow, what people are suffering -- we might as well give him a try! What have we got to lose?
Precisely, Professor Krugman. Freedom IS on the line.
Our Founding Fathers agree:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ue5F57dZMU&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3Mpsjr6A2qSMqKkv8Yst3HjUAU8KxJC3mfRAUPL3HVRiyOMRHmxfk8EuA
2
If you are concerned about what Bernie can do to America if elected, I guess you can take solace in that nothing on his agenda will ever become law. First, "Medicare for All". Even AOC says it isn't going to happen and the best you can hope for is a public option added to the ACA. His education plan? Also not happening! Taxes? Nadda! He is one of the least effective members of the Senate and the House before that. His leadership skills are even worse! In the 2016 campaign there were numerous problems with sexual harassment WITHIN the campaign! Now we see not only his "Bernie Bros", but his own top campaign workers acting deplorably. If he cannot even control his campaign how can he lead the entire government? And if he is actually directing his army of bullies to do what they are doing he is as bad, or worse, than Trump! And finally... if he does not win the nomination, he and his Bernie Bros will NOT support the nominee as he will cry that the primaries were rigged against him because he is not a Democrat!
Okay, I will not compare Bernie and tRUMP as two sides of the same coin, both extremists. All I will say is that I will not vote for either should Bernie become the DEM nominee. My guess is that there are millions like me, and sadly this gives Don the Con a huge victory. I just don't Feel the Bern and am sick and tired of his adamant followers and their sad sack stories.
I am already seeing Bernie backlash from some of the talking heads. Stop it! There was a concerted effort by the dem. establishment to stop his momentum in 2016, and look what we got because of it. Fool me once! I will vote for whoever wins the nomination, but I won't be a happy voter if the"billionaire class" rigs the process again.
1
If a Democrat doesn't win against Trump, it says little about the failures of Democrats and, a great deal about the perversity of our society, culture and politics. All of which are failing basic human, Christian, Jewish and other religious and moral values. Trump survives and seems to thrive because we let him.
Thank you for the reasoned opinion, Dr. Krugman.
I wish people would stop worrying about who is “electable”. Why don’t you just vote for who you want and stop worrying about psychoanalyzing people who probably won’t vote the way you think they will, anyway.
What blows me away is that nobody is asking if Trump is electable, even though he is probably tied with Andrew Johnson for the worst president ever.
Why would you not go out and vote against him, whoever is running against him?
This will not be the most consequential election, we’ve already had that in 2016. But cleaning out the Republicans this November will be the patriotic thing to do, to salvage what’s left of the norms that don’t seem to matter to them. If you stay home, because your candidate didn’t win, go vote against Trump and for your Democrat for the House and Senate. This is an all hands on deck emergency, so let’s not let Trump or the Russians divide us!
Of course Bernie is Trump the Democrat edition. But Prof Krugman knows this. Sherlock Holmes in deducing a ruse might comment that the effort here is so obviously half hearted that we have no choice but to think the opposite.
This column reminds me about the (non-Krugman) columns about Trump around the time he took office. In essence, “Don’t worry. Even if he is a nutcase those around him will ensure he does not do anything stupid.” That thinking did not work for Trump and it will not for Sanders.
And for the record, the only way Paul Krugman is “center-left” is if the continuum excludes all conservatives (about half the country).
Very curious to know how many Bernie supporters have heard of, let alone read, Michael Harrington.
Great points, but you neglected the one central point that cements Sanders as the Trump of the left: he is emboldened by an army of belligerent thugs who do not listen, neither to the right nor the center, and these thugs prefer violent revolution to reasonable compromise. It is their way or the highway, aka Trump. Bernie would also need to impose more reckless executive orders than Trump to pursue his agenda. Would Bernie's executive abuses be in the name of good? Perhaps. Would Bernie's abuses be in the name of his thugs? Absolutely! Perhaps if the NYT had highlighted Pete's month-long lead we wouldn't be in this boat (homophobic much?)... but then mayo-Pete wasn't sufficiently controversial to generate ad-revenue for the paper, was he? so here we are!
I agree but remember it was the pouting progressives who sunk Hillary by not voting in 2016.
Joe Biden's standing fell with each new mis-labeling of his adult son's bad choices as wilful corruption.
The freefall COULD have slowed by strong, unified statements from other candidates decrying the uneven playing field. Press neither explained nor repudiated.
A giant elephant in the room. It seems to me journalists, editorial boards, and analysts are all being "rolled" by Putin.
Now that this has happened to Bernie, I actually understand Trump's stance better.
Your belief is that you are capable and uniquely qualified to be President, and your are buoyed and reinforced by your strong support and backing.
Then you are told that your merit and effort generated far, far less of your rise than you believed.
Worse, it wasn't a silent ally who believed in you but just wasn't sure you could manage on your own. Your rise was orchestrated by one or more evil empires.
Malignant players devoted years to careful, sophisticated, and detailed analysis, then chose YOU. Why? Because the analysis said you can deliver maximum damage to the USA.
Crushing to learn, monumental to accept.
Maybe the RNC and DNC need to create a non-partisan crisis intervention team to assist targets. First, to weather the ego-blow. Then, to swiftly guide them to put country first.
I don't envy Bernie. I am quite sure he will NOT do the right thing. He, like Trump, believes in his own ever-expanding and inexplicable greatness. He doesn't want to know how he became great.
Really, there's only question this election.
Would 4 years of ______ be worse than 4 more years of Trump?
Put any name in the blank and the answer would be a resounding No!
Any of the Democrats running would be better.
I haven't made my Primary choice yet, but whoever winds up the nominee has my vote in November.
With a Democrat as president, we'd get another choice in 4 years to change course or keep he or she as president for another 4.
If Trump wins?
January 2021 will be the Coronation of King Trump, followed by Princess Ivanka ascending to the throne.
(I can see you rolling your eyes at this, but the threat of this is very, very, real.)
Vote Democratic this year.
Every office, every seat.
Flipping the Senate is even more important than the Oval Office.
We need a huge turnout.
Vote.
1
This is really just about the douchiest column I've read in years...
No need to pick the bones out, there'd be nothing left, but the self-reverance is truly trumpian in scale, so two big thumps up on that, PK.
Bernie is an FDR Democrat. Apparently the DNC has conveniently forgotten that
1
Thanks, Dr. K. We need to remove the hysteria and focus on the mission. Get the country out of the hands of the incompetent man now sitting in the WH.
Vote
for
the
candidate
Trump
doesn't
want
to face
which is Joe Biden
or
suffer
a humiliating
defeat
I believe Sanders is a vain old man who helped get Trump elected, along with Comey, and is running a vanity campaign that will result in four more years of Trump. He has accomplished almost nothing in the Senate--take a look at the few bills he has sponsored--and he lied about releasing his medical records. I, for one, do not want another old white man as POTUS, and I am an old white man (71). As Jimmy Carter noted, the demands of the job are too severe for any septuagenarian.
Thank you, Paul Krugman! (And looking forward to seeing you in Chicago tomorrow night.). The NYT chorus of "how can we stop Bernie" with its close second, "we must be mature and unite behind the chosen candidate--IF that candidate is a centrist" (but apparently NOT if that candidate is Bernie, hmmm, because economic justice is apparently too immature to countenance) has driven me to read reviews of the fashion shows. Thank you infinitely for speaking truth to the NYT blind spot--Bernie is the actual people's choice, that is, the choice of the people not in the NYT .5% economic bubble. I'm on the far left, but the upper-income-neoliberal NYT bias would be comical if it were not so tragic. You rich people got Clinton in 2016. Let the rest of us have Bernie, once, a shot at justice and a shot at planetary survival. The future of the species is at stake. Thank you, Paul, for grasping the fact that Bernie is who the people want and who the people might even need.
No, he isn't the left's Trump. But he doesn't have to keep shouting about the Democratic "establishment" getting 'scared'. All this coming from a wealthy, powerful, 78 year-old white straight *man* of all people.
Look, this rusty, worn-out, semi-laughable '60s term has no meaning to me. I think he means moderates, and as a progressive, and I never insult moderates; I tell them we are all on the same team.
At a time when the country is more divided than it has been in decades, it is necessary to taunt those who want to be on your side and then spike the football?? Ugh.
What is this?
Looks like nothing more than a pandering reparation, for previously telling the truth about Sanders.
Did you not see the set of his jaw when he blasted Bloomberg?
That's not how a true leader of the (formerly) greatest nation on Earth looks or sounds! it's more like a nightmare monster, bent on making people comment - "you know, Trump isn't that bad".
Sanders is exactly like Trump, driven by vanity, with an inferiority complex fueled by an unjustified ego immersed in a failed economic doctrine – or do you think socialism is sound economics? Sanders will do as much or more to destroy America than Trump.
Trump is an intellectual child that likes to break things just to get a reaction - probably caused by a lack of parental attention.
Sanders has a socialist intellect who will do damage beyond repair - he's never actually done anything well in his life - if he's done anything at all!
Mr. Krugman, go back and start with "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations", despite your accolades, your thinking is way off base.
Replay of the 1972 electoral defeat of Democrat George McGovern? The Watergate break-in; hired burglars caught in the act with former agent with White House phone number gave the game away. All the Presidents Men. No US election without drama or some government emails on general release. Donald Trump will be in fine form as he enjoys the roar of the crowd and the smell of the greasepaint? Race to the bottom?
Jeremy. Corbyn.
If the Dems put anyone but Sanders or Warren up, it will be regarded as just another Hillary. And we all know how well that will work out....
Dear Paul,
Four years ago, I -- who had not missed one of your columns for over fifteen years -- gave up on you because you, in your shilling for Hillary Clinton were as shameless as Lindsay Graham has become in his bootlicking for Trump. tonight, for the first time in four years, I read you column, and find I agree with it. So I am back to reading your views.
We all need to remember that while on the campaign trail ALL candidates tell you what they HOPE to accomplish if elected. But, the pragmatists among them and us know that they can only accomplish what they can accomplish in our system of governance. And yes, Bernie Sanders will offer much more respect for the proper workings of government than the smirking hyena currently occupying the White House would.
Wasn’t this supposed to happen 4 years ago?
1
He is more like Jeremy Corbyn. He is only like Trump in that he accepts disinformation assistance pro bono from Putin.
The "too old to be president" argument is valid, and it applies to both Sanders and Trump. Sanders, like Trump, has an old body.
But there are different kinds of "old". Trump stopped growing intellectually a long time ago. His world view is archaic, antediluvian. He wants to fit us to the Procrustean bed that is his mind.
Sanders never stopped growing intellectually. He accepts the United States as it is now and wants to make it better. Sanders has a young mind. This is why young people flock to Sanders - they know he sees the world as it is is today.
When Sanders makes you feel uneasy, ask yourself, are you afraid of what he says, or are you just afraid of change, even change for the better?
1
Yes, I’m concerned about taxes - just being honest - and the ability of the economy to keep going. Maybe when we are retired soon, taxes won’t be as big of a problem, but where are our 401Ks going to be under Sanders? America, let’s just go moderate, but still focus on the poor and housing, and the environment!, and lower college costs, especially borrowing costs. Health care for all, with lower cost drugs! We need still to help sponsor drug research, although we have some pretty good drugs now, the ones that don’t have horrendous side effects. Health care for immigrants as well and we need immigrants in our economy, as well as to counter our low birth rate. Yes, taxes will go up, but not to 70 or 90%, except maybe for billionaires or others approaching that. Voting reform and free IDs-especially for people who don’t drive. I’m voting for Pete, by the way.
@Betsey Neslin
I am also behind Mr Buttigieg (poor spelling I think) as he always sounds like the adult in the room.
I agree in principle with Mr Sanders and Ms Warren, however I am retired and living on a fixed income. I don't want to pay a high tax rate, as where I live is expensive enough. At 69 years old with some frailties I fear any move out of where I live and have lived for over 10 years.
Just an old white man's opinion...
"[T]rue individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. 'Necessitous men are not free men.' People who are hungry and out of a job are the stuff of which dictatorships are made.
"[T]hese economic truths have become accepted as self-evident. We have accepted, so to speak, a second Bill of Rights....
"Among these are:
The right to a useful and remunerative job in the industries or shops or farms or mines of the nation;
The right to earn enough to provide adequate food and clothing and recreation;
The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living;
The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad;
The right of every family to a decent home;
The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health;
The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment;
The right to a good education.
"All of these rights spell security.... [W]e must be prepared to move forward, in the implementation of these rights, to new goals of human happiness and well-being."
-- FDR, January 1944.
While Sanders is not my first choice, as a dinosaur New Dealer I will vote for him in November if he is the nominee.
It is do-or-die time for democracy. Vote Blue No Matter Who.
8
I am sure he has a soul. That alone makes him a better human being than Trump. But he has never accomplished anything as a senator. Look at his sparse legislative record and see for yourself. And he is every bit as shrill, angry and vitriolic as Trump. His nomination will, I believe, guarantee us four more years of Trump.
4
Sanders is not a worthy leader. The only thing worse than Sanders as president would be any of the other candidates. From a "lesser of two evils" standpoint, OK, if that's all they're serving, I'll have the least disgusting item on the menu.
Still, the way many opinionists describe Bernie, an observer might think that he is Stalin reincarnated. His policy preferences seem radical only compared to recent history in America of far-right corporate control of policy. Zooming out geographically and historically, one sees that Sanders' so-called radically socialist policies are, in most instances, just common sense governance.
All other modern democracies have rejected the two-party model as undemocratic, and have chosen to spread power among coalitions that must work together, rather than make war on each other. As long as our arcane, unrepresentative, corporate-funded, two-party election process persists, the power will remain with corporate-chosen career politicians--and distinctly NOT in the hands of the voter. The election of an Independent (which is a more accurate label for Bernie than "Democrat") would be a step in the right direction, but surely not a desirable destinaton
2
@William Romp
The election of our POTUS is not in our hands it's the hands of the Electoral College they make that decision.
The Electoral College is the mechanism put in place to avoid the rabble rule of an election. Supposedly the Electoral College is made up of more educated land owners that are supposedly our betters.
I have always been wary of the Electoral College as I can remember two Presidents that were by the Electoral College but the "Popular vote" was for the other candidate.
Just an old white man's opinion...
Here is what concerns me most about Sanders:
The average lifespan of a white male in the U.S. is 78.69 years. Sanders is 78 years old.
Sanders had an Myocardial Infarction (MI, aka heart attack) in October. 1 in 5 patients have a second MI within 5 years.
50% of MI patients are re-hospitalized (for various associated reasons) within in year.
The Sanders campaign recently announced they will not be releasing any more of his medical records, meaning we will not be able to accurately gauge his health status.
Given the above facts, why does anyone think it is a good idea for Sanders to be the Democratic nominee for President?
6
If Trump wasn't the candidate and stakes so high to rid our country of this vile human being, a third party candidate would emerge and win. I do think there will be a third party by 2024, the primary and 2 party system is pushing the country into extreme corners.
3
I was self-employed for most of my life until recently. My parents owned a small-business. My grandparents on both sides were self-employed. I also own some stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
If Sanders is the nominee, I will enthusiastically support him for president. Nothing he wants to do scares me. Nothing he wants to do will destroy capitalism or business. I don't agree with him 100% on every issue, but he wants to move our country in the right direction.
Furthermore, universal healthcare will be a huge benefit for small business and American workers. Small companies will be able to compete with large firms for the best employees, without the disadvantage of being unable to offer the best health benefits. And workers will be able to change jobs without fear of losing their health coverage. And also able to become entrepreneurs or start their own businesses.
9
The thought of a Bernie candidacy initially makes my stomach sink, but the more I read comments from his supporters, the better I feel. Someone complained that Bernie isn't a Democrat but wants to remake the party in his own image. Given that Democrats have not served big swaths of the population very well, maybe that's not such a bad idea.
7
Bernie would certainly be a considerable upgrade from Trump. But I worry that if he wins it will be because a lot of people voted for him and otherwise voted for Republicans, to prevent him accomplishing anything. McConnell needs to go also or he'll just do an Obama on Bernie. Get out and vote, whoever is the nominee, not just for president but all the way down the ticket.
8
No point in voting for him if he doesn’t articulate his down ballot strategy because without holding the House and taking charge of the Senate there’s no point in him being president.
5
@Coyote Old Man
The point is to put a decent man in charge and put the ship on a slow turn toward the right direction.
The lawn signs around here say:
Any Functioning Adult / 2020
Bernie qualifies.
6
Paul - I would like to see your analysis of how Bernie as the candidate, or for that matter, in contrast, any democrat candidate, would affect the outcome of Senate and House races. At this time in the history of the US, it seems clear that to turn around America’s decline in the pursuit of freedom, justice, and well-being for all it is necessary to remove Trump from the White House and also rid Congress of as many as possible of his unthinking reckless supporters. I think Bernie’s coattails would be much shorter than those of a moderate progressive candidate.
5
@BPP In Maine: The pathetic Democratic Party doesn’t even advocate federal democracy.
I wish Prof. Krugman had been this open-minded about Sanders in 2016. Democrats might have won.
5
I wish Bernie would stop calling himself a democratic socialist, unless he really means that he wants the US to turn to socialism. If he and his supporters dream of some Scandinavia-like system, that's not democratic socialism, so what does he have in mind? Medicare for all without a private insurance option is a non-starter. It limits choice and it limits care, especially for the elderly. I've seen it and it ain't pretty, so be careful what you wish for.
That said, if Bernie is the nominee I will vote for him. But I hope we can find someone better!
3
The Times Editorial Board interviewed all of the candidates in order to determine who the Times would endorse. Podcasts of portions of Sanders’s interview as well as parts of the post interview deliberations of the editorial board are available as podcasts. I urge everyone to listen to them.
One of the questions the board repeatedly asked Sanders was how he was going to implement his Medicare for All and other programs with Mitch McConnell in the Senate. He never rally answered the question. Instead he said that he could somehow ram his programs through the Senate. The deliberations podcast shows that this non-answer was very problematic for them, probably the principal reason not endorsing him.
If you support Sanders, you have the duty to ask yourself, for example, how the senate will react to a proposal that the rich be taxed with marginal rates close to Eisenhower’s, ie 90%. Virtually all of Sanders’s programs will meet with stiff resistance. He has no coat tails. His election will not restore a Democrat majority in the Senate.
4
I agree that the Trump-Sanders thing is a false equivalency.
My sons argue vehemently with me when I say I love Bernie's policies but fear he could not withstand an all-out assault by Trump, the massive dark forces that support him, and the timid Democrats who would silently defeat him. And could even result in an all-Republican Congress.
They decry my passivity, me who marched against Vietnam decades ago. I get it. I want to get behind Bernie 100%. But my cynicism has grown, believing that it's not just Trump and Republicans that have soured our nation, but a dissolution of core values that has led to divisiveness and self-righteous outrage rather than a desire to pull together as Americans.
I'll quickly vote for Bernie, easily. But my Sixties idealism fights my current pessimism. I really, really want to be proven wrong, wrong, wrong.
4
@SGK
Yeah I also came of age in the 1960's. It was a period when it seemed that the U.S. could be made better by activists.
It was truly wonderful to see young folk preaching love and a better life for all as well as trying to make that happen.
Today frequently I don't recognize my country and that terrifies me.
Just an old white man's opinion...
Sanders is quite electable & can defeat the conmam that in the White House.
You're bright there is really nothing to fear & he'll point the country in the right direction as he's helped shape the Democratic party more to what it should be. That's usually called a leader & unlike others his message isn't shaped by political winds & he truly cares.
Honestly why are some of these others running?
Yes we should all support the inclusive tent he's buildiy that will invite many that supported Trump before.
2
The Bernie problem is the belief that he has all the answers. No one has all of anything. His steadfast belief (obstinance) that he can solve an agenda that surpasses even Jared Kushner's is quite something. He was unable to provide Anderson Cooper a rounded number of how much all of his giveaways would cost, although he was sure he could fund them through is stated enemy, Wall Street. How ironic.
3
Yes. Freedom is on the line. I will vote for the Democratic nominee in the general no matter who that turns out to be.
5
For those who believe that Bernie is just an angry, yelling old man, have you even seen his stump speech- or have you come to this conclusion from only debate performances (as I was guilty of doing)? Imagine my surprise when I watched his actual rallies. They are filled with love and compassion for Americans and an accurate accounting of the problems in our country and the way to fix them. Please do yourself a favor, open your mind a bit, and see his stump speeches. And know that his stump is not poll tested and scripted, but from his heart as evidenced that he’s been working for working families his whole life.
5
Prof. Krugman,
You were my go to hero for all things economic until your neo-liberal "romance" with Hillary in 2016 - I could not understand it.
THANK YOU for your (guarded) conciliatory comments about Bernie. I agree that if he makes it to the White House, there is no way that he would be able implement all of his policies without bringing ALL of the Democrats along with him. The Democrats are still democrats.
Anton
3
I supported Bernie vs. Hillary, and he would have beat Trump in
2016. However, I fear that his autocratic socialist tendencies will come out as President, resulting in a massive flight of capital from the US to Europe & Asia, producing a severe recessing. This always happens when socialists take over (Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Cuba are case studies). He is as extreme as Trump and will do harmful things to our economy the first day as President. I hope someone else can knock him out of first place.
1
still waiting for the recession Krugs guaranteed...
@SSH
Have you looked at the Treasury rates and the yield curve inversions over the last couple of weeks?
1
Still waiting for you to acknowledge his retraction of that prediction a day later, when the whole country was still in shock that an unfit Russian asset was elected President.
An examination of the Trump and Sanders movements show they are rooted in the same psychological dependence.
Both are composed of people who see themselves as marginalized by society-- the young (Sanders) and lower-income whites (Trump). They find in their charismatic leaders an exhilarating feeling of being respected, of finally having a powerful voice for their frustrations and dreams.
In turn, both Sanders and Trump are psychologically dependent on their followers. They are thus able to live out their own narcissistic fantasies.
The result is an America more divided than ever and, quite possibly, ungovernable.
3
Sanders will be useless is he doesn't have a 57 seat Senate majority and that won't happen for at least another 12 years.
It's better to elect Bloomberg and take multiple base hit singles [i.e. reach across the aisle and compromise] opposed to waiting for a political grand slam "Open Border-Free College and Medicare for all - Including 20 million illegal undocumented immigrant workers and their families their relatives still living outside the United States"
1
I will vote for the Democrat who wins the nomination. Blue no matter who. The weekend at Bernie's might go on for a few years at the White House. Medicare for All would be a gamechanger for the working poor and folks with chronic health conditions. Let's do it!
4
Wow! That was the shortest Op-ed in NT Times history. I guess he knows he will have to stay in the private sector...oh well it could be worse.
Actually it is as neo-liberalism has pushed the middle class and our country into the Great Recession, that was almost a Depression, but these folks never learn and just keep doing what they have been doing regardless of the writing on the wall.
Boomers will gone down in history as being the the most narcissistic and self serving generation ever as they have allowed our country to crumble to the point that it would take two decades to reverse this fall and trillions of dollars and that is simply just to fix our infrastructure.
Hey but they got the great jobs and a awesome retirement but at what costs?
Please answer that one Mr. Krugman, while you realign your portfolio before the sky falls.
It surprises me that you apologize got not being a fan of MMT: it's lunatic fringe stuff, or undergraduate nonsense, IMHO. The best thing about it is the name: who wouldn't favour a 'modern' monetary theory? Its proponents make much of the word 'fiat', suggesting that because we have a fiat currency governments can create as much as they like. But a fiat currency must be administered so that it's value is maintained, so government's definitely must not behave as though they can spend as much of their fiat currency as they feel like. Weimar republic anyone? Zimbabwe?
1
The more sanders attacks the press, the Democratic Party establishment, and anyone who disagrees with him, the more he sounds like trump and the harder it becomes to even fathom voting for him. Of course sanders is an improvement over trump, but that doesn’t excuse his worst instincts and Democrats need to call him out out when his comments go too far.
1
The good
He is not left version of Trump
The ugly
According to Paul Krugman, Sanders incompetent
Quote
"From the beginning, many and probably most liberal policy wonks were skeptical about Bernie Sanders. On many major issues — including the signature issues of his campaign, especially financial reform — he seemed to go for easy slogans over hard thinking. And his political theory of change, his waving away of limits, seemed utterly unrealistic."
Paul Krugman NYT 2016
1
Bernie bro’s are all in. As for some moderates and on-the-fence republicans fed up with Trump, they may vote for him but not his policies. The result will be gridlock in the senate. If you think down ticket to senate races, people will hedge their bets and vote for Bernie but flip to republicans for senate in order to moderate his proposals. That’s foolish sounding of course but that happened in 2016 where many individuals and some demographics voted for Hillary holding their noses and then voted for a republican in Congress. (Part is the bounce back in 2018 house seats going to Dem’s was this effect being overturned by the same voters who saw what happened). But this time it would be a different set of voters following a similar misguided notion of how to moderate an extreme ideology.
Net/net, a moderate who can govern (possible Bloomberg though his disastrous debate performance took some of the air out) could provide the best too-to-bottom result.
1
I've read about the comparison between Trump and Sanders dealing with "myth-making." Both have made their appeals based on "myths." In the former case, the "myth" is that coastal elites have forgotten the lower middle classes, sacrificing them to a "browning" of the American working class. In the latter case, that Wall Street is the culprit. There are elements of truth in both myths, which are compelling to those in desperation. Well, there is one truth in both myths -- the system is "rigged." Rigged by the powerful for the powerful. That's called human nature. The question becomes, how do you unrig the system? Is it even possible? And since it's been rigged for a long, long time, there is little to no chance it can be unrigged anytime soon. The difference between Trump and Bernie is that Trump is playing his constituents for fools with his myth. Bernie is not. At least I hope (and pray) that he's not.
Far from leaving Krugman out, I think he'd make a fine Secretary of the Treasury for Bernie, as I'm sure Bernie's thought about himself. Anyway, it's good to see at least one Times columnist who's still not a toady to Wall St. and our oligarchs. Keep up the good work, as you always have.
1
A terrible lot of democrat supporters want to put Bernie in the White House. They are supporting him in the primaries and will come out to work on the hustings and vote for him come election time.
If the party machine tries to roll him for some tired republican lite candidate who these same people do not wan wants the chances are that the will be so enthusiastic about donating their time, effort and money and could just stay in bed on election day.
3
Bernie may be bombastic, he may even be rigid; not a big deal.
What he is, is not-mentally-ill, as opposed to CurrentOccupant's daily manifestation.
2
Nothing, nothing matters now except defeating the destructive occupant of the White House. Dr. Krugman is right - be "turned off" by Sanders' "socialism" (it isn't) at your own and everyone's risk of degenerating the most powerful nation on earth into a Putin-style country. No one will be spared the consequences of such a disaster, whether they vote for him or not.
1
If Sanders wins a plurality of the vote in a crowded field of six or more candidates, he is no more the choice of Democrats then Trump was the choice of the GOP in their clown car primary.
The system is broken.
Some politicians play between the lines and accomplish significant things. Others play outside the line and spend their entire time in office fighting for policies that are not achievable. While Trump is trying to change the government so that congress is powerless, he is not their yet. So, the president needs to show some respect an deference to both parties. Bernie does have the ability to energize his supporters, but does he have the ability to do anything else. Four more years of severely polarized politics does not appeal to me. Lets nominate someone who has a prayer of stemming the tide of polarization, and the executive leadership skills to get things done. The only thing worse than Bernie is four more years of Trump.
I think the parallel between Sanders and Trump is much closer than Krugman claims.
For example, there is a personal meanness of Sanders just as there is of Trump. I cite 2 examples.
First, Sanders promotes what he presents as a caring socialism. But he cannot stop there. He is compelled to identify a bogeyman to hate. For Sanders, that bogeyman is "billionaires" (but he seems to really mean nearly everyone with more money than him). Sanders doesn't just want to increase their taxes to what he considers a fair share. No, Sanders declares that "billionaires" will no longer be allowed to exist.
Second, when Sanders was chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs committee, he ignored the many reports of severe delays of medical care that VA hospitals were imposing on veterans. Beside causing them to suffer much longer, their conditions worsened and some even died before ever being treated. But the VA medical care system is the largest truly socialist medical care system in the US. And Sanders was more interested in protecting his socialist medical care system that in actually providing medical care to suffering Americans. He chose to sacrifice the health of Americans to protect his socialist government operations.
2
Those who may read this column and understand the premise will likely vote for Sanders in the general election against Trump. That is not the question. Will the fringe Trump supporters in the center, center-right whose votes are the real key accept him as a president? That's the worry. And a very real one.
1
For every millennial that Sanders brings to the polls, there is an older Democrat, or Independent that will sit on their hands. His supporters insult anyone who dares to disagree with his policies. No we do not have to support him and then lose control of Congress as well.
1
Socialism: "a system of society or group living in which there is no private property".
Bernie Sanders is not a socialist.
Electing Bernie Sanders will bring the United States in the same arena as all the other Western countries that are social democracies. Where citizens share in the important structures and support programs for all. i.e. introducing a GST, goods and services tax (or VAT, value added tax) would create the funds to cover medical coverage for all and more...
And the beauty of this is the more you spend, the more you pay in the system so that the wealthy pay in proportion to their spending. You can offer credits for the lower earning sector.
It works in all other countries, you should try it.
5
I did not vote for Bernie in the NH primary, but I am concerned about Buttigieg's allegations about the results of the NV caucuses. I am a New Englander now from NH who lived in Vermont for 20 years when Bernie entered politics. I don't agree with Bernie on some issues, but his integrity is above reproach. His tolerance of corruption is low and he will take needed steps to root it out. Given Trump's lack of ethics, this is a strong reason to support Bernie if he is the Dem nominee. Implying that Bernie is not honest will be used against him in the general election. Major Pete needs to think through the consequences of his words.
6
You’ve always been spot on about Bernie— not a socialist, not a lefty Trump. I will say that his supporters and Trump’s do have a some unsavory elements in common (to be fair to both, there are also a lot of fiercely loyal yet perfectly normal and civil Bernie and Trump supporters.)
1
Sanders has a long history in politics with generally favourable outcomes in his wake.
Stop putting labels on people (socialist) with the hope of short circuiting policy debates.
Vote your interests, and not your tribe.
Anybody but Trump.
5
Imagine Bernie Sanders as President.
Republicans in Congress treat him as an utter pariah and many if not most Democrats join them.
Elation among his supporters lasts about 15 minutes until the realization sets-in among them that Washington is bound for utter gridlock.
Bye-bye American pie, bye-bye Medicare-For-All.
Bernie’s anger and irascibility grow by the day.
He takes to issuing tweets.
He urges his supporters to take to the streets of Washington.
They arrive in massive numbers.
A counter-tweet is issued in Mar-a-Lago.
It urges massive counter-protests to stem the raging-tide of Communism.
The protesters and counter-protesters meet in Washington.
Brickbats fly.
It takes the National Guard three days to stem the riots.
Street lights and traffic signals in Dallas, San Francisco and Butte, Montana begin flickering off and on.
Rumors fly that the nation is undergoing an internet attack from space invaders.
Donald Trump Jr. rides down the escalator at Trump Tower and
announces that he is a candidate for President in 2024.
6
"America under a Sanders presidency would still be America, both because Sanders is an infinitely better human being than Trump and because the Democratic Party wouldn’t enable abuse of power the way Republicans have."
Amen.
6
I am so glad I sold the market short on your advice!
Thanks for losing a couple of mill/
1
I think it is not wise to agree with David Brooks. He has proven time and time again to be 100% wrong in his political predictions. Better to see what Brooks is writing then predict the opposite, because that is what happens.
1
At age 70, after about 60 years of being an atheist, I find myself quietly praying for someone to have another heart attack and save the country with Adam Schiff as a write-in...
3
I don't really like populist rhetoric, so I've never been a big fan of Bernie Sanders, even though I would refer to myself as a socialist Democrat. He's not registered as a Democrat, he hasn't written any legislation that's all that groundbreaking, and he's voted for defense spending during the Iraq debacle becuase there are "workers" building weapons in Vermont. So, he's willing to kill people for the "workers" who build bombs, but heaven forbid he should do a little horse-trading to accomplish some civil rights legislation. How many years has he been in office? HOW many? I mean, come on. This really is no time for self-indulgence, but old habits die hard, don't they, Bernie.
3
Bernie is by no means the Democratic Trump. That said, i fear a bit of Trumpism in Bernie, and his most diehard followers, that if elected, he will not deign to be the president to all of us but, just as Trump has shone the light, of his followers only. Trump never imagined for a second that being president meant president for everyone, even the non-whites, the elites, the downtrodden, the immigrants, well, we all know the list. I get no sense that Bernie wants to be my president, or maybe his most ardent Bros, want to keep pursuing policies we are not ready for (single payer.... its an end state not a short-term goal).
Once the balance is restored, yes, it will take the law-abiding and constitution-embracing Democrats to do that, Republicans contunue to prove themselves incapable, Bernie’s ability to ‘socialize’ many of his programs will be stymied even if the democrats take both sides of Congress.
Bernie can win the primaries and the general in a landslide but if he wants my vote with the enthusiasm i want to have when i vote for a Democrat, he needs to come to me. I stand in the middle.
1
Bernie didn't honeymoon in Denmark, the land he loves to point to as Socialist.
He chose Moscow.
Bernie twice ( 1980, 1984) volunteered to run in Vt as an elector of the Trotskyite communist front group, the Socialist Workers Party.
This group which the FBI has repeatedly demonstrated is a communist group ( Leon Trotsky was a major Communist) is not democratic Socialism.
There is an extensive FBI file on Sanders.
Anyone can do a FOIA request to get a hold of it.
You can be certain that the GOP has this as well as much other great stuff.
Bernie has a very long history of allegiance to extremist far left causes.
He will be easy to defeat once the truth comes out.
4
Glad to hear you clearly state you are not yet a convert to Modern Monetary Theory, which was the original voodoo economics. The theory is as old as man and is based on getting something for nothing. As I am sure you are aware, John Law proved that to the French eons ago and Thomas Pickety just recently to the economics world. The Japanese are trying to prove it is true, but will ultimately fail because there is no free lunch.
1
Time to start educating the masses about how all of us have been benefiting from socialist programs for a long time: public schools and universities, social security, Medicare, all of them socialism in action.
2
My concern about his agenda is that he will destroy all our retirements, just as some of us are on the brink of retiring and want so much to. If he starts breaking up large companies, the stock market will tank and all our years of hard work and saving will go down the drain. If he is a true Socialist and does what Mrs. Gandhi did in India, he will nationalize banks, freeze accounts, freeze spending, freeze what we can take out of accounts. As soon as Bernie gets the Dem nomination, the rich he is going after will move money off shore! No one to tax! Most people will hide money in their mattresses! There goes the comfortable retirement we worked, slaved and toiled for. As a 2 time cancer survivor, I don’t want to lose access to my doctors or facilities! If he breaks up insurance companies, a lot of people working for insurance companies will lose jobs. M4A will be massively inefficient and it will be impossible to get health care. Don’t tell me about Northern Europe because I was in Odense w an episode of arrhythmia and couldn’t get help! He will destroy the slight bit of prosperity that some of us are seeing. Nationalized companies are massively inefficient! This is NOT America!
@Feroza Jussawalla
Your fears are unfounded. Sanders does not want to "nationalize" American companies (possibly save the health insurance firms, who are nothing but rent seekers).
Furthermore, if you are voting based on the stock market, the Republicans have a far worse record for creating the bust in a a boom-and-bust cycle.
3
Isn't the real issue here electability? And isn't the equally real issue that "Medicare for All" is a political loser for this cycle? Not to mention how the right-wing propaganda machine (spearheaded by Fox News) is going to obliterate Bernie as a "Socialist," Isn't this also what this is all about? No wonder the Putin machine is trying to ensure he's the nominee.
2
There is a similar toxic energy among Trump and Bernie's most ardent fans. I have experienced both in real life at MAGA & Bernie rallies. Their platforms are the total opposite, but the anger and entitlement feels similar. I don't expect MAGA people to cool it, but I hope the most extreme Bernie people can find a way to not eat their own.
7
Concur in part. Alas, out here in flyover country, anything to the left of attila the hun and Trump is branded as socialism no matter how moderate or how bipartisan the effort. These days, any Republican scurries immediately to Trump if any of their proposals get tarred with the socialist brush (or heaven forbid, cooperation with a Democrat) and has made any compromise unthinkable in state legislatures.
7
Sanders is the product of our electoral system. Krugman, like so many other pundits, seems unsettled by that fact.
Democratic Party voters have so far shown a decided preference for him over the other candidates.
The voice of the people is being heard.
Isn't that the way a democracy is supposed to function?
The party establishment and pundits seemingly argue that the electorate has lost its mind in opting for Sanders.
To the mainstream pundits I say let the system play out.
If at some point Sanders proves too unpopular, he will be cast aside.
Or, he will be Trump's opponent.
Rather than finger wag, the pundits and party establishment ought to understand why Sanders is leading the pack.
3
I think I speak for a significant number of centrist Democrats and Independents when I say that Sanders is going to award us with 4 more years of Trump tweets. If the choice is Sanders or Trump, I'm writing in my dog's name.
It's no accident that Putin is pushing Sanders. Sanders vs Trump would split this country in a way that would take 30-50 years to overcome, if the country still exists 30-50 years from now.
7
@djeaux It boggles my mind that anyone who has lived and seen what Trump has done to the U.S. could seriously say he or she would not vote for Sanders. What exactly is so terrifying about Sanders, that you would rather see the daily horrors and contempt for the Constitution and the legal system that Trump has so shamelessly exhibited? It bothers you that Bernie wants to ensure that everyone in the US has healthcare without having to worry they will go bankrupt if they get sick? That crazy, unrealistic idea that most every country has in place except the US, where healtahcare per capita is much more expensive than any other country, with worse results and many people still uninsured? If you honestly think you are going to be better off under Trump, who is already trying to get rid of protection for pre-existing conditions, then you will get what you vote for.
To those of you who think that a Sanders candidacy would be a redux of McGovern in 1972:
Remember that Richard Nixon was to the left of Barack Obama. Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency. Nixon signed Affirmative Action into law. Nixon supported some form of universal healthcare. And the top marginal tax rate under Nixon was 71%.
If Nixon or Eisenhower were running today, they would be centrist Democrats.
6
Quote: because the Democratic Party wouldn’t enable abuse of power" Does anyone actually think that Democrats are different from Republicans when it comes to protecting one of their own?
3
@Boston Barry
"Does anyone actually think that Democrats are different from Republicans when it comes to protecting one of their own?"
Yes, I do.
1
Yes. Study history
1
@Boston Barry
yes, definitely.
1
Did Mr. Krugman and Mr. Blow agree to be confused by Sander's use of the word socialism? While it certainly has been used many ways by many people, Sanders uses it in the American fashion, developed during the Cold War. It was used to describe the social democracies of Europe as opposed to the USSR and China.
1
But for Bernie he uses it to poke a stick at caged animals. If he wants to run on the Democratic ticket, why belong to the Socialist party? There is a profound cockiness to him. Fly-over people don’t want to be insulted. His unyielding bro’s gave Trump the presidency.
When clarity emerges from the current chaos and confusion, it will still be the case that Democrats fall in love while Republicans fall in line.
On November 3, 2020, every Democrat in America will happily vote for their nominee along with millions of one-time Republicans who gaze in horror at their once great party.
1
It's true that Bernie is in the lead. But look at it this way: About two thirds have voted for someone else, in most cases someone a bit more moderate and a lot less dogmatic. I will certainly vote for him if he gets the nomination, but will I volunteer and help try to get out the vote? I'm not "feeling the Bern." I think we all want to vote for someone, not just vote against Trump. I think my purple Congressional district will re-elect a Republican if Bernie is the nominee. Trump is nothing if not the master of the smear, and people will be made afraid. Without a change in the Senate, the chances of Bernie accomplishing much are slim. Who the alternative is isn't clear, unfortunately. Shuddering to think of four more years of Trump.
1
@Leslie M If you're shuddering then you might want to actually go and work on behalf of whoever wins the Democratic nomination, even if you are not "feeling" it. Contrast that to what you will be feeling if Trump actually gets four more years in office and is able to continue doing what he has done to the U.S. I would find it difficult to live with myself if I hadn't done everything possible to prevent that , just because I wasn't in love with the Dem nominee.
@Balcony Bill I do wish the Bernie supporters who voted for Trump in 2016 had felt the same way. Of course, hindsight is 20-20.
2
I understand Bernie's appeal . He is who he is. However, he's never really accomplished much other than to get elected.
Moreover, he panders to the idea that if "billionaires and corporations" paid their "fair share" and fracking is halted, then free college, free healthcare, and a reversal to climate change will result. The real question is whether his proposals offer a long term solution -- my reaction, probably not.
I think it would be healthy for Americans who back Bernie to live for an extended period of time in places like Russia, Venezuela, and Argentina to see how a government that overpromises economic benefits to poorer people often leads to a corrupt system of government where political leaders are masters at self-enrichment. Americans can be very naive!
3
Bernie Sanders is so honest in politics, he refused to use his big name to advantage his son politically. He believes in the system when run with integrity.
when all indications show the ship is about to crash one must steer the ship away. Thirty years of tax cuts for the rich unsustainable healthcare costs have cause workers to lose purchasing power.
1
Sanders is the very EMBODIMENT of ego and self-indulgence. Too old and too ill to serve even one term as president, not to mention betraying so many of his left-leaning supporters by having endorsed the arch-corporatist and U.S. Senate carpetbagger Hillary Clinton in 2016 rather than doing the honorable thing and offering no endorsement to either of the revolting major-party candidates, he's "not worth a pitcher of warm spit," to borrow an old political quote.
There needs to be an age limit for presidential candidates, and the standard private-sector retirement age of 65 is an excellent yardstick for that.
Why can't we have a national referendum on it? Because it would pass easily, THAT'S why!
2
Yes, Sanders is no socialist. He does not advocate state ownership of industry. And he is a decent human being. And rather than hear Sanders declare his faux-socialism I would rather he understand and espouse what the middle of America needs along with the crisis faced by those with much less. The left and the center can be unified with the right message. And armed with that message hammering away at the loss of the rule of law, at Trumpian disinterest in true and meaningful reform of healthcare, of infrastructure and of education, at Trumpian disregard for truth and fact, Democrats will win the White House and the Senate.
4
Paul, you're wrong a number of counts.
Sanders unpopularity in the Senate is legend.
He has never passed a major piece of legislation because he cannot find anyone who wants to work with him.
If you watched his behavior during the few shots of him while the ill-fated impeachment proceedings unraveled you saw that he spoke to NONE of his colleagues, even those sitting next to him.
His dissembling of the truth (regarding accusations around his wife's college debacle) and hiding his medical records are also
troubling.
This is one Democrat that will not vote for him, regardless of four more years of Trump.
4
@Stephanie Wood How sad for you, then. When you choose not to vote for Sanders, I hope you enjoy living through and experiencing what happens to your country under someone who has shown such contempt for your every norm and institution.
I've never heard Sanders say he was for "abolishing private health insurance." I believe the plan is to provide an alternative that will cause it to whither on the vine.
@tdom
True that his Medicare for All plan will be phased in over 4 years but it will largely out-compete more expensive private insurance.
1
The total number of people who voted for Sanders in the Nevada caucuses was just over 35,000 (46%). That would be sorry attendance at a college or pro football game.
If you're thinking of extrapolating from the Nevada results, try a larger sample size: a LOT more people voted in the New Hampshire primary, and Sanders got one vote in 4.
Focus on the 40 congressional districts which flipped competitive seats previously held by Republicans. The presidential race will be determined in these and similar districts; it won't be decided by turnout in Brooklyn, Boston, or Berkeley.....or Vermont.
And, the way to universal coverage is Obamacare with a public option.
3
The problem is at least 4 democratic candidates are running for vice-president.
1
Don't write off Bloomberg, yet. Losing one food fight where he was the target of all the other candidates will not stop him. I still think he is the candidate most likely to beat Trump. And Trump seems to think so, too, which is why he and his Russian handlers are promoting Bernie.
7
Bernie Sanders is a pink diamond, a rare gemstone. He is a lifelong progressive activist extraordinaire with decades of political experience at the local and federal levels. Roughly 40 years of supply-side economics has financialized the U.S. economy and pulled the American Dream out of reach for the majority of Americans in the middle and lower working classes. In a democracy, the people, known as “the demos,” are supposed to be sovereign. America is supposed to be a constitutional democratic republic. It has become a plutocracy masquerading as a constitutional democratic republic. Americans interested in restoring our democracy and refocusing our economy on the majority of hardworking Americans should vote for Bernie Sanders for President.
10
Sanders is more like a modern FDR. If you think that is too radical and call yourself a Democrat, then your party has moved far to the right since FDR's day. He is more a Social Democrat (what many support in Northern Europe) than a democratic socialist, which is his own term.
8
Just a reminder that Obama ran and governed as a Centrist, and the reaction to that after 8 years was a complete rejection of that legacy. Hillary ran as a Centrist and then lost to Trump. Biden is trying to reclaim that mantel and is currently being rejected by his own Party.
The corollary on the other side was that Trump did not run as a Centrist, and won.
My conclusion is that the mushy middle is quicksand, and it simply signals that a candidate is intellectually stuck in no man's land. Something I see in spades in Buddigieg and Klobuchar.
Maybe its because it represents the onset of zombie affectations that Krugman describes so well in other columns.
3
@Mike Quinlan
Actually Obama, like Bill Clinton ran as leftist and governed as a center-right president.
All the hand-wringing in the media about a Sanders nomination is getting tiresome indeed. It's clear that the electorate in general is dissatisfied with the changes wrought by the divider-in-chief in the White House. His polling numbers have been underwater for three years now, and remain that way today. When a recent Gallup Poll showed him at a 49% approval rating (an outlier among many other polls), it made major headlines. Yet his "base" still consists of a minority of the overall electorate.
It's NOT the economy, as "positive" as it has been reported, it's the lack of concern for the interests of the working and middle class that will be the linchpin. Unlike the "investor class," a majority of voters don't live on profits from a 401(k).
The most critical issues that are being ignored by the media are the GOP's attempts at voter suppression in "red" states, and the ongoing Russian interference in the 2020 election through deliberate disinformation disseminated by their Internet Research Agency and RT TV.
This is not "news" since in his testimony last year, Mueller said "the “sweeping and systematic” way in which Russia meddled in the 2016 US election, while adding, “They’re doing it as we sit here.”
The key factor in the upcoming election is Democratic voter turnout and voting Blue down the entire ticket, regardless of who is nominated. The best quote this weekend came from a South Carolina primary voter interviewed on TV:
"I'd vote for that tree over Trump!"
7
Of course Paul is right here an the facts of the matter, however the fact is, facts don’t matter.
If Bernie is the Dem candidate the choice will be cast as freedom vs socialism; a Right populist vs a Left one. Fear can an will be created from the ether that a vote for Bernie is a vote for high taxes.
4
You speak of fear and it is yours. Bernie will win.
Sanders isn't sufficiently competent to be authoritarian. But he is sufficiently comparable to Trump in a number of ways, all sufficiently disturbing. For example, Sanders' foreign, national security, and trade policies in particular would be nearly identical to Trump's. And those are areas in which a POTUS does not require a whole lot of Congressional "advice and consent".
1
Trump shattered the myth somebody has to be competent to be an authoritarian, didn't he?
Bernie is not a Democratic Trump, but there is more to the Presidency than anger and a sense of entitlement.
We don't need another angry white man to be President.
When Bernie lost the nomination to Clinton his endorsement was half-hearted at best.
As a result, Trump's margin of victory in the swing states was less than half the number of people who voted for Bernie in the primary.
One interpretation is that about 1/2 of Bernie voters stayed home on election day or voted for Trump in protest.
If so, the "Bernie Bros" might have been the cause of Trump's victory.
Further you get a sense of "entitlement" from Bernie's insistence that the nomination go to the person with the majority of delegates rather than 50%+1.
That should tell you all that you need to know about Bernie's character and a person of character is what we sorely need as POTUS.
3
Thank you Mr. Krugman! Finally someone who gets that we Bernie supporters care about democracy! If Bernie broke the law like Trump did I would drop him like a stone, and I know most other Bernie supporters would do the same.
1
Trump will win the November 2020 election if Sanders is his opponent as old style socialist candidates are unappealing and are loosing elections in nearly every western democracy. The socialist British Labor Party has lost four general elections in a row over the last ten years. The Democrats will be out of power for a similar period unless they find classy mainstream candidates, like Barak Obama, who are capable of having a widespread appeal.
3
If we had stopped worrying about Bernie’s electability in 2016, and if we hadn’t rushed to pick a moderate candidate backed by the establishment ... well maybe we wouldn’t be in this current mess!!
5
Bernie believes there is such a thing as "the human family." He is impatient to redress injustice which he takes personally.
I'm guessing he's never been to a Prayer Breakfast, but he'd fit right in volunteering at a soup kitchen.
3
I'm no economist, but people who favor private health insurance should be reminded of a very simple fact. Health insurance companies make more money when they provide less health care to their customers.
14
Nothing much will change policy wise with a Sanders presidency. It's unlikely that the senate will flip as his coattails with his socialist identity will be non-existent. His capacity to engage positively outside of his base is poor. He will have to govern via executive order. A likely scenario is that the next recession plus other potential crises brought about by Trump policies will hit, and typical of Americans, the current administration (Sanders') will be blamed. That would make him a one term president replaced by a Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Nikki Haley or some other Right leaning Republican. The upsides are few and the risks are massive.
4
To those who worry about Sanders' impact on down-ballot races, I would suggest an energized base drives turnout, and the only Democratic group to which that designation applies is Sanders supporters. Taking the centrist approach didn't work for Democrats in 2010 and 2012, when they lost the House and Senate, but opposition to Trump gave them life in 2018. Sanders has proven he has a more motivated base than the other candidates. and that gives him an inherent advantage. Unelectable? That's what the punditocracy said about Trump, but the enthusiasm of his base pulled him through. Which Democrat other than Sanders can get people to the polls? Whether a "socialist" or not, between his supporters and never-Trump moderates, Sanders will still present the more rational alternative when voters enter the booth.
9
I've followed Bernie since the last century!! It's true I was on his mailing list from his early days in the House. I was a Bernie backer in 2016 and tried my best to get others to vote Democratic in the election, many didn't and Trump was elected. That was the same scenario that got Nixon elected in '68!! This time around I'm worried about his electability but IF he is nominated I will back him wholeheartedly. This country NEEDS a healthy dose of Bernie to get back on track. I say that whether or not he is nominated! I have no delusions of Bernie achieving everything he'd like to do but I do believe we will be far better off than we are or have been!! Growing income inequality has been an issue I have tracked for 50+ years!! The tide HAS TO BE TURNED!!
9
Moderates, be they blue or red (a few exist), are cautious by nature and frightened of change. Sanders represents change.
Socialism, for generations, has been misunderstood and wrongfully maligned by the greedy as the State slaying capitalism. Sanders is a misunderstood and wrongfully maligned democratic socialist.
America is at a crossroads. The Trumpublican direction leads to tyrannical suppression of the people into servitude for the pleasure of the ruling greedy. The Sanders direction leads to renewal of the social contract with a government of the people, by the people, for the people.
Do Americans know what they want?
11
It doesn't matter what Democrats think of Bernie. One would hope they would get behind the candidate, no matter who he/she is, especially with four more years of Trump as the alternative.
It matters what non-Democrats think! There are six states that will ultimately make the difference between a win or a triumphant and rampant Trump. What do voters in those states think of Bernie? Because to many people, promises of free medical care and college tuition just says one thing: HIGHER TAXES.
That is not a pill anyone will swallow lightly and you can bet Trump will make a meal of it. I'm glad Bernie's supporters are excited about Bernie. But there is a lot more to it than just that. Success in politics requires the objectivity and dispassion of a professional gambler. Blind loyalty and the cult of personality will only get you so far.
It's like going to the racetrack and picking a horse because you like the name and expecting it to win.
4
@Mark Crozier Sure, taxes would go up for some under Bernie's plans for national health insurance and college tuition. But the tax hit will be mainly on the wealthy and those in the middle will no longer be paying huge shares of their pay checks to the bloated bureaucracy of private health insurance so they will come out better financially. The "we can't pay for Bernie's health care" line is simply not true and is an old saw created by those who benefit financially from the current system at the expense of the majority in the middle/working class. Our current system does not meet the needs of many, many Americans and we can afford to do better.
3
@Mark Crozier "Success in politics requires the objectivity and dispassion of a professional gambler. Blind loyalty and the cult of personality will only get you so far." Well said.
Both Pennsylvania and Ohio were economically in the doldrums until fracking and if you spend time there you will see that in stores and businesses people talk about that all the time. I don't think that an anti fracking candidate has a ghost of a chance in those states. Bernie will give us a replay of the disaster of 2016 pure and simple. All the rest that's said is wishful thinking.
4
Trump's victory in 2016 was a manifestation that voters are to the
right of where the polls indicate they are. Why would anyone think
that the election of the right wing Trump suggests the election of the far left wing Sanders in 2020? Sanders has very little following in the mid west swing states that elected Trump president in 2016.
2
@David
You mean the Midwest that Sanders WON last primary?
Have you looked at the Donor Map of the NYT?
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/02/01/us/politics/democratic-presidential-campaign-donors.html
Two different Swing state polls done in Feb.(before the Nevada blow out) show Sanders ahead of his Dem. rivals and beating Trump in all but Wis. Where last primary Sanders won EVERY SINGLE COUNTY but one.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-poll-pennsylvania-michigan-wisconsin-donald-trump-bernie-sanders-democrats-20200223.html
Care to back up your claims Sanders does poorly in the Midwest?
1
Trump won because of an antiquated institution created to give white people more political power than they deserve: the electoral college. 3 million plus votes for the Democratic party candidate attest to that. We are a majority blue country being controlled by an ugly, hateful red minority.
@Rosie No person with Sanders' admiration for totalitarian socialism should be elected president. Hopefully he will not be elected president.
Bernie Sanders as socially committed public figure and crusader against socio-economic inequities deserves better than a crude comparison with Trump- a highly narcissist lost in self love and pleasure pursuits, no different from social parasite. Again, however threatened the vestef interest groups or even the Democratic party honchos might feel Bernie Sanders's winnong spree in caucases and primaries is to be believed to be seen now as he is nearing his task of clearing the debris and swamp gathered in Washington under the Trump presidency.
3
Thanks for your wise and timely comments, Mr Krugman. You're absolutely right. Whoever wins the nomination must receive our complete support. I felt that way in 2016 when, as a Bernie supporter, I backed Clinton once she clinched the nomination. And now that my preferred candidate is poised to become the nominee, I expect people who support other candidates to rally behind Bernie. Nobody has to surrender their principles or ideals, either. We can, and should, have our differences even as we come together as a coalition. This election goes way beyond positions of policy, important though these are. It's about nothing less than human survival and the preservation of essential democratic values.
11
It's not a question of ego or selfishness.
Sanders loses all battleground states to Trump.
Krugman is more worried about the breakup of the Democratic Party. Without it, things get much harder. So Krugman wants the democrats to believe, to keep the House at least -- to stick together as we lose.
Trump and the Republicans control the agenda and the negotiations by forcing people to take the lesser of two evils. Even Krugman complies.
5
@me
"Sanders loses all battleground states to Trump."
That is not accurate. Sanders does as well against Trump in MI, PA, and WI as do Biden and Bloomberg.
https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/polls/president-general/
Furthermore, Sanders does the best of any Democratic against Trump in NC, winning back that state. Sanders does well in AZ as well. FL and OH are the other states where we need more data.
Also, Sanders will not lose state that Clinton won in 2016.
2
@me
Your joking...right?
RCP avg. of Sanders vs. Trump in the battleground states: (these are the ones he's ahead or tied.)
Mich. Sanders +5.3
Wis. Sanders Tie (Bern wins 3 of 4 polls)
Penn. Sanders +3.0
Min. Sanders +9.0
N.C. Sanders +1
N.H. Sanders +5
https://electoralvotemap.com/2020-battleground-states/
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2020/president/us/general_election_trump_vs_sanders-6250.html
2
Not a word about Russian interference in support of the Sanders campaign? That is very surprising in an otherwise consistently sharp analysis of the current political situation. I thought that after events such as the 2016 election, Brexit and the like Russian interference would be at the forefront of any discussion of American elections!
4
@Anna Dolganov
In what way was Russia "helping" the Sanders Campaign?
Do you really think our intelligence wouldn't know if Putin et al were attempting to meddle in the election again? Of course Putin/Russia knew.
SO... how is getting caught (we've yet to see, hear or be told what, where, or when this "help" happened) supposedly aiding the Bern campaign? How is this helping him? IT'S NOT~!
Thus you now have a cudgel to attack and imply nefarious shenanigans. That isn't a "help" is it.
How is the Putin Bernie Bots harassing people a "help" to the Sanders campaign? Again...IT'S NOT~!
Sowing discord and doubts? Yes.
Giving help? Hardly; otherwise you'd not be bringing it up would you.
Putin's efforts are to promote disunity and doubt. Both that you've amplified. These efforts are to kneecap a Dem. frontrunner who consistently beats Trump in 99% of the polls for over 5yrs. now.
Russia isn't "helping" and you know it.
1
Bernie Sanders, as well as Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar, would all make great Presidents. How much "socialism" there is, if Sanders is elected President, depends on who in the Congress votes for his ideas. Remember there are many moderates in the houses of Congress, and any President's ideas are ideally tempered by the will of the people.
3
I respect Mr. Krugman enormously. Off course Sanders is not Trump. But my worry, besides Sanders electability, is that Sanders and many of his harden supporters do not really believe in liberal democracy. I do not see them really respecting limitations, such as the rule of law, co-equal branches of government, or compromise. My worry is that if Sanders is blocked by Congress, or the Courts Sanders and his ardent supporters will press to go around the other institutions. I can see Sanders continue the questionable use of Executive Orders, or further politicizing the Justice Department.
5
@Harry Perkal
I share your concerns broadly about the abuse of executive orders and the separation of powers.
1. No one could be worse in this regard than Mr. Trump.
2. Other Democratic candidates (Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar) has spoken about how they would use executive orders as president. Biden is good on respecting constitutional limitations.
3. Sanders has stated that, as president, he would rally the American people to urge their Congressional representatives to back bills in order to enact his agenda. That sounds to me like he respects democracy and the constitutional process of enacting laws, rather than relying on executive orders.
4
After Super Tuesday, we Democrats, Independents and disaffected Republicans need to coalesce around a candidate who can take on Trump and defeat him. But we also need a candidate who can support and work for the election of Democrats to the House and the Senate. Without control of Congress, Sanders' aspirations and ideas will not be accomplished. Can Sanders unite the Party and vigorously support election of Democrats to Congress? That will be the real test of his electability.
Trump calls every Democrat a socialist. It is just his penchant for child like name calling. But Sanders needs to better define his political characterization and calling himself a democratic socialist does not do it; it just leaves ambiguities. He needs to forget about labels and announce his joinder of the Democratic Party and define what it means to be a Democrat. He needs to include in his ideological umbrella the Democrats seeking re-election or defeating Republican incumbents. If he can, a Sanders victory will be a true Democratic victory and will pave the way for adoption of Sanders' aspirational ideas.
7
Defeating Trump should not be tho sole consideration of electing the next President. Putting the right person for the job is the apt way. Find the person who would lift the American society to greater heights and bring back America as a nation to lead the world on political and economic map which has since the current presidency of Trump has been battered. If America wants to stand tall again find such a candidate who can lead on those values.
3
If Trump is not defeated, nothing else matters. The environment and our democracy will continue to be gutted-without any restraints. Defeating Trump MUST be the top priority.
3
I am more worried about Sander’s supporters than Sanders himself. If they (many first time voters who don’t seem to care for the Democratic Party beyond Bernie) don’t pound the pavement (not just tweet memes) for the Dems running to unseat current GOP senators (AZ, CO, Maine, Iowa, KY, GA), they might as well stay home and tweet some more. A Bernie presidency is a nothing burger without the house and senate.
9
40 years of the Democrats turning their backs on the working class have had a predictable result. The working class is angry and disaffected because median wages have failed to keep up with rising costs. In 2016, Trump appealed to their anger and rage and pointed it toward blacks and immigrants. In 2020, Sanders is pointing it where it belongs - at an establishment that has turned its back on them. Sanders offers some hope. He's putting whites, blacks, Latinos and everyone on the same side.
Once everyone gets over the cry of "socialism," I think a Sanders presidency will put us in a better, healthier place.
14
Thanks, Mr. Krugman - short and sweet and right on.
I hope everyone on this side and even a few on the other side listen to this simple and helpful advice.
4
If Bernie gets the nomination I intend to vote third-party here in Massachusetts. He will still carry the state, but I will have made a statement about "the revolution".
5
Voting a third party re- elects Trump.
First message got cut oof. Apologies,
AMEN, Mr.Krugman.
No one gets everything right, especially this writer but I know from long ago studies and Foreign Service experience with Social Democratic parties in Europe and Latin America that Democratic Socialist parties have a lot in common with FDR and Truman's New Dealers.
When JFK said "I Am a Berliner" he was as standing beside Berlin's Mayor Willy Brandt, a Social Democrat, later the West German Chancellor. Brandt was succeeded by Helmut Schmidt, an author of Germany's economic miracle, in whom the Nixon administration found a staunch ally.
The Spanish Socialist, Felipe Gonzalez (disclosure, a long ago acquaintance) righted Spain's economy by selling off or closing money losing state owned enterprise Which Franco's peculiar variety of fascism created. In Latin America, the strongest supporters of JFK Alliance for Progress were Social Democrats, particularly Venezuela's Romulo Betancourt and Costa Rica's Jose Figueres (disclosure: a friend).
Mike Bloomberg's debate outburst notwithstanding, these guys weren't communists; each and every one of them believed in human rights and elections. So do the Nordics and so does Bernie.
10
Two years ago I was perfectly healthy and active at 30 - then I found a lump in my neck. It was non-Hodgkins lymphoma. I had surgery and radiation treatment and was left with an $8k bill due to my decent union insurance. At the end of the year I checked my remaining balance on my monthly plan and about fell over when I saw the total bill my insurance was charged - over $600k. His campaign slogan is 100% correct. This is not about me. It's about us. I'm lucky - but when I get out of my bubble I see how much others in the country are hurting and crushed by the system. I'd gladly give up my union insurance if it meant my friends, neighbors, family, fellow countrymen and I all had access to treatment. Whether or not Bernie wins, this is a movement and I am so emotional seeing so many people passionately advocating for each other. That's what America is to me. Greed, lust, and Donald Trump is not.
20
I am impressed that Bernie seems to have conquered the age and health issues. I am older, and I know from experience that the public seems to write off older people. Age is a downer for former VP Biden, Senator Sanders, and former Mayor Bloomberg, and every now and then I sense age being a factor with Senator Warren.
I believe age and experience is an asset, if it is used to formulate common sense messages about the problems of the future to mobilize wise heads to formulate government policies that make life a lot better for the full spectrum of people who make up our society.
Our older candidates are all qualified and can form a government much faster than the young ones in the Democratic line up. And I also believe from past history that "coattails" matter because the candidate will need to bring along a strong Democratic down ticket.
There are several exciting young people who would make great VPs that could carry the Democratic agenda for almost a generation. This would be good because the global warming solutions will take that long, and we could also in about 16 years make progress on providing a ladder of opportunity in our k-16 education system.
We will need to redirect the efforts of the Federal Lab and University Research to work on alternative energy sources, and to evolve our transportation infrastructure to accommodate the need to electrify our logistics and transport.
The failed Trump tax code will need to be replaced.
Clearly we need your talent.
3
There’s no guarantee the Dems in Congress would sign up for everything Sanders wants. That’s part of the difficulty of being a truly Independent. You don’t really fit in anywhere. I do want Trump out and I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.
1
I think the trepidation around Sanders is less about egos and the details of monetary policy than it is about a center-left desire to maintain both their conscience and their wealth.
I don’t think a Sanders administration would be so bad for “center-left policy wonks.” Just the opposite. In the end, his starting with a clear agenda and ideal (and possibly a mandate) will likely result in center-left after compromise.
2
I am a little surprised that there have been so many comments already on such a short column, which is for what it is timely. It only reassures Democrats who fear that a Bernie Sanders nomination may ruin their chances of having a "Democrat" in the White House in 2021.
Some worry that a Sanders ticket may hurt down-ballots. I do mind if that's true. But if he can beat Trump, even if we lose the House and don't win back the Senate, for Democrats, it's worth it. Presidency is the most important win.
2
@A.G.
I might add, my candidate still is Mayor Pete. He's immensely gifted, eloquent, unflappable and about as progressive as any other prominent politician in U.S. history, I believe, let alone Bernie Sanders & Elizabeth warren. But he's practical, and wouldn't bite what he can't chew.
But whoever is the Democratic nominee, I will do what I can to make sure they are elected, in addition to voting for them.
4
Franklin Roosevelt campaigned on many of the same issues Sanders is vigorously promoted. It took a bold approach to rescue America from economic collapse and another civil war. Americans must reject the social and economic malaise that has infected our great Republic.
3
The risks of Bernie as president are that he supports totalitarian socialist regimes and even today on TV praised the Castro regime, which is clearly a totalitarian socialist regime. Putin supports Sanders because Sanders would not resist the aggression of the formerly Soviet Russia. He honeymooned in the old Soviet Union, said he learned a lot from the Soviets, and was full of praise for the Soviets. The Moscow subway built with slave labor very favorably impressed Bernie.
2
@David
Meanwhile, Donald Trump supports the worst totalitarian regimes across the world: Kim Jong-un, MbS, Duterte, Erdogan, Putin, MbZ.
1
I'm personally far less worried about having Sanders as President, than I am about the threat he presents to other Democrats trying to win all the other elections around the country on down-ballot races this November. Middle of the roaders and never-Trumpers who might be tempted to vote for a "moderate" Dem, but would stay home if Sanders is the Dem candidate. I am terrified of a Speaker McCarthy walking hand-in-hand with Lord of the Flies McConnell to thwart every item on a Sanders agenda.
7
I'd be happy with either a President Sanders OR a President Warren. They have different life experiences, but are mostly much on the same page. Having to choose between them is a good problem to have. My ideal would be a blend of the two: Sanders' stubborn, unreconstructed pro-labor, pro-national health care, pro-Green Deal and Warren's emphasis on research to help policy and her 'I have a plan' - for everything.
Yes, Sanders is not a 'socialist' in the negative sense (government ownership of the means of production), and -is- a European-style social democrat (high tax rates, with much high spending on almost completely public funding of health care and much spending on other basic necessities like education and housing).
Let's stop worrying about electability, which is at best a useless game of guessing who other people will vote for and at worst a way of condemning one's opponent for factors other than his/her ideas and desired policies.
The US needs to do some big and radical things, fast. First is trying to mitigate climate change while we still can. Then trying to get adequate health care, shelter and food for -everyone-, because they're basic necessities. Then immigration reform and infrastructure renovation. FDR, JFK and LBJ all tried to do big things. They were not fully successful, but they tried. Let's ignore science-denying, uncompromising, extremist Republicans and move onward.
8
A group of researchers at Yale have completed a study that concludes that a Medicare for all plan like that proposed by Sen. Sanders could save 450 billion dollars a year, and save approximately 68,000 lives per year. And this doesn't count the thousands who would not be going into bankruptcy every year because of medical bills. Sen. Sanders isn't so crazy. If you don't try you don't get. At the very least he will increase the demand for universal health care because at last we have a prominent person publicly explaining its benefits. As has been pointed out, if a drive for Medicare for all fails, we might still get a public option as a compromise. If less is asked for, we might get nothing.
11
I believe the electorate in our country leans center-left socially, center-right fiscally. The loudest voices come from the fringes, but we are a moderate country by and large, Fox and Limbaugh aside.
Many who held their noses and voted for trump would eagerly vote for a moderate centrist. Bernie will not gain those votes, and those votes could be the difference between a Democratic presidency or four intolerable years of trump.
Please think about our country before voting in the primaries.
4
Socialism isn't what it used to be. It is no longer the socialism of 100 years ago. There has been progress in understanding what works and what doesn't work. The foundation of socialism is that we are an inclusive society and everyone has a share and a say. We know that what has dominated political economy since 1980 doesn't work for most of society, we know that markets are tools, not kings, we know that riches must be shared and that no one becomes a billionaire on their own, and we know that the assets of society, thousands of years in development, belong to everyone and their use must be regulated and their rewards shared.
2
You know what, thank you Mr. Krugman. Last election cycle I rolled my eyes at you, because you wrote some pieces I thought were closed minded and short sighted, and you clearly favored Hillary. But I've long been fighting against the notion that Bernie is the Trump of the left, and I appreciate you not just coming around but coming forward. Thank you for being realistic this time around, and for sticking up for someone I think is a truly decent human
5
I read the columns and the comments here and I feel we are doomed. Most think we should get rid of Trump to stop him from taking the country into more dangerous path.and yet when it comes to stand behind the only candidate who seems to have the momentum . we start faltering as if there is no urgency
Do you think when Trump ran in 2016 he was the perfect candidate with his past shady business deals,low regard for women,name calling and so many things that we stop counting. The republicans didn't like him but all stood behind him and and he accomplished most of what they want.
There is no comparison between Bernie and Trump but here we are cherry picking as if there is no urgency so God help us.
7
Thank you for the voice of reason Dr. Krugman. Keep up the great articles. They are much appreciated. These articles help unite us when we need it the most.
2
The government should be protecting us from climate changing carbon polltion, protecting our air and water, our wildlife, our Public Lands. Instead, the government subsidizes big agriculture, big oil, and the auto and housing industries without any environmental protections, or any change. Bernie Sanders will require change in the interest of the public and get rid of the subsidies. He's such a socialist.
7
Aren't you overstating this?
"Since the 1980s ... we have not upgraded or updated our roads, airports, public spaces, etc."
I think we should do more, but it's certainly NOT true that we "have not upgraded or updated our roads, airports, public spaces, etc.," as anyone can tell you who's been in a brand new airport or driven on a repaved road.
Do you think you may weaken your point by overstating it?
1
Thank you, Professor Krugman!!! This needed to be said, loud, and clear, and by someone who has expressed his skepticism of the economic inclinations of Sanders and of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Either we hang together or surely we will hang separately.
4
I don’t know who scares me more, Trump or Sanders. They’re both Putin picks.
Warren never looked more electable to me.
4
So, it sounds like Krugman tepidly supports Sanders. Would Democratic support also be tepid?
2
Bernie did express great praise for totalitarian socialism over the years, so the idea that he is a democratic socialist rather than a totalitarian socialist is dubious. The GOP will bring that out in the general election, should Bernie be nominated by the Democrats as their candidate for president.
3
Bernie is not Trump in his policies, integrity, and desire to really make America greater.
But like Trump he is skilled in the art of demagoguery . He has identified the hopes, fears and prejudices of his followers. He knows they desire a fair and just society, economic security through government programs, and share a belief that the wealthy, finance, fossil fuel, insurance and drug companies are to blame. There is plenty of truth in those beliefs, just as Trump makes valid points about politicians and the “elites” (those who have profited in this economy) ignoring the concerns of those impacted by de-industrialization, automation and globalization.
Bernie has no more chance of creating his paternalistic state than Trump had in getting Mexico to pay for the wall. Just as unfettered capitalism must be regulated, the wealthy appropriately taxes and government safety nets strengthened, we should be wary of over reliance on government. To believe it will always benevolent is to believe Trump is not trying to end Obamacare , throw people off food stamps and Medicaid, and destroy the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Bernie and Trump share another similarity: they know demagoguery beats rationality.
5
The biggest question about Sanders is, to what extent he favors reform of democratic institutions. He recognizes that some issues, like Citizens United opening the dark money floodgates, must be addressed. But most institutional reform ideas don't excite the ultra-progressive, who are more concerned about inequality, health care, and education.
The problem is that getting a Congress to go along with such an agenda requires one that's fairly elected, which means reform. And getting a Supreme Court to shift back to the center means reform (as in term limits).
Would a President Sanders, swept into office on a progressive wave, spend political capital reforming our system so that the next generation of leaders have a better foundation?
1
What should be amazing (although not to you and because of you, to me) is the MSM and even so-called liberal Dems who keep asking of any progressive social program: "How are you going to pay for it?"
Hey. here's an answer: "It'll pay for itself."
It seemed to work for every round of GOP tax cuts -- where was the weeping and gnashing of teeth then?
It's like the GOP gets away with voodoo economics and Dems are expected to trot out CPAs and actuaries for every program?
How is that? I fear you answered that question years ago with your observations about Very Serious People.
Now I fear that VSPs will be the end, not only of western civilization, but maybe all civilization as we know it.
7
Not quite true:
"Neither Trump nor Sanders can do anything meaningful if Congress has split power."
The President can't sign (or veto) a bill unless it's first been passed by both houses of Congress. But only the Senate, not the House, gets to approve (or not) judicial appointments and treaties. Right now, the Republicans control the Senate (54-46, up from 2016), and so Trump's judicial nominations get approved. (There haven't been any "treaties" up for a vote lately.)
That's one big reason why "down-ballot" races matter.
2
@Commenter
The Republicans currently control the Senate 53-47 (not 54-46).
The most vulnerable Republican Senators are:
- Cory Gardner (R-CO)
- Martha McSally (R-AZ)
- Thom Tillis (R-NC)
- Susan Collins (R-ME)
- Joni Ernst (R-IA)
- open seat (R-KS)
1
Democrats need to unite behind their nominee, but whether Sanders is the most electable nominee is another question. The primaries and the general are two different electorates. I could not agree more that Sanders calling himself a democratic socialist is not the way to attract the mainstream voters necessary to win in November. Sanders will say that his grassroots groundswell will get him elected, but it might just scare enough moderates to bring the Democrats to a crushing defeat, from the top of the Sanders ticket to the Senate, the House, and the statehouses and legislatures all across this country.
1
A great deal changed between the passage of Social Security and the passage of Medicare.
"Social Security and Medicate [Medicare] Let them explain to the seniors on those programs how they oppose them
Large numbers of Republicans once did."
When Social Security came to be, very many Americans decried it as Socialism, and opposed it. Proponents acknowledged that Social Security contributions weren't voluntary, but argued that Americans were simply being "forced" to do something they should do anyway: put away money for retirement. To buttress this argument, proponents pointed out that contributions to Social Security ceased above a certain taxable-income level (which they still do), so that they weren't "really" inexorably linked to the contributor's income. That was and is true (though the income limit has risen dramatically over the years).
By the time Medicare was adopted (early 1960s), concerns about "socialism" had ended -- or at least those who complained that Medicare was "socialized medicine" weren't listened to. Thus, for example, there's NO cap on Medicare contributions: If your taxable income is $3 million, you'll pay far more in Medicare contributions than someone who earns, say, $50,000 a year (indeed, your Medicare contributions will far exceed your Social Security contributions). Medicare contributions are simply keyed to income, period -- no "retirement" argument was necessary and none was made.
What a difference a few decades make, eh?
1
I supported Bernie in 2016 but Warren this time around. "Why" isn't important here. What is important is that if Bernie is the nominee, and that looks more likely than not at this early stage, we -- from liberals to moderates and even to conservatives -- must make sure he has a Democratic House and Senate.
Why would you want a Democratic sweep if you're not a "leftie?"
The reason is simple: We cannot fix what Trump and the current GOP have broken with a divided government. The GOP will block us every inch of the way. We MUST HAVE the ability to undo the damage that has been inflicted. And we must ride them to make sure they do the correct thing and not the left or conservative thing. This is all hands on deck time.
America is on the line.
8
With all the hoopla, Trump’s accomplishment so far is signing the tax bill for the rich and renaming the NAFTA. The rest is lot of noise and out of box behavior. The only reason tax bill passed is because of Republican majority in both chambers of Congress. Neither Trump nor Sanders can do anything meaningful if Congress has split power. However, governance would be better under Sanders or any other democrat because there will be less corruption. For that reason, I would vote for a Democratic Party nominee, although I prefer some one with major legislative accomplishments such as Creation of CFPB.
3
On top of Nevada, your column makes me so happy, Prof.Krugman. I still hope you & Robert Reich will have an econo-politico discussion in these pages before November.
For those of us who have gradually (well, from 2015) learned to support Bernie, which I'd like to say is intelligently, it has been very frustrating to feel like the target of so much unwarranted animosity & projection.
Thank you for your positive words for Bernie.
Blue 2020
7
It's too early to throw in the towel. Centrist Democrats will find a way to back Sanders if we must. But I think we need to look at #5 out of Nevada, Amy Klobuchar. She is eminently more electable in the General Election than the 4 candidates ahead of her because she doesn't have the baggage that comes with them that Democrats can't sell in Midwestern red states.
2
I agree, but she ain’t gonna be the nominee.
Another commenter mentions Paul Krugman's statement that Bernie Sanders' tax proposals are intended to bring "actual" tax rates down to Eisenhower-era levels.
It's very difficult to compare Bernie Sanders' tax proposals, or even the current tax code, to Eisenhower-era taxes. Nominal top rates were much higher when Eisenhower left office (91%, versus today's 37%). But "nobody" actually paid those high rates back then because "loopholes" were much more plentiful. For example, you could deduct interest without limits; now, most interest is not deductible. State and local taxes were also deductible without limit; today, there's a pretty low cap. For a while, one could even form a corporation to take in some big income item, sell the company's stock (and pay lower capital-gain rates on the "profit"), and then "collapse" the ad hoc corporation (that particular tax-avoidance "technique" eventually was outlawed, but many taxpayers used it in the Eisenhower days). Many bright young professionals were sidetracked into marketing various tax-dodge schemes.
Frankly, I haven't wallowed in the details of any Sanders tax plans because I know that none of them will ever make it through Congress. But the tax code has become much more fair to the average taxpayer since the days of Eisenhower. True, today's 37% top rate is much lower than the old 91% rate, but not when you acknowledge that no taxpayer -- at least not one advised by high-priced tax lawyers or accountants -- actually paid 91%.
2
@Commenter
I remember the estimate that at the highest tax rate 65 years ago the effective rate was around 45%. Today, At the 37% nominal tax rate the effective rate is 23%.
2
@CarolinaJoe
Not sure what you mean.
The effective tax rate varies considerably from taxpayer to taxpayer and from state to state (here in CA, for example, the highest marginal rate is 13.3%, and most or all CA income tax will not be deductible from one's federal taxable income).
A few hapless taxpayers paid high taxes in the Eisenhower days (for example, a boxer might do so, at least if he'd not been advised about the wonders of "collapsible corporations," which were all the rage before IRC section 341 effectively made them illegal). But most high-end taxpayers (at least those well-advised by high-priced tax lawyers and accountants) found "loopholes" and paid a much lower tax rate.
I don't think there was ever any "average" -- though I suppose one can discern an "average" simply by dividing total tax revenues by the total number of taxpayers. That would be a meaningless "average," however, for any particular taxpayer, whose rate might be much higher or much lower.
If you mean simply that Americans in general paid higher taxes back in Eisenhower's day, that is probably true, but very many "loopholes" have been eliminated over the years, and many states have adopted a healthy income tax that must be taken into account.
Thank You....Finally some sanity at the New York Times.
Voters need to turn their TV's off and do some research. This man's political consistency is remarkable. His values used to make up good portion of the Democratic party's platform decades ago. The country has survived Trump. Could Bernie really be worse than that?
13
Much, much worse
As somebody who’s way, way better at research than you, lemme suggest that you stop lecturing on your fantasized “values,” and go learn how to do some.
And either stop yelling at the shabby likes of me, or start thinking about why some might disagree with you.
I’m a liberal (and Warren supporter) who has found a few commonalities between Sanders and Trump, but only these: They both appeal to people’s outrage, they both are not a part of the party establishment, they and their supporters both tend toward conspiracy theories (with Bernie’s crew, particularly about the media; Trump supporters have conspiracy theories about the media plus a lot more), and they both offer a lot of bluster, not a ton of substance. I like what Bernie stands for but find Warren has more detailed plans behind similar proposals.
I will of course vote for Bernie if he is nominated. But I do find that his and Trump’s popularity probably are due to the same strains of populism, just on different sides of the political spectrum.
11
@L
Agreed. However, I think that -- unlike Trump's most ardent supporters -- Bernie's outrage-fueled support will disappear if he wins and doesn't produce. Trump's supporters are made happy by his hateful rhetoric and will continually apologize for him because they like his strongman, dictatorial inclinations. I think that Bernie's supporters will lose their zeal if his propositions don't become reality.
1
"Freedom is on the line."
Yes it is. The existence of our country is on the line. Since the 1980s salaries have not kept pace with the cost of living. We have not upgraded or updated our roads, airports, public spaces, etc. America now is at an inflection point. If we vote Trump back into office we will have proved that we prefer someone like him than someone who can truly help and work for all Americans. We still have choices. But we won't if we decide that a man like Trump and a person like McConnell are worthy representatives of our country and our needs.
I've watched the American Dream die. Not the one with becoming a millionaire at a young age. The one where we earn a decent living, can save for our old age, can have a nice affordable place to live, and can watch our children have better lives than ours. I am 61 years old. All I own is an old car and the clothes on my back. I won't ever be able to retire or seek medical care when I need it. Every tax break was another slash to social programs that helped people. I'd rather pay my taxes and see a real health care system, see our infrastructure improved, have daycare for all children, and not see stories about people unable to afford the necessities of life. That's the America we need to work towards.
2/23/2020 9:31pm first submit
19
@hen3ry
You, I, and about 150 million of our fellow Americans, if not more.
It’s time for some reverse osmosis.
1
Why does the author continue to repeat the blatant lie that Sanders’ tax proposals are for rates to return to what they were under Eisenhower? The net effective tax rate in the 1950s was barely higher than it is today and there was never a wealth tax as Sanders has proposed. Lies do little to promote Sanders’ candidacy, try just portraying his proposals for what they really are and let readers figure out if these brackets really make sense...
1
Even if the Democrats were to hold the House and capture the Senate and the Presidency, it is unlikely that Medicare for all would become law. The best approach at that point, as many others have said, would be to strengthen Obamacare and provide a Medicare option for those who WANT it, including families.
3
Thank you for this exceptionally thoughtful and honest analysis, a product of your sharp intellect and your humility. How I wish some others could take a page from your book.
7
Something that astounds me is that the other candidates for the Democratic nomination (and even Krugman) have not made as much of a big deal as they should about Bernie's age plus his history of heart attack. Anyone would be crazy to think or imply that this is anything to do with ageism. His history of a heart attack increases his odds of having one. You don't have to be a physician to know this. (For the record, I have in the past liked Bernie and supported him in the California primary.)
If he was the only competent left candidate I could see wanting to hang in there, but he could have easily recommended that his supporters go with Warren.
But not dropping out of the race after his MI occurred was reckless and egoistic. If Sanders were to get the nomination and then have another heart attack before the November election, that would seal our doom.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Buttigieg in the last debate brought up his medical records- which is not enough. I hope Warren uses herskills on him in the next debate instead of on Bloomberg to call him out.
All of the candidates owe our country this.
4
@acj or potentially even worse, he could have a second heart attack after winning the election and before the inauguration. This is not a hypothetical
Sanders has one very important negative characteristic in common with Trump. He demonizes a specific group that is mostly comprised of people who are not demons—in Sanders’ case, the wealthy—and makes them scapegoats for problems arising from complex sources. It’s immoral, and it will create enormously dangerous blow back.
7
@CitizenJ Trump doesn't demonize anyone. He just posits that everyone be held to the same standards and rule of law.
4
Sure, James. Well, providing that they’re wealthy, white, and treated as superior.
1
Economics is not the only issue. Sen Sanders fails to recognize that structural issues- the electoral college, gerrymandering, the 2 senator unrepresentative nature of the senate set up, the way that the Supreme Court is nominated are the real reasons Democrats don't get into office. Yet I never hear any of these core problems emphasized by Sen. Sanders even in his many years in public life- problems which have all resulted in Democrats not getting into office when we actually DO have the actual votes almost all of the time. His record with women - supporting Heath Mello who had a truly horrifying record on reproductive rights, last April's 2 dozen women in his own campaign meeting with him because of discrimination in pay and position, his treatment of Elizabeth Warren recently and Barbara Boxer in 2016 - is very problematic. He allows his surrogates and supporters to attack anyone who he considers a threat - or does not support his candidacy (even though they may be progressives also) claiming that his backers act without his knowledge . And just recently his reversal of his literal promise to fully disclose comprehensive medical records after his recent heart attack.
Problems with this candidacy go to transparancy, honesty and a really frightening tendency to call everyone who asks him for reasonable explanations as an enemy. or 'establishment'.He goes after the press that way too- just went after WP Post over medical records reversal. Poorly thought out article.
3
On the unlikely chance Sanders were to defeat Trump, his legislative successes would be zero if Republicans still control the Senate.
Right up there with Obama.
4
The young have the energy and the noise to drive a campaign and capture the party and win the nomination, as happened with McGovern in 1972. Unfortunately that doesn't translate to votes in the General election.
Where the obvious antidote to Trump is a consensus candidate who doesn't provide the moderate majority an excuse to vote for Trump, Bernie Sanders is another firebrand who wants to burn the house down from the other end to Trump.
The Dems seem to be rejecting the very strategy that won big in the 2018 mid-terms on the theme of protecting the Affordable Care Act from destruction by the Republicans. For the first time since its existence the Act is polling above 50% approval. Instead of running on this again with moderate extensions, Bernie's mob wants to ditch it in favour of Medicare for all.
Unfortunately the Democratic campaign has the hallmarks of McGovern 1972 and Corbin's 2019 campaign in the UK, where their respective parties turned left and got thrashed.
6
Peter J. cites precedent, policy and purpose, but not the particular powers partial to personality.
Exactly:
"I’m worried about a Republican victory across the board in November. And that’s what nominating Sanders means. Why do you think Putin supports him?"
If the reports are correct, Putin supports Sanders because he believes a Sanders nomination will make it more likely that Trump wins in November. If that's what Putin thinks, he's probably right. Biden's fade was inevitable, but Bloomberg has taken his place. Bloomberg could win, and Putin doesn't want that. Bernie Sanders, though? Not a chance, and Putin knows that.
The US will never elect a Socialist president. As Hillary Clinton pointed out just last week, one should never say "Never." But it's safe to say that it won't be happening any time soon.
6
You are giving up too easily. I have long looked to you as a wise voice, so it’s all the more disappointing that you are throwing in the towel prematurely. Yes, of course, we must all rally around the chosen Democratic nominee, but right now what is needed, to have any chance of choosing the best candidate among those remaining, is thoughtful critique to help enable your readers to make an informed choice.
4
The commentary about Sanders being a leftist Trump is not comparing the two on ideals, or even the two people at all. Duh. Sanders is infinitely more moral and Democratic than Trump. The comparison is about their voters, actually, and the candidates' ability to mobilize the seemingly disenfranchised. The comparisons are about realizing that there are a lot of people who feel (rightly or not) left behind. And frankly, it upends the order of things if either of these candidates win (as we've seen with Trump.) But thankfully, the Sanders side is full of good people, not deplorables. The Sanders side is full of the people centrist Liberals say they've been working to empower. The Sanders side is looking for fairness and opportunity. Yes, they're looking to upend systems and do things differently. But why not? The current system really hasn't worked for them. But oooh it's so scary what they want: health care, education, housing. Trump's side is the opposite. It's people clinging to a racist agendas that seek to keep the rising minority down.
Mainstream media and establishment Dems need to let the Sanders people rise. The people who you've worked to give a voice are showing they found a leader. It may make you uncomfortable because tings will have to change. But change is the price of progress.
5
I’m not worried about a Sanders presidency. I’m worried about a Republican victory across the board in November. And that’s what nominating Sanders means. Why do you think Putin supports him?
4
@UCB Parent -
Why do you think Putin supports him?
To scare people into voting for Trump.
Thank you for this column.
I've known Bernie, and known about him, since living in Burlington, Vermont in the 1970s ---originally as a reluctant transplant (a flatlander, to use a Vermonter term) from further South.
After finishing my master's and being a new single parent with two young children, Bernie's message always resonated with me.
Now an OLD single parent, having had an honorable non-profit career - and still with a limited income - I am for him still, as are most of my friends up there in Vermont.
What he proposes may not be fully attainable, but he is asking for the whole loaf, not just crumbs. And he says us, not him.
Si se puede, Bernie!!
Tio Bernie!!!
Bernie 2020.
14
Question: What's one good thing about the $20 trillion national debt?
Answer: At least interest rates will be kept low (by "quantitative easing" and the like).
Why? Because just a 1% increase on $20 trillion is $200 billion dollars. In the history of the world, has any party obtained or maintained political control after spending $200 billion and obtaining nothing for it.
But homeowners should rejoice. Low interest rates means higher house prices.
It's apples versus oranges:
"Bernie had 60% of the vote in NH in 2016 and 28% in 2020."
In 2016, Bernie wasn't running against a Senator from a neighboring state.
@Commenter
Yes - and there were six viable candidates in 2020 splitting the votes - rather than TWO.
2
For those Democrats who won’t vote for Bernie because he’s not a Democrat: If Bernie is the nominee he will beat Trump in the general election. And like Trump, if nominated, he will bring the Democratic Party to him. And in so doing, will become a Democrat because he will define what it is to be one.
2
@Mot Juste the russians want sanders to win because they know Trump will beat Sanders.
Bernie would deliver not only the WH to Trump but the House and would guarantee that Trump and McConnell would appoint 600 more judges like Kavanaugh. Is that what you want , Professor?
7
@Leon -
How do you know that Leon?
How about some verifiable information Leon.
Gut feelings and or magical thinking no longer cuts it.
This sort of thinking seems to be the only explanation that comes to mind for the dangerously excessive optimism about Bernie's chances in November:
"Consider that everyone thought Trump would lose last time, too. Yet, here we are."
Put another way: "Trump pulled it off, so why not Sanders?"
It IS different this time (at least if Sanders gets the nomination, as now appears likely). Last time, it was a scatter-brained conservative (Trump) running against a moderate Democrat (Hillary Clinton). This time, it will be an incumbent running against a self-declared socialist. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who will win that battle (hint: It won't be the socialist.).
7
@Commenter -
You may have noticed we are no longer in the 1950's. - A lot has changed. - You can no longer scream socialist and everyone runs for the fallout shelters.
Bernie Sanders is a social democrat.
Social democrats support practical, progressive reforms of capitalism. Something your kind abhors.
The has been a social democratic nation for a very long time. - The right-wing, the conservative, wants to take the USA into dark nightmare of despotism.
Gee what to do, what to do? Decent health care, decent education, clean drinking water, etc., or to back to the 17th century to be ruled by insane Kings and their Princes.
Thanks but no thanks.
--
Oh come on!
"Sanders and Warren, Sanders in particular, allow themselves to be trapped by interviewers."
Elizabeth Warren had plenty of time to think about how, or even whether, she should respond to expressions of concern about how her "Medicare for All" plan would be financed. The only explanation for her explanation that comes to mind is that she surmised that answering that question would leave her in possession (or at least control) of that plan in voters' minds (even though it was Bernie Sanders' idea first). Warren's explanation was pretty feeble, but the point here is that she knowingly walked into that one. The press didn't ambush her; she ambushed herself.
4
Sanders and Warren, Sanders in particular, allow themselves to be trapped by interviewers. Whereas Warren pivots much better to other salient points and issues, Sanders gets bogged down in almost defensive posture. While Warren points out the exact nature of the inequities that have built up over time,including the corporate influence on our economy, Sanders just keeps repeating his talking points,and generally blaming billionaires. He must begin to concisely elaborate on his plans.
5
@Tim Lynch
Answering the question rather than pivoting and dodging would be a nice change - Klobuchar can get deep into the weeds of all the leg that would be needed to do what we need to do and how to solve problems based on reality and the system- but voters seem to prefer ideological platitudes and then wonder why things do not get done.
2
@Meg
You're preaching to the choir. Instead of the debates, each candidate should sit ,on television, and provide their visions, and their proposed solutions ,one by one.
3
@Tim Lynch
I am here enough to know that the Choir at the NYT comments section are mostly singing the praises of Warren and Sanders - look at readers picks. So, I do not expect people to agree with me very often here. Readers here seem far more liberal than elsewhere.
Comparing Bernie to Trump is a red herring. You miss the point - even if ALL the Dems were to unite behind Bernie, there is a BIG possibility that that will NOT be enough to carry him over the line - there will be too many centrists who will abandon him and the Dems. But, the BIGGER PROBLEM is what Bernie on top of the ticket will do to the House and to the Senate, especially in purple states.
Unless Bernie can find a way to balance his ticket with a moderate who can assure America that Bernie will NOT be allowed to pursue socialist policies, there is NO chance that Bernie can win nor that he will have enough coat tails to ensure there is a Democrat House and Senate - without that, his candidacy will be an unmitigated disaster.
3
@anatlanta -
Selling fear, or just fearful? - You will have to become brave or the future will be an unmitigated disaster.
No matter what, the Right likes being on top and will fight claw tooth and nail to stay on top.
As for the down ticket fear, that is coming from the DCCC acting like Donald Trump.
--
I'm a Bernie fan and also see good things in the other Dem candidates. Still, we have only had 2 cuacases and one primary out of 50. Why does the press and the electorate follow early states like hungry animals on the sent of food? How about a little research into a candidate instead of the press filtering how you should vote? Maybe Bernie is truly the best candidate. I wouldn't be disappointed, but let's let people think this through and decide. Vote your conscience in the primary to see where this goes and vote blue no matter who in the general election!
13
Thanks for pointing this out. It is important for people like you with media access to do this, because so many of your colleagues have been inaccurately, and shamefully, making the comparisons you note.
Cable news, especially MSNBC, illustrates your point. But then it is not surprising because they are part of the privileged mainstream that is so threatened, at least rhetorically, by Sanders. Really, they help support Sander's thesis about the corruption of the elites...of whatever party!
1
As well as Trump’s, Doug.
This should concern you, but apparently does not.
Let’s hope he is willing to have our support, is amenable and will consider the party’s most vulnerable down ballots.
1
You know what the supreme irony is? If Bernie gets a plurality but not a majority of delegates on the first ballot, there's a good chance superdelegates will give him the nomination on the second ballot. Yes, the very group the "Bernie or Bust" crowd (not Bernie himself) STILL rails against with claims that they rigged the 2016 convention in Hillary's favor, even though Hillary won a majority of votes AND pledged delegates, and only needed a handful of superdelegates (far less than a majority) to reach the magic number. We may see Bernie's victory deferred to a second ballot (first brokered convention in either party since 1952, before most modern primaries even existed) simply because of bogus "Bernie or Bust" complaints about 2016.
2
I see too much "What, me worry?" mentality in these comments:
"... if [Sanders] is the nominee, he will be elected President ... "
Most NYT readers simply refuse to "wake up and smell the coffee." Trump is very likely to win, at least if he doesn't get hit by a truck any time soon. Most NYT readers believe the opposite is true. Maybe so but, at the moment, it does NOT look like Trump is going to lose. I strongly urge those who think differently on this key question to consider that they might be wrong. (I may be wrong too, but I doubt it.)
3
Consider that everyone thought Trump would lose last time, too. Yet, here we are.
5
It doesn’t even matter because even if Bernie’s elected none his pie in the sky costly promises will get passed anyway. The point is moot. What’s more concerning is we’ll likely lose senators & congressman in the purple states. You can thank Bernie for that.
6
No. You can thank the people who pouted and didn’t vote blue no matter who.
This is in response to those commenters who claim Bernie is a "Marxist/Communist." Many voters don't understand they are already participating in "Democratic Socialism" if they have Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, enjoy fire and police protection, and use our highways, streets and public schools. This is all part of everyday living in a civilized society, as universal health care should also be. Bernie is actually where Democrats were in the days before Republicans dragged both major parties to the right. His proposed tax rates would be lower than where they were under President Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s. If they hope to retake the White House, the Democratic party had better start educating the public instead of sniping at each other .
8
This is Paul Krugman's third column trying to talk to readers reasonably about a possible Sanders nomination, and not with the handwringing of many Centrists in the media. Thank you very much, Paul Krugman. I agree that Bernie should drop his references to being a Democratic Socialist, and should explain his interest in Social justice as no more socialist than that of wealthy NY society scion, FDR, whom he reveres. And we should all consider the words an affiliate of both the Obama and Sanders campaigns (I'm paraphrasing) that with US inequality reaching the levels of the 1920s, it shouldn't be surprising that we are also seeing political movements embracing social and economic justice.
9
Thanks Paul for putting things in a sane perspective. If Sanders is president the country will not change for worse but can return to where they were before Reagan and trickle down economics.
Unlike Trump, Sanders knows that he is not king and above the law.
4
We may be seeing that now:
"What happens when a perpetual outsider becomes the ultimate insider as president?"
If Bernie's kvetching about Hillary Clinton's supporters in 2016 had prevailed -- and early enough for Bernie to have become an "insider" with a lock on the nomination, would he have done so well this time? Indeed, would he have even gotten the nomination last time, or would Hillary Clinton have snatched it from him by claiming to be the "Comeback Girl," painting Bernie Sanders (fairly or not) as the "establishment" and urging voters to pick her as the rebel?
Bottom line, Bernie Sanders benefits from his outsider status. He's used to running from behind, to being the "Comeback Kid."
@Commenter
Bernie had 60% of the vote in NH in 2016 and 28% in 2020. But he still may limp to nomination if moderate democrats field remains fragmented.
3
Bernie Sanders was interviewed on 60 Minutes by Anderson Cooper a short while ago. He asked him how he would pay for all his proposals if he was to become president. He said he would tax the rich. Mr. Cooper mentioned that medicare for all would cost 30 trillion dollars over a 10 year span and that did not include anything else. He proposed free public college education, free day care, free pre-K and some other freebies. Anderson Cooper asked again how these would be paid for and Bernie Sanders said tax the rich and place a 4 percent tax on the middle class. He did mention that there would be no copays on health insurance. Once again Anderson Cooper asked how would the cost for all these be covered and Bernie Sanders became quite testy. This sounds wonderful on paper but it is unrealistic for him to think that this is easy and inexpensive to achieve. Bernie Sanders is living in a dream world if he thinks he can do all the things he proposes. This will never work. President Trump here he comes.
8
@KMW
Yes, Bernie than dodged and pivoted to the old, well we spend 750 billion on defense and failed to mention that his M4A alone is about 4-5 times as much as our entire defense budget - per year and this does not include everything else he wants to do - he is getting to the point where we might be talking 30% of GDP.
However the biggest issue is that he does not, and will not, even have the votes in the Senate and the only way for us to get a Senate majority in 2020 requires us having to win Senate seats in red-leaning states which we can't do with Bernie leading the ticket
Far worse is he acts like if not him, or if we do not do things his way, that nothing will get done (when the opposite is true). The moderates running have very good plans to address all of these problems and can actually get them passed - and they are far more likely to bring a Senate majority with them
Bernie is all talk with no real plan and no real path forward to get these things done - only 5% of voters showed up to vote in Nevada and turnout in the other states has been small - and even if he got big turnout in the GE - he would have to be able to help moderate Dems win Senate seats in red-leaning states in order to win the Senate, and he can't do that. He is not being honest with his base - or anyone for that matter
He has no path to do anything he claims and could not even explain how he would do anything even if he could (60 min episode)
Go to 270 to win online to view the Senate map
3
@KMW -
What is spent on now? Would the cost being paid now be put to better use in the area of healthcare. - I think so, an so do millions of other people. We pay more for health care than any other 1st world nation, yet we don't get the same quality of care as the other 1st world nations.
It is time for a change.
--
Yet every other first world nation seems to be able to do this without bankrupting themselves. I am supposed to believe the richest country in the world is too poor to do this? Everyone else can afford it but we can’t? No, sorry. Not true.
Both Trump and Sanders have been called populists. As with socialism, failure to draw distinctions through the acceptance of labels leads to confusion and misapprehension. Elite could refer to well-educated "woke" Sanders' supporters; those in Congress ("The Establishment"), or the moneyed beneficiaies favored by the Trump tax bill.
1
I’d like to see a NY columnist describe how and why Bernie might be a good idea, and even the best idea, for our country. Clearly, a lot of people seem to think so since he’s the front runner for the Dem ticket. It would be nice for someone in opinion elite use a little imagination to see why it might be an inspired choice, and not an unthinkable disaster.
5
A commenter asks:
"I want a Democrat to be our President. Why is that too much to ask for?"
The Democrats have to nominate someone who can win, which they haven't so far. I hear carping from the left about Sanders (this commenter, for example), and carping from the right about Bloomberg (for example; "Why doesn't he just run as a Republican?")
But that leaves a vast middle. I haven't noticed that the Democratic Party has been able to fill that vast middle with any electable candidate. Maybe the DP needs Sanders on the left and Bloomberg on the right because there is no "there" in between them.
1
If, in 29 years in Congress, he only had 7 bills passed and of those 3 were the renaming of Post Office, why on earth would I be so naive to believe that he can get anything done if elected president. I am sorry but there is no free lunch, all student debt will not be erased, all healthcare will not be free, life doesn't work like that. Is there income inequality? you bet. Is it the fault of millionaires and billionaires? (Oops, no longer can count millionaires in that as now that he is one, sorry.) Maybe, but that is in part Capitalism. Is it fair? Probably not. Should tax structure change? Yes indeed, but Bernie isn't going to do it, not if all he has done in 29 years is rename Post Offices...
10
There are other ways than just sponsoring bills to get things done in the Senate. Like adding things to other bills to improve them, which he has done quite a bit of.
4
I always respect what you say and usually agree with you.
However I have never heard any politician other than Bernie Sanders in Des Moines insist that no other memory is valid but his own. That is authoritarian to the nth degree. And it is scary
5
When did he say that?
And it should disturb you greatly that Trump said his followers shouldn’t believe what they see and hear, he is the only source that tells the truth. And that we have heard that before-from horrible dictators. Bernie is no dictator.
What happens when a perpetual outsider becomes the ultimate insider as president? Oops. Bernie, being a lefty, is close to a professional outsider. That's where he draws his strength.
One of the fundamental and inescapable problems with our democracy is that we have incomplete revolutions. Nothing is even semi-permanent. Trump represents about the most incomplete, unfinished idea of change imaginable. This is both good and bad.
If Trump represented some true shift in American thought we'd at least get to see just how bad it could be so the vast majority would then vow: never again. Instead, Trump is close to an accidental president and represents no one but those happy in their discontent and faith in nothing but Trump. He almost fell into the presidency and they, ragged and unsure of any consistent program, don't represent anything like a true majority.
Bernie trying to be president, unless proven otherwise, would represent another half baked idea of revolutionary change. Can an outsider make deals to move things forward? Reagan used to tell his aides, "Get me 75% today and we'll go for the rest next time round." How do you compromise a radical program?
We need some ready to consider bold ideas and who has the capacity to inch them forward.
2
@Doug Terry
Let's wait and see what happens in the other states' primaries. However, it does seem that Bernie Sanders is going to be the Democratic Party's nominees, whether the DNC likes it or not, and if he is the nominee, he will be elected President*, whether you like it or not.
* and elected with my vote, although Elizabeth Warren was my first choice.
4
My slogan is this: Think radically but act moderately. By that I mean consider all of the options, even the ones that are otherwise not acceptable unless considered carefully and introduced wisely. Act moderately out of respect fro the whole nation, not just the portion who supports your ideas. Moderation is also called for because great change too fast can cause great harm.
3
No idea how he would go. But I just wonder how a country that elected Trump not much more than 3 years ago would elect an exact opposite 4 years later, assuming there's no economic meltdown in the meantime.
Krugman's concept seems to be we'll elect Bernie on the basis he won't get his agenda through Congress, and possibly the courts. Unusual approach.
4
This country is really really divided. And it’s nearly even. It wouldn’t take much to tilt things in the other direction. And Trump is such a horror,his polar opposite looks good now.
For those Democrats who favor Bernie because of Medicare for All I have bad news. It doesn’t matter which democrat is elected. The Health care reform bill will be almost the same. It will be written in the House and negotiated in Senate. It will consist of a robust Public Option with much lower premiums than Obamacare, drug prices control and medical procedures price control that are way off the mark. There will many other important provisions that help people living in poverty. I know 6-8 democratic Senators in purple states who won’t for anything more than that. The finished bill will be send to President for signature.
3
I voted for Sanders in the 2016, and I'll vote for him if he's the nominee in 2020. However he'll lose massively to Trump, and lose the House too.
In 2016 Sanders dismissed Outrage Culture and Identity Wars and ran as a Social Democrat on economic issues. Now he's a Socialist and champion of Left-Wing Culture Wars.
Nevada caucuses, always a mess, tell us little. If you want to see what's going to happen in a general election, look at the only actual primary held: New Hampshire. In 2016 Sanders won with over 60% of the vote, a massive 22 point victory, against a very popular opponent. Sanders had every advantage, including geographic. He should have dominated the field in a 2020 election (not a caucus) yet he barely won by 1.3% against a former mayor of a city ranked 306th who lost his single run for statewide office by 25%.
Sanders ran the popular vote up in cities and college towns, yet lost bigly in suburbs, and working class and rural areas. He lost a ton of votes in these places, meaning he's already lost to Trump.
Sanders' support and enthusiasm supposedly grew yet he lost 38% of white voters from 2016.
Sanders' economic ideas are toxic in suburbs which are the only reason Democrats retook The House in 2018. Sanders can't compensate elsewhere as his Cultural Revolution Leftism is toxic with socially conservative working-class voters who'd benefit from his economic ideas yet always choose identity over economic self-interest.
Sanders is going to lose big-time.
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@Robert B
If Democrats unite behind their nominee and go all out to elect him/her— we can win!
@Robert B
"Sanders is going to lose big-time." Wishful thinking.
Senator Sanders is/and has been the only candidate who says what he means and means what he says and has since he was Mayor of Burlington, VT. As a physician, it has been obvious for a long time, that our healthcare system is a shambles and needs a major overhaul, so that we can be equal to the rest of the world.
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@Moses
There won’t be a major overhaul of healthcare system under Sanders, if ever elected, period. Congress will make all determinations.
4
Sanders lost decisively to Secretary Clinton, and she beat Trump by 3 million votes, so it is highly unlikely Sanders will win a larger share of the vote from Trump.
Trump cheated, with Russian statecraft, to win a thin margin of victory in 4 Purple states (72,000 votes).
The good news is Democrats can legally use domestic artificial intelligence and individualized messaging in the Purple States, given the right resources and smart candidate organization, to offset Russia's assault on America's sovereign election through the Electoral College.
It will also help prove that no party has an advantage with the Electoral College, and it is a relic of a bygone era.
But President Obama is right. It is time to turn to young outstanding leaders in the party that understand artificial intelligence, tactics, messaging, and a global economy in transition.
5
Since we know now that many of Bernie's supporters in the swing states voted for trump after he lost the Democratic nomination, because they couldnt pull the lever for Clinton, your argument is a bit nonsensical. Sanders has a level of grassroots support that centrists just can't seem to develop.
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@Aerys
Speaking of the nonsensical, why would any American vote for a candidate supported by the Russians?
They elected Trump, and Sanders will split the majority opposition. That is why the Russians are supporting Sanders in the primary.
Also, I would read up on how the GRU manipulated the Electoral College using statecraft resources.
The Mueller report released in March 2019 goes into some detail, but if you think Bernie is going to overcome this strategy without understanding tactics for defending the Electoral College, you are naive.
4
@Aerys
Bernie grassroots support in 2020 is much weaker than in 2016. In NH he won with 60% of the vote in 2016 and in 2020 with 28%.
Bernie and his supporters contributed to Hillary loss.
3
Thank you, Paul. Once again, you are a voice of reason in a dark time. If only our leaders had listened to you back in 2008 and 2009. Those in power who continue to decry Bernie Sanders do not understand that he represents the anger and frustration, and the pent up hope, of millions of us who feel that our concerns have been forgotten by our Democratic leaders for years. We are mired in student debt, overtaxed while we see the rich and rich corporations paying little or nothing, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, afraid for the planet and disgusted at their inaction on climate change, paying outrageous costs for health care even when we have "good coverage," and watching our nation's discourse devolve into racism and vile lies. I have no illusions that Bernie will sweep in and solve all these problems. He will compromise in the end, as he must. But at least he is putting our concerns front and center and has done so consistently for years while Democratic party leaders have ignored us. I have found myself humming "This Land is Your Land" all day since he won Nevada. I feel more hopeful than I have in YEARS. Bernie campaigned harder for Hillary than she did for herself. And he has said he will do so again for whomever is the nominee. Let's see if the other Dems (Buttigieg, Biden, Bloomberg, etc.) are willing to do the same for him for the sake of the country if they don't win the nomination.
15
@annewan "Bernie campaigned harder for Hillary than she did for herself."
Thank you - perfectly articulated.
I and other Bernie supporters are tired of the baseless claim trying to pin Hillary's loss on Bernie. Bernie not only energized her own campaign (which was about nothing - "I'm with her" - really?) initially, then went on to stump for her after she won the primary.
13
@annewan
When Sanders is nominated, Biden will get a jaundice, Bloomberg will have important business-related things to take care of, and Buttigieg will be busy with is new highly-paid job (yes, he has friends in high places, or so they say) -- so none of the three will campaign for Sanders.
Bernie's positions on energy are nonsensical, and there are plenty of other things that seem so too. But I'll take him over Trump in a heartbeat. Speaking of hearts, though, he'd better have a VP at least 20 years younger.
10
“To be honest, a Sanders administration would probably leave center-left policy wonks like me out in the cold, at least initially. “
I hope you don’t predict the markets will crash with a Sanders victory. We all know how your dire markets prediction after Trump’s election worked out.
5
Say what you want about Sanders but....no one doubts he only wants to do what is best for We The People...and seeks no benefit for himself.
Zero people truly believe those things of President Trump.
Not even his biggest fans.
Zero People.
19
I'd vastly prefer one of the moderates--any of them--to Sanders or Warren. If Sanders wins the nomination I'll vote for him, as will all my fellow moderates. the lumpen proletariat will then rise as one, throw off the oligarchs' chains and vote him into office along with House and Senate supermajorities and the New Age will be ushered in.
Or...Sanders will lose in an Electoral College landslide and take down our House majority with him, and Trump and the POT (Party of Trump, formerly the GOP) will be able to user in a reactionary federal court system supermajority and control of a majority of state governments that will ensure the rule of a minority of angry old white men and them womenfolk for a generation.
Sanders supporters who ever talk with anyone who isn't a Sanders supporter should realize that "hope clouds observation." Meaning a Sanders nomination is a path that leads directly away from everything Sanders and his supporters want.
But at least a Sanders nomination will result in making at least two people very, very happy: Don Trump and Vlad Putin.
9
The people who need to put their ego away are the candidates focused on personal glory rather that getting rid of trump. I’m talking about all the candidates but I’m looking at you Bernie.
Yessir, I agree completely.
2
I very much doubt if Bernie will get very far with Medicare for all (though in the unlikely event that he succeeds, I'd be delighted). But when MFA gets shot down, what will he do then? I really don't know.
1
@Paul Abrahams
If he is elected without Senate he will do nothing, zip, nada. Everything will be blocked by GOP. His chances to get Senate are very slim, almost zero. And if he gets 51 democratic Senators, they will decide, not Bernie, what health care reform is passed.
In other words, for those who love M4A, whether Sanders or Klobuchar is the President, Health care reform that actually passes in Congress will be the same.
1
"would leave "center-left policy wonks like me out in the cold, at least initially."
PK understates this.
PK is a leftist pragmatist.
Sanders is, unfortunately, a rhetorical idealist.
Whether he is smart enough to tone it down a bit in his ambitious quest for the presidency remains to be seen.
2
I agree Sanders is not a Democratic Trump. However, Van Jones recently observed that when Trump's GOP insurgency was successful in building momentum towards the nomination, he then faced the challenge of getting the party's traditional constituencies on board with him. Trump did that by a) mollifying Christian conservatives by producing a list of his potential nominees for the Supreme Court, b) throwing red meat promises of immigration restrictions to the segment of Republic voters for whom that mattered, and c) co-opting the business community and wealthy individuals with promises of tax cuts. If Sanders' insurgency of the Democratic Party is successful this time around he is going to have to be equally shrewd in winning over other constituents within the party as well as swing voters -- particularly in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan. I dislike Trump, but he undeniably unified his party and drew voters away from the other side in the places where it mattered. If Bernie wins the nomination, he'll need to do same. I can only hope.
6
I pray that enough people understand Mr. Krugman’s common sense. He’s absolutely right. Sanders might not be some peoples preferred Democratic nominee, but he would set many things aright. The alternative is unthinkable.
9
I understand Bernie’s appeal. I really like the sentiments underlying his proposed socio-economic reforms. However, I doubt he is electable. Think about it... The Dems, including Bernie and his supporters, need to come together and support Bloomberg if they really care about their best chance to defeat T, which I would have thought would be their first priority for obvious reasons.
1
Thank goodness there are some reasonable takes on the state of the Democratic primary.
4
What I'm concerned about is that Americans see their suspicions confirmed, that the Democratic party has no limits in what it will do to expand the size and cost of government.
Republicans get away with a lot (!) because Americans think they will err on the side of doing less with government. And Republicans cut taxes. Look for Donald Trump to start talking about middle-class tax cuts very soon.
And on the other side? Some estimates have Bernie's plans costing an additional 4-5 trillion dollars per year. That's not all coming out of rich people's pockets. It means tax increases on a scale never before seen.
I'm going to support the Democratic ticket this fall but after that, it's up for grabs. I don't support Bernie's policies and never will. I also think it's very likely that Bernie will lose and the Democrats will lose the House. And that will be the end of the party.
3
I am not going to vote for Bernie in our upcoming primary, but if he is the nominee, I will vote for him and work for him.
My main concern with Sanders is about his ability to lead, assemble a good team, and govern effectively once he's in office.
Beyond Sanders, I'm worried about the big question: when are we going to revamp and reconfigure our archaic, dysfunctional two party system?
If we don't emerge from 2020 with some sort of forward progress on national party politics, we likely won't make any meaningful changes in my lifetime. It's as ridiculous for Elizabeth Warren and Joe Manchin to be members of the same party as it was for Lester Maddox and Hubert Humphrey to be members of the same party.
The correct term for Bernie is 'social democrat'. He should use it and avoid calling himself 'socialist'. Right-wing demagogues will argue that cutting back on refined sugar in children's food is "evil socialism." We must all eat our capitalist weight limits, and look how fat Trump's cronies are!
Social democrats advocate state regulation to even out the grosser inequalities in income and service and the financial markets.
Socialism is about "nationalizations" and the creation of State monopolies. Mixed economies tend to avoid that. In the realm of healthcare, the US status quo is a criminal combine that unites 4 private interests in sickness profiteering: private hospitals, Big Pharma, homecare firms, and private health insurers. The mere elimination of paperwork duplication, form-filling, waiting for approvals, and front-loading of payments would be like sprinkling the Fountain of Youth over the population. But even that's not "socialism." The social democratic solution involves a modest yearly health premium that everyone pays, about 1/20th what the average US citizen will pay if he gets modestly sick in a year, not to mention catastrophically.
4
Thank you. I don't like Bernie's ideas, but I will support him if he is the nominee. He is obviously the better of the two candidates and cares about all Americans and our laws. He doesn't need to know everything, just how to hire smart people in his cabinet.
5
Sanders promises too much, i think anyway. He has no idea of how the social initiatives he speaks about will be paid for. We’re already stuck with an annual deficit of over 1 trillion dollars with Trump, which ought to be concerning. But Sanders doesn’t speak about this, which suggests he really doesn’t care about this or deficits in general. When one says, in effect, as in this column ... essentially to forget about this and matters like this because the next election is about the more basic issue of freedom, one may appreciate this in connection with the disaster Trump is. But even that is far too simple. And that is because Sanders is still an us-against-them politician, his stated concerns of social justice notwithstanding. And so freedom will still be an issue with him when all of America ... all of it ... is considered. Polarization under him promises to be the same if not greater than with Trump ... because with Sanders it’s still about getting rather than serving. Sanders’ concept of inclusiveness is not thoroughly well considered. It is restricted. His claim of being a “socialist” is not one therefore that leads to a more “perfect union.”
1
Sanders has to be on the ticket, P or VP. Otherwise America loses. If Hillary had run with him in 2016, we wouldn't be in the fix we're in. Tim Kaine was a black hole of charisma.
8
"Look, I know the primaries aren’t over, and it’s still possible that Democratic centrists will get their act together." -P. Krugman
First, even if they do get their act together, they aren't what the working class, poor and elderly in this country need. Bernie Sanders' policies are. Second, why would you want that? It's was a centrist that lost to Trump. It was Obama's centrist policies that in my view are responsible for Trump.
Therefore, centrism is nowheresville. Do, you know what happens to armadillos that stay in the middle of the road?
14
I think Bernie would be great, how can you not look great following Trump? Hope is what we are electing and any of the Democrats would give us that.
5
well, i will say this about bernie--literally almost 30 years ago, in the summer of 1990, i was an intern for ibm in burlington, vermont. bernie was no longer the mayor, but he was still wildly popular there & on his way to winning his first term in congress. in that then rock-ribbed new england republican state (which had before that not elected a democratic rep. since 1958, and not since 1850 before that), bernie carried 56%-39 & defeated an incumbent repub. he is not my first choice for the nomination, but i have seen up close, early in his career, how charismatic & persuasive he can be. don't count him out.
9
In a battle between populists, the advantage goes to the fearmongering side. And to the incumbent.
There is zero healthy leadership from either party. They both abdicated America the last half-century. The money got too good.
Enough with “the electability” of a socialist
Quit playing Trumps oversimplification game
Every politician asking he “socialist” question should be asked immediately how they feel about our 2 existing socialist programs, Social Security and Medicate, and be forced to explain why they feel those 2 examples of socialist programs are unpopular and problematic
Let them explain to the seniors on those programs how they oppose them
Large numbers of Republicans once did. And still do
Let’s immediately remind those seniors how Trumps deficit building tax cuts for billionaires jeopardize both those programs future.
Then ask why people under age 60 can’t participate in a similar health care program
15
@Gary Williams Yr totally right, but the problem is that in this case it's Bernie who's been calling himself a socialist for all this time, rather than a New Deal Democrat. The programs you mention are of course basic Democratic programs, along with public education, publicly funded and owned infrastructure, public health and so on... there is no special reason to avoid calling yourself a Democrat because you like these things.
I voted for Bernie in the last primaries, and I'll support him wholeheartedly if he's the Democratic candidate, which seems pretty likely as of 2/23/20. (I would have liked to see Warren out ahead, but I'll take what I can get). I see Bernie's insistence on identifying as socialist as a tolerable little personal quirk, but I wish he would let it go.
2
Last election I voted all Democrats. I was planning to do the same because of Trump. If Sanders win the democratic nomination, I will vote all Republicans. It's killing me to do this. Hope Sanders does not represent the Democratic party.
1
@bay1111uq
I will vote for ANY Democrat over Trump without a moment’s hesitation.
Why, because everyone having health care like every other first world nation seems to be able to achueve is just too radical for you?
@bay1111uq
So you're voting for more trump?
Paul, The best thing we can say about Bernie Sanders is, Elected to the presidency, you can rest assured he will bring back dignity And sanity to the Presidency. and, like FDR before, The government will finally start looking out for the common man.
Btw - Bernie is way closer to you in monetary theory than Trump.
9
I think Sander's support is stronger than the pundit's realize (or are willing to admit) and I give credit to Krugman for recognizing that. I know a lot of moderates who don't think everything Sanders wants to implement will get done, but that he will support policies that create opportunities and make life more secure for ordinary working Americans. Since 1980, the government has always supported corporations and wealthy American's and since 2008, the people have voted for someone to stand up for them. Obama didn't do much and Trump didn't do anything. I think a lot of regular, ordinary people will give Sanders a chance.
13