I mean this is a valid critique of the general nature of politics, particularly in the US, but not limited to it. So I can certainly see the appeal of someone who wants to rid himself of any association with it. But I don't actually see that as necessarily fruitful towards any particular change, given it's so entrenched. I'm not entirely sure what one would necessarily do about it, but losing by not engaging the current system doesn't seem like it would be particularly effective.
The problem is that there is a certain point beyond which the current political system cannot move to change. From my perspective, a balance needs to be struck between working within the current political system and working to change that system to allow neccessary changes that are impossible within the current system.
I don't think Hillary Clinton needs my help to win the general election or the Democratic nomination. Generationally, I am separated both from her base and the base of the Democratic party. I'll vote for her in the general, but I don't think it is in my interests to spend a lot of energy otherwise giving her my support. I mean, I'm just one guy on a message board, so its not like I make much difference anyway.
I'd rather spend my time promoting causes I care about and promoting candidates who will advance those causes, especially in the primaries. With regard to the fortunes of Democrats, I think the party definitely could use some help down-ticket.
I'm not convinced Hillary Clinton can make it through two terms should she win in 2016.
Her espoused plans to tackle financial regulation have generally been met well wrt its approach that goes beyond just banking. The one liberal bugbear seems to be the lack of attempt to reinstate the separation of commercial and investment banking I guess. And while the latter may have some merit theoretically, it doesn't really have any practical grounding, and she's correct in that it wouldn't address what caused the last financial crisis.
It might not have, but the bailouts neccessary to save the economy would have been much easier. Glass-Steagal was about limiting the threat of moral hazard rather than preventing banks from failing. After all, part of a market economy is allowing under- performing firms to fail. Its just difficult to that when allowing an under-performing firm to fail would also take out peoples' life savings.
Interesting. Although, I was actually generally looking for more specifics, such as nominated appointments, executive orders, vetoes and whatnot
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Yeah, I don't have many specifics. For one, I don't think she'll have any opportunity to work with congress to pass or veto any reforms because of Republican control. As a result, it is somewhat of a moot point. I do know that the Obama administration has fought battles with progressives over appoints of people like Mary Jo White, so I think that pattern may continue.......... maybe. It is difficult to say.
If they aren't happy with the candidate who is moderating him/herself on some issues, then the people in the district can vote for the candidate who is not moderating him/herself. There is only an incentive for one of the candidates to moderate. It will create an election between a right and center-right or left and center-left candidate that better reflects the views of the district.
As for your examples, I am sorry, but those are just rather ridiculous. The moderating candidate is not going to choose to moderate himself on those issues because it would completely alienate support that he/she desperately needs. Remember, he/she still needs to carry a good portion of the his/her own party to win. What he/she will moderate on is less ideological passionate things like the economy and professing a willingness to compromise with the other side instead of touting his/her unwillingness to do so as a badge of honor.
As for your edit, I strongly disagree. Candidates i safe districts, and there are a lot of safe districts, need to appeal to their primary base to remain in office because once they get nominated their election is guaranteed. There is no moderation when you have to appeal to your primary base.
I mean, just look at the presidential primary. The Republican candidates look fucking nuts because they are trying to appeal to their primary base, or are the candidates that their primary base wants. The winning candidate will likely moderate and move to the center somewhat to appeal to more voters in the general election, because he/she needs to do that. The problem with safe districts or safe states is that the candidate has no reason to do that. It is actually against his/her interest to do so because then he/she would open him/herself to a primary nomination threat.
Bush II was a centrist candidate. Compassionate Conservatism was meant to win over people who were scared by the extremism of the Gingrich Republican congresses. Does that mean that his budget proposals weren't based on fantasies? Hell no. Reality exists outside of bounds of our political discourse. Like I said before, the opposite of wrong isn't half right.