Tonight’s Democratic debate likely won’t change many minds. The dynamic was much as it has been since Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders first faced off against each other, even if the tone was a fair bit testier. The takeaway for me is that Hillary Clinton speaks as someone who is preparing to be president, as someone who knows that everything she says could very likely have a material impact on how she does her job should she win the top office. It doesn’t always lend itself to the most exciting rhetoric, in fact usually the opposite. And sometimes it suggests a caution that is more than frustrating, as was the case with her discussion about Israel.
On single-payer healthcare, college tuition, the environment, financial sector regulation and other issues, her mind is always on what can actually be accomplished given the fractured nature of politics in Washington and in states across the country. She seems to have a clear understanding of the push and pull of actual public policy, and the reality that the best intentions can sometimes do great damage.
Like so many, I appreciate the passion that Sen. Sanders brings to his description of the problems America faces. Tonight’s debate confirmed for me that he really hasn’t given enough thought to the most important question, which is “how.”
Yes, Secretary Clinton sounds like a politician, constantly referring to the limitations of the political process, as if she is trying to have it both ways, such as with her position on the minimum wage. But politics requires politicians, those who understand that everything needs to be qualified to some extent precisely because we live in a democracy where those who disagree with us get a vote too, where states have power and in which there is a U.S. Senate and a House of Representatives. It’s more exciting to speak as if none of that matters, but it is ultimately irresponsible.
In a moment of annoyance with Sen. Sanders I Tweeted, “Ponies and ice cream for everyone.” I know, not nice, but it seemed to me that every time he was asked how he would accomplish any aspect of his vision he simply restated his vision. That, I’m afraid, is not political leadership.
Hillary Clinton is far from flawless, but tonight’s debate emphasized for me that she is always thinking about the “how,” about how to implement aspects of the grand designs that can sound so exciting coming from less disciplined speakers.