The author argues that Clinton's more moderate approach to politics would render her a more effective leader who can achieve practical reform, whereas Sanders' extremely liberal policies would be unrealistic to implement. Additionally, the author argues that it would be impossible for a extreme Democrat like Sanders to pass any legislation through a Republican-controlled Congress. Although I agree that moderate politicians on both sides have more realistic goals, I don't agree with the author's point that a Republican candidate would have no trouble with a Republican congress. He writes, "As for the GOP? It doesn't have this problem. Whether it's President Rubio or President Cruz, the Republican Party will have unified control of government." I find it interesting that the author claims Republicans can have "unified control" of the government, when they don't even have control of the House of Representatives, which is dominated by a Republican majority. I think if a Republican becomes our next president, he/she will inevitably have some conflicts with Congress, whether it's with the Tea Party, or the moderate Republicans.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2015/10/hillary_clinton_would_make_a_better_president_than_bernie_sanders_the_democratic.html
While this article makes a valid point that it would be hard for a Democratic president to actually achieve much of his/her goals, its point on the Republican candidates seems extremely delusional. Like Howard, I disagree with the article that a Republican would have "unified control". This article doesn't even take into account a possibility of Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Carly Fiorina, or Jeb Bush becoming president, four of the top candidates in the polls. Ignoring the fact that of course Cruz or Rubio would have problems controlling the government, as most of the Republicans in the government are moderate, all four of the ignored candidates, especially Trump, Carson, and Fiorina, would have huge problems working with the Republicans in the government. The three I picked out do not have government experience, and they would have difficulty working with Republicans who have large political experience.
ReplyDeleteThe other day in class we were discussing how moderates are more likely to get supporters from opposing parties than those who are completely liberal or completely conservative. I agree with the article that Hillary's moderate views will definitely help her because she is likely gain support from both sides if she wins the primaries. However, as Jeremy and Howard have both stated, a Republican would have a difficult time in office as well. Carson, Trump, and Fiorina all lack political experience and would therefore have a difficult time with members such as the Tea Party. Trump especially doesn't have much elite support from the GOP and if he somehow manages to win the 2016 election without their support, he is going to have a hard time in office.
ReplyDelete"Unified control" does not lean to favor any candidate or how a candidate runs as president. In 2008, President Obama and the Democrats held Congress and the Presidency. In 2010, Republicans regained control of Congress. I think regardless who gets the position leading this nation is difficult with so many various opinions. Passing legislation is not an easy task. It doesn't matter if Sanders, Clinton, Rubio, Trump, or anyone else becomes presidents, having a law get put into place is a difficult task.
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