A CNN panel discussing the first Democratic primary debate criticized the candidates for some of the promises they are making when it comes to free programs, such as Medicare for All and offering free college.
“Then there’s this divide between what is possible. You do have to work with the Congress on something as big as healthcare, and for those of us who covered the healthcare debate the last time, know how hard the littlest details are to get across the finish line,” Jackie Kucinich, Washington bureau chief for the Daily Beast said.
“It’s like, ‘Let’s do this and let’s give free this and this and this, sunshine and unicorns’ ain’t always easy,” she added.
Wall Street Journal reporter Josh Jamerson noted while Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren “was salivating over the John Delaney and wealth tax argument, but she dodged completely when asked about [taxes on] the middle class.”
“Yes, and the problem with that is, the taxes will go up and the costs may go down. But when Republicans are concerned that if they give Democrats an ability to raise taxes, they will never come down, they’ll keep going up and up and up. That’s the Republican argument,” RealClearPolitics White House reporter Susan Crabtree explained.
During the debate, South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg said it was time for Democrats to ignore what Republicans say about their proposals.
“If it’s true that we embrace a far Left agenda, they’re going to say we’re a bunch crazy socialists. If we embrace a conservative agenda, you know what they’re going to do? They’re going to say we’re a bunch of crazy socialists. So let’s stand up for the right policy, go up there and defend it,” he said.
Some of the more moderate candidates on the stage, such as former Rep. John Delaney and former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, warned advocating for some of the proposals will lead to President Trump being reelected.
