Sure, it’s incredibly important to dream. But wouldn’t it be nice if some of your dreams actually came true?
Given the obstacles created by the filibuster, the distribution of population throughout the country, the federal system, gerrymandering, the culture wars, and the Supreme Court, the likelihood of getting a “revolutionary” agenda through the system after a Democratic victory in 2020 is somewhere between incredibly small and nonexistent. Here is a proposal for an agenda that would actually have a chance, and would do a world of good:
- HEALTH CARE: Pass legislation authorizing the Obama subsidies that weren’t specifically discussed in ACA. Approve a Medicare for More public option that is fully funded by premiums.
- TAXING AND SPENDING: Repeal some, but not all, of the Trump tax cut, including the pass-through provisions and the reduction of the highest individual marginal rates. Restore the SALT deduction. Roll back the corporate tax cut to a more reasonable level–probably between 25 and 30 percent. Increase the estate tax. Leave the rest of it alone. Use the funds to fill in at least a portion of the Medicare and Social Security deficit and fund an increase to the EITC.
- MINIMUM WAGE: Support a small increase with regional variations.
- TRADE ISSUES: Sign the TPP. Work with Europe and Japan to improve Chinese behavior. Get rid of the Trump tariffs, if they are still in place.
- ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: Float a carbon tax as an alternative to some of the Trump tax cut rollback. Otherwise, go back to the status quo ante Trump, including returning to the Paris Agreement.
- RACIAL JUSTICE: Support existing affirmative action programs. Work on issues with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
- FOREIGN POLICY: Restore relations with our allies. Go back to the Obama system of working with allies to enforce international norms.
- CLEAN GOVERNMENT: Support Elizabeth Warren’s clean government bill.
- SUPREME COURT NOMINEES: Pick the kind of people that Obama nominated.
- HEALING THE WOUNDS: Make it clear that red culture and values are respected.