Impact of a Bernie Sanders Victory Over Donald Trump: A Seismic Shift in American Politics
If Bernie Sanders had defeated Donald Trump in the election, the United States would have seen a profound and transformative change. The platforms purposed by Sanders, such as Medicare for All, could have significantly improved the lives of millions of Americans. However, the path to achieving these goals would have been fraught with challenges from both the Republican and Democratic establishments.
The Challenges of Implementing Bernie's Proposals
One of the most significant issues would have been the financing of Bernie's proposals. Critics argue that his plans, such as Medicare for All, were overly ambitious and costly. The argument is that finding the necessary funds would have led to unprecedented budget deficits or a significant increase in taxation, both of which would have been hard for Americans to accept. Bernie himself acknowledged the challenges, stating that while his intentions were noble, his proposals were perceived as extreme and unrealistic.
The Megaphone of Democrats and Sanders as Running Mate
Had Hillary Clinton chosen Bernie Sanders as her running mate, the overwhelming support would have been guaranteed. This strategic move could have ensured the Democratic party's victory, especially as Bernie had a strong base of support that was largely ignored by the Democratic establishment. However, Clinton and Tim Kaine's strategy ultimately backfired, contributing to her defeat in the 2016 election.
Progressive Win or Seismic Shift?
President Bernie Sanders would have faced a complex political landscape. If his proposals were deemed too radical, the Supreme Court might have blocked them, leading to a shift in the makeup of the Court itself. The death of Supreme Court judges would have created a crucial moment for filling these positions with judges who align with Bernie's progressive vision. Alternatively, a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate could have empowered Bernie to push for transformative changes, even in the face of judicial opposition.
Possible Scenarios for a Bernie Sanders Presidency
Scenario A: Supreme Court Procedural Bumps
Iteration (A) suggests that if Bernie's proposals were so divisive that the Supreme Court blocked them, his victory might lead to another pivotal moment. The Supreme Court could flip with the death of a justice, allowing Bernie to appoint someone ideologically aligned with his vision. This new justice could be instrumental in upholding cases that support his agenda. However, this would also potentially provoke a shift back to the Republicans in the midterms, retarding further progress.
Scenario A1: Republican Majority
Court confirmation by simple Republican majorities in the House and Senate might re-establish a balance of power, temporarily halting Bernie's agenda. This scenario would see the Court reversing previous decisions, which could lead to a re-election challenge from a more traditional Democratic candidate who could appeal to a wider range of voters.
Scenario A2: Two-Thirds Majority and Impeachment
If a two-thirds majority in both houses and a Senate impeachment for constitutional infidelity were to occur, Bernie's appointees would take a bold stand, potentially leading to civil unrest. This could signal a serious divide in American society and politics, highlighting the deep polarization that post-election debates and policies may engender.
Scenario B: Severe Judicial Repudiation
Another scenario could see Bernie's proposals facing severe judicial opposition, but with a strong mandate from both houses of Congress. His appointees might remove Trump's Supreme Court justices on grounds of insubordination, leading to tension and potential conflict.
Scenario C: The Unfolding of a Civil War
Potential instability could lead to a civil war if Bernie's alliance with historical figures like Henry Duke of Sussex to counterbalance the judicial and political settlements of the previous scenarios. This could signal a profound shift in American political structures and the balance of power.
In conclusion, the election of Bernie Sanders as President, regardless of its initial success, would have brought about a seismic shift in American politics. The challenges and opportunities presented by different scenarios would have determined whether his vision was realized and if the American democratic system could withstand such transformative change.