The Democratic frontrunners, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, expressed a variety of policy differences at the first Democratic debate. The biggest difference between the two presidential hopefuls, however, was a deeper ideological one. While Sanders championed his democratic socialist views, Clinton presented herself as a “progressive who wants to get things done.” This division is particularly important due to the lack of compromise that 89 percent of Americans witnessed under the Obama administration. While candidates can make bold promises on the campaign trail, the president of the United States will inevitably have to work with dissenting congresspersons from both political parties. Statements by Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders during the debate suggest that Clinton will be more likely to prioritize compromise and bipartisanship than Sanders, suggesting that Clinton would be a more effective president in the modern political landscape.
The debate began with a blunt question to Hillary Clinton: “Will you say anything to get elected?” Clinton cleverly used this as an opportunity to reaffirm her commitment towards compromise, even offering specific examples of bipartisan reforms she worked on. “I know how to find common ground… Even dealing with Republicans… we found ways to work together on everything from reforming foster care and adoption to the Children’s Health Insurance Program.” Towards the end of the debate, Bernie Sanders was asked how he would approach compromise with Republicans. In sharp contrast with Clinton’s statement, Sanders vilified Republicans. “The Republican Party … has played a terrible, terrible role of being total obstructionists. The only way we can take on the right-wing Republicans … is by having millions of people coming together … [saying] you vote against us, you are out of a job.”
While Clinton emphasized her experience working on bipartisan reforms, Sanders essentially suggested that the only way to work with Republicans is to vote them out of office. Though Sanders’ calls for increased voter turnout and a widespread democratic revolution are inspiring, polling data suggests that they’re also impractical. In a nation where incumbents almost always secure re-election and young people vote at disproportionately low rates, it’s highly likely that the next President of the United States will have to work with a Republican majority in either the House or the Senate at some point in his or her presidency. In November 2014, 63 percent of Americans preferred that members of the newly-elected Congress “make compromises” rather than “stick to their campaign promises.” The fact that Hillary Clinton appeared more able and willing to pass bipartisan legislation suggests that a Clinton presidency would be more likely to make compromises, achieving less gridlock and more productivity than a Sanders presidency.
The candidates’ differences towards compromise reflected differences in their policy proposals. For instance, Sanders desires to expand Social Security and give all Americans Medicare. Clinton takes a more moderate position, prioritizing her efforts towards helping the most impoverished Americans. Recognizing that many Republicans wish to privatize Social Security altogether, Clinton prioritized practicality and efficiency over idealism. Even Democrats that believe Sanders’ Medicare proposal is superior to Clinton’s should keep in mind that either proposal would need bipartisan support to have any actual impact. With that in mind, it would be much easier to convince Republicans to reprioritize government spending than to substantially increase it. A similar divide emerged over the candidates’ college affordability proposals. Sanders advocated for free public tuition for all Americans, whereas Clinton defended her view that students should have to work ten hours a week to be eligible for free tuition. Though Clinton’s proposal puts a greater burden on low-income Americans, it’s much more likely to appeal to Republican legislators who oppose government handouts and desire the cultivation of a strong work ethic.
While Hillary presented herself as the more moderate candidate at the debate, viewers were definitely reminded that it was a Democratic debate. Clinton, Sanders, and each of the other candidates attacked Republicans on several occasions throughout the debate. Even Clinton commented that Republicans are the enemies she’s most proud of. This potential mistake may cost Hillary later on in the general election. At the current stage of the campaign trail, candidates have incentive to to appeal primarily to voters who show up to primaries and caucuses. These voters tend to be the most radical and most partisan members of the candidates’ own party. As a result, it is likely that whoever receives the Democratic nomination becomes more moderate and practical as they focus their campaign towards independents and swing voters in the general election. Even so, Hillary Clinton is already presenting herself as the candidate who’s willing to compromise and get things done if elected as the next president of the United States.
