Neither Carter nor Kennedy wanted single payer in the late 70’s. Kennedy was pushing for an individual mandate and Carter didn’t even want that. Kennedy proposed single payer around 1970 but had been off that by the Carter presidency.
I don’t see what’s wrong with a debate on the best way to implement single payer.
I also don’t understand Warren supporters touting her brilliance at policy, then when valid criticisms of her magnum opus legislative plan are presented, saying shut up and stop complaining about details...especially when her whole campaign messaging is centered around her touting her technocratic genius.
I think she is brilliant when it comes to financial policy. I think she is good but not brilliant in most other areas. I have repeatedly stated that I think Bernie is better on healthcare than Liz.
I think people are missing the big picture. It is not about Liz or Bernie personally. It’s is about pushing forward progressive policies. Bernie being critical of Liz’s M4A plan is a political mistake. Paramila Jayapal understands this, that is why she came to Liz defense, even though her plan is more expansive than Bernie/Liz plan.
What is going to happen is all of the other candidates are going to unite against M4A. Bernie and Liz are going to be infighting about of to pay for it, and the average person is not going to understand the details. The average person is not going to understand the difference of a head tax vs a payroll tax. What they are going to see is the moderates having a clear united message, and Liz and Bernie having a disjointed message. It is going to look like supporters of M4A can’t even agree on it.
What Bernie should of said is I will let Liz explain her funding plan, here is how I plan to pay for it.