This is not a criticism of the Democratic Party but since they are

[kacekwl]

the only ones talking about it here I go. For all the years talking about Medicare for all, the Affordable care act, single payer or any combination why haven't the Democratic Party sat down together to come up with a plan that will work, that all members and candidates can support as one ? Instead what always happens is Democratic candidates argue and bicker about getting to the same result thereby confusing the issue for would be voters. There should after all this time be a plan in place that all will support. There should be one plan the Democratic Party supports and all candidates will run on. Same with strengthening Social Security. These are things the Democratic Party should have a single position on so there is no confusion. Candidates can debate other issues but some should be the position they all agree on.

[klook]

1. Primaries are for discussing alternatives.

We should be skeptical of “Dems in disarray” narratives.

[kacekwl]

9. Dems in disarray is no where in my post.

Healthcare for all is what is in disarray. If we put forth a solid workable plan, how it works how it's paid for etc. then there is no disarray.

[marble falls]

2. Thats what the platform committee is all about at the Convention ...

all the candidates believe in some form of health care plan/reform. The speak their individual plans in the primary. The people speak by their support of the candidates and the platform is developed by the synthesis of their plans that will draw the widest section of voters.

[kacekwl]

10. Why shouldn't the platform be already be in place.

Healthcare for all had supposedly been a Democratic goal for decades. Why not a plan already developed ?

[marble falls]

12. Because we need consensus. We are a bottom up party, not a party that litmuses ...

candidate. Americans form one of the few societies that is able to reach consensus. We shape the party on policy. "Health Care Reform" means nothing without details, our primary candidates suggest policy details and the voters chose whose scheme they like.

The Platform Committee takes these different schemes and develops a policy that should attract the most voter support.

[at140]

3. Americans should acquire more healthy habits

and that will be the biggest factor in solving the healthcare cost crisis.

My 80th birthday is right around the corner, and I have zero health issues and no medical bills.
My method to stay healthy is visit the Gym every other day, with 30 minutes on treadmill set at
3 deg up slope and 23 minutes/mile speed. And to keep muscles in upper body from atrophying
I lift 10 lb weights for 15 minutes. And I keep my weight very close to desirable weight which
you can find in tables.

[justhanginon]

6. You are very fortunate. A lot og people 80 and over are not so lucky.

Most people at that age (myself included at 83) have at least some health problems and some have many problems which may make a gym regimen such as you mention undoable for them. As I said, you are very fortunate.

[at140]

7. Yes, too late if already have issues. I started exercise routine at age 57

after resigning from my very well paying job. I realized with full time job there was not enough time for meaningful exercise routine. I was developing many health issues, so it was either change my lifestyle or die early. Moved to an area with cheap golf club fees, and started playing 4 rounds of 18 every week. That is 24 miles of walking dragging my golf cart, every week. It was hard at first, but after 5 years of keeping at it, I was fit as a horse. I quit golf at age 75 after moving to Florida.

If you are 83 and have no life threatening issues, you are lucky!

[CrispyQ]

4. You make a valid point.

Lack of messaging and strategy are two of my biggest criticisms of the Democratic Party.

[beachbumbob]

5. "sound bites" are simple. No one has yet to offer how "medicare for all" is paid. Do we

increase payroll taxes? Do we increase income taxes? Do we increase corporate taxes? Is it a combination of all 3? How dow we handle the unintended consequences? There will be plenty of those including paycuts to workers. Just saying there is a reason why ACA was a STEP in moving towards single payer/national healthcare.

The route is to build upon the ACA legislation which is MOOT if Democrats do not control senate, the house and the Presidency. The funny thing is, Sanders is a big sound bite guy and his followers maybe the ones that cost the country again if they repeat 2016

[pecosbob]

8. All the Dem candidates are behind improving health care...we know this

I don't see it as an issue we should be pushing during the election. Everytime MFA is mentioned we give the GOP another 'socialized medicine' talking point. Trump voters are unreachable on this issue due to decades of misinformation shouted at them by conservative media sources. The GOP would love for this to be an election issue.

The issue of this election should be the graft, corruption, and malfeasance of the GOP. Everytime Trump's face is placed in an ad it should be next to that of Putin, MBS, Netanyahu, Kim and the rest of the murderers Trump favors on a daily basis.

[kacekwl]

11. The GOP would not love healthcare as an issue

if it was a solid plan not 6 candidates arguing about my plan is better than yours. More time to address corruption, voter suppression, forgien policy, election fraud etc.

[GulfCoast66]

13. Simple answer...we don't agree on anything beyond healthcare as a right.

I am very opposed to Medicare for all for a variety of reasons that are not the topic of this thread. Many honorable and good democrats strongly disagree with me. And I am ok with that and respect their motivations.

Experienced politicians know that whatever form of universal healthcare finally passes with be a result of a whole lot of compromises. No major program as ever been different.

Rolling out a detailed plan is asking to get beat at the polls. Elections are about values and we are way better off running on the goal of providing affordable healthcare to all Americans. Because a huge majority of Americans agree. They ugly compromising comes after we win power.