General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Two Different Mindsets at DU [View all]Ms. Toad
(38,648 posts)I would categorize the policy focused people (which includes me) as idealists - but policy focused people are often also extremely pragmatic realists.
I would categorize the team focused folks as political strategists, rather than realists.
As a policy focused pragmatic realist, I want the best policy I can get. I don't care that the ACA reeks of Romneycare. My ideal is healthcare for all. I believe that ultimately will require single payer. But in the mean time there are people dying from lack of access to health care - and there were enough votes to pass this compromise which provides access to lots of people who did not have access before. I don't care who I have to work with, or hold hands with, to achieve the closest to the ideal policy that is possible.
The team/political strategists would evaluate it more from what is likely to damage/build the party or the alliances necessary to win the next election because they truly believe that Democrats offer the best hope for progress, even if they have to support things that are unpalatable (like the continued existence of Gitmo, or NSA surveillance to name a couple of things).