×

Brown not left enough to be a real contender

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, continues to explore his potential as a candidate for president. During the weekend, he took his “Dignity of Work” tour to New Hampshire.

True to form — and his record — he stuck to issues of interest to working men and women. Higher wages, improved benefits, paid family medical leave and other “pro-family” proposals are his focus.

But Brown — who is worlds away from being a conservative — has not moved far enough to the pie-in-the-sky visions being used by most other Democrats seeking the presidency. They are pandering to what they view as their party’s base.

“Medicare-for-all” is one of their key promises. During a swing through Iowa, Brown made it clear he does not believe such a pledge is realistic.

He is right about that. Forcing all Americans into a Medicare-like program, without allowing them to buy private health insurance, would be a fiscal disaster for the nation as well as a medical catastrophe for millions of people.

Brown wants changes in health insurance. “I think … we should do Medicare at 55,” he said in Iowa. He also wants more federal action to thwart climate change, but has not embraced the radical “new green deal” suggested by some Democrats.

Brown has been successful as a senator in part because many of his constituents consider him a defender of working people.

Too bad the leading Democrat presidential contenders see themselves instead as leaders of the radical leftist fringe.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today