Something to think about when looking at candidates' positions on the issues:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

Democrats and Republicans are completely divided on almost all major issues. Just to cite a few -

Health care: Democrats believe everyone should have access to health care and that nobody should be deprived of it because they can't pay. Some Democrats want something like Medicare for all; others are looking at a better version of the ACA; some are trying to figure out some other way of doing it. But the GOP are against all of these ideas. GOPers are opposed to any kind of government involvement in providing medical care to everyone.

Climate change: Democrats acknowledge that climate change is not only real but that it's a serious threat that must be addressed immediately. Some are supporting the Green New Deal; others are proposing their own ideas to deal with the problem. Most GOPers don't think climate change is a thing; even those who do, don't want to deal with it because they get money from the oil and gas industries.

Economic inequality: Democrats all agree that this is a serious problem. Some are looking at changes in the tax code, such as Warren's idea to tax assets, others have different ideas for taxation that would raise taxes on the very wealthy. Some are proposing a $15 minimum wage, or some other amount. The GOP like economic inequality and tax rules that benefit the rich.

Immigration: Democrats want an immigration policy that is fair and humane, that permits law-abiding people, veterans and the Dreamers to remain in the US, and that allows refugees to enter the country with their children and have their asylum requests processed fairly. The GOP, however, are using draconian policies to restrict immigration and prevent people from entering as refugees.

Civil rights: Democrats favor equal rights and opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identification, religion or other characteristics. Democrats want to protect women's reproductive rights and the equal rights of LGTB people, including the right to marry, as well as to protect the rights of everyone, not just Christians, to practice their religion, or not practice any religion. The GOP are trying harder than ever to prevent all abortions, to roll back LGTB marriage equality, to favor the religious practices of Christians over everyone else's, and to protect police practices that result in discriminatory arrests and even killings of African-Americans.

These are only a few examples of major issues on which Democrats and Republicans are miles and miles apart and are unlikely to agree upon in the foreseeable future. I am bringing these up because all of our candidates are on board with the fundamental positions taken by all of us and the Democratic party in general - but there are differences of opinion among them as to how the issues can best be addressed. I am just suggesting that in choosing a candidate for the presidency, we keep these basic goals in mind and not allow arguments over the differences between "centrist" and "progressive" positions to obscure what will happen to those goals if the GOP wins again. Trump has to be defeated or nothing else matters.

[shanny]

1. I agree.

Can we also agree, given the chasm between the two parties' positions, that "reaching across the aisle" is a non-starter?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. It will be a hell of a reach.

There may be some details where compromise is possible but on the fundamental issues I don't see how it can happen.

[CrossingTheRubicon]

3. Those looking for equanimity would do better not to insult liberals (the real progressives)

by calling us "centrists."

The BS framing is not going to fly.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Everybody needs to keep in mind that the ultimate goals are the same

even if the specific means of reaching them might be different. And those goals are 180 degrees from what the GOP want.