The Odd Couples of the Democratic Party – The New York Times

This is just a wild card, and it makes the election itself hostage to decisions made in Tehran. If, God forbid, a jetliner filled with American passengers mysteriously blows up midair in October, like Pan Am Flight 103 did over Lockerbie, Scotland, in the 1980s, voters may well blame Trump, even before anyone knows for sure who is responsible. But its easy to think of other scenarios that benefit Trump.

Gail: Oh God, Bret, youre making me feel even worse about the possible downside of 2020. This is why Im suddenly checking the N.B.A. standings and looking forward to spring training.

Bret: Rest assured that no matter what happens this year, the Knicks will embarrass us. The key for Democrats isnt so much to take a position on Suleimani as it is to convey a sense of sobriety when it comes to questions of peace and war.

Gail: Well, thats certainly fair. And not too tough. If you look at the contenders, theyre not exactly a bunch of what-the-heck-lets-party people.

Bret: If I wanted the Democratic nomination (I dont!), or were a Democrat (Im not!), Id say something along these lines: Suleimani killed Americans, and on my watch anyone who kills Americans is a dead man walking. Period. But the goal of saving American lives requires prudence and vision, not bravado, impulse and political calculation. As president, I will oppose Irans dangerous behavior at every turn, whether against us or our allies. But Im not going to hazard our position in the region, or risk a reckless war, or ruin the chances for a negotiated nuclear deal, just to kill one evil but easily replaceable man. And, unlike Trump, Im going to listen closely to my soldiers and diplomats before I go around signing kill orders just because I like feeling tough.

Gail: I would definitely vote for you, if youd just consider embracing Medicare for all and a tax hike for the wealthy.

Bret: Heaven forfend, Gail. We need further tax cuts to keep this incredible economic expansion going, and Health Savings Accounts for All so that we can finally get away from the third-party payer that has bedeviled our health delivery systems for so long.

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The Odd Couples of the Democratic Party - The New York Times