Democrats lurch left on top policies as 2020 primary begins
That wasn't enough for some of his party's most liberal members.
Critics on social media quickly knocked Castro's plan to provide only two years of free higher education — instead of four — as "half measures," ''scraps" and "corporate Dem doublespeak." Aware of the backlash, the former Obama administration
"At least the first two years of college or university or apprenticeship program should be tuition free — and preferably four years," Castro told The Associated Press. "We're going to work toward that."
Welcome to the 2020 presidential primary. Almost no policy is too liberal for
Among two dozen possible candidates, virtually all have embraced universal health care in one form or another. Some have rallied behind free college, job guarantee programs, a
The leftward lurch on top policies carries risks.
President
Republican critics are joined by a handful of moderate
Billionaire businessman
"Most
So far, at least, very few presidential prospects are heeding such warnings.
In the 2016 campaign,
That's even after one recent study predicted the plan would cost taxpayers more than
Lesser-known policies have emerged heading into 2020 as well.
Critics decry the plan as a step toward socialism.
"Big challenges demand big solutions," Booker told the AP. "Both
Billionaire activist
"I want the private sector to produce jobs people can live on," he said in an interview. "A guarantee of government jobs doesn't make sense."
Yet Steyer insists that most of his party's policy priorities — universal health care and free college, among them — are anything but radical.
"The
Free college is quickly emerging as a litmus test for Democratic contenders.
Those already on the record backing free tuition at public colleges and universities include former Vice President
Warren seemed to back away from her support for free college during an appearance in
Asked in a radio interview whether she supports reducing the cost of college or offering it free, Warren responded: "No, I think this is about reducing the cost."
It's unlikely the
Such populist appeals helped fuel sweeping Democratic victories in last fall's midterm elections, while producing a new generation of unapologetic Democratic leaders such as New York Rep.
"We have seen a dramatic shift in the
To win the next presidential election, the Democratic nominee must embrace "big ideas," he continued. "Those who deny that are hurting their chances in 2020."
Meanwhile, Castro, like others in the early 2020 field, says he's fully committed to a "bold vision" to address the nation's top policy challenges.
"All
Pelosi works her health care strategy from the ground up
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