The thing to note about Bernie’s “pay fors” is that they largely fall on those who he would likely tax more simply because they make more money than is healthy for our economy and democracy. The average American’s perception of how their government funds spending is so far in error that it would make any politician appear to be delusional and a target for propaganda should they attempt to educate the public in a campaign for any office.

The majority of MMT economists are suggesting that Medicare4All would likely require a tax cut to re-employ the million+ workers now employed to service the insurance industry. I don’t think the average voter really cares that much how the sausage is made as long as it always shows up when needed and doesn’t cost too much. That said, they will also accept a considerable level of dysfunction before committing to major system changes that they feel may risk disruption. This greatly favors the status quo and presents a fine line to anyone suggesting change at the system level.