Bernie Sanders (D) vs. Rand Paul (R)

[Peter the Lefty]

BERRRRNNNIEEEEE!!!!

Guessing a map somewhat like this.

[H. Ross Peron]

Sanders enthusiastically

[TNF]

Sanders getting the nomination would require him to twist the few "left-wing" positions he holds rightward in order to secure the Democrats' Wall Street funding base, yes. I don't think that's really disputable. Of course, as a reliable funder of American imperialism, he probably wouldn't have a tough time securing funds from defense contractors, which could make up the difference.

[Maistre]

TNF is actually right that Sanders isn't some sort of left-wing extremist. His positions seem pretty standard for some 'welfare-state' style liberal that was dominant in the Dem Party from the 60s-70s that now are in the minority. He seems leftist because of how far the discourse has shifted in the D party since the 70s and he never really did.

So, Rand Paul of course.

[Chunk Yogurt for President!]

Paul, but he'd probably lose.

How does a self-proclaimed socialist win?

[Jose Canseco]

both must make their case to the people

[Mr. Smith]

@Celtic: The same way a regressivist managed to fool California twice and then beat out a centrist in 1980 and force the Establishment Dems to shift rightwards from what Sanders holds now, when someone exactly as regressive (but not as racist) couldn't 16 years prior.

It's all making the case positively, not appearing batsh**t crazy, and taking advantage of any unpopular little stints, regardless of actual reality.

[IceSpear]

Sanders getting the nomination would require him to twist the few "left-wing" positions he holds rightward in order to secure the Democrats' Wall Street funding base, yes. I don't think that's really disputable. Of course, as a reliable funder of American imperialism, he probably wouldn't have a tough time securing funds from defense contractors, which could make up the difference.

Well he'd presumably win the primary in this scenario despite the best efforts of the Democratic-leaning Wall Street donors. In which case, he could just spurn them upon receiving the nomination. It would depend on how much principle he has.