Dismantling the Empire--Would this loony plan work?

[DerekG]

I assume the Lounge is a more appropriate forum for the following due to its fantastical and hypothetical nature.

There is a sizable sect within the DU which recognizes the reality that is the National Security State. Whether we seek to restore the Republic, or yearn instead for a new system of democratic socialism, many of us agree that the opposition is bi-partisan and unfathomably formidable. Liberal reform is not enough; the military-industrial complex itself must be dismantled. Ergo, the defense budget, that dreaded coffer for some of the most depraved men and women in the Western hemisphere, begs to be gutted.

Let's say there's someone with a plan to do just this--a John F. Kennedy to the tenth power (meaning that this man knew all along what JFK only seemed to discover when he was already commander-in-chief).

His life ambition is to attack this beast. He wants to be president, and has the resources to do so. He builds a political record that is fairly moderate. While he could never be mistaken for a right-winger, he avoids the progressive reputation of, say, Kucinich or Sanders. He deftly grabs the nomination and escapes assassination due to the fact that the apparatus trusts he won't make waves, a kind of nonthreatening leader along the lines of Clinton or Carter. He accepts funding from the usual lobbies and corporations, promising to be a trusty bedfellow. He is then elected President of the United States.

Upon Inauguration Day, he casts the facade aside and brings to fruition the machinations he has harbored for decades. Remember, his one goal is to be the biggest pain in the ass to the militarists. The Pentagon and intelligence agencies are his targets, and he and his small, *loyal* staff goes to work at undoing what was first created by Harry Truman.

He doesn't care about a second term.

He hasn't the time for healing most of our domestic woes, that would come later, or exist as a concern for his successors.

He can't risk being murdered for a while--so he barricades himself in the White House, public perception be damned.


Would this insane scenario have any chance of succeeding (and yeah, I have a lot of time on my hands tonight)?

[Fovea]

1. It would only work if

the candidate were able to really draw a few fellow crypto progressives into congress with him. Without a solid backing of the house and senate, the president cannot achieve much.

Further, if they can do a JFK like transformation, they would not have to surrender the second term, necessarily.

[northzax]

2. I'm goin with no.

you're asking for one person to become, in effect, a dictator. not a good idea.