can't really bash Bernie for taking the position he has. Whether I agree with that being the best course or not, it's a perfectly valid position to take that Medicaid-for-all is the best way to ensure everyone has coverage, no one goes bankrupt for drawing the health short straw, and that it is the best and only way we'll ever get costs under control (I just wish they were more open and honest about how that would happen, and it's not from getting the insurance profit out of it). So if you truly believe that, and I have little doubt Bernie is genuine in his belief there, why wouldn't you take the position he's taking?

You could soft peddle it, and take the Medicare for those that want it approach, which is certainly more politically viable. Even though there are things to like with that approach too, that won't solve those issues above. You're not going to control healthcare costs unless you control them for all, and most likely will just make Medicare's issues worse in the process IMO. And I think a true believer like Bernie knows that, and thus is too principled to soft peddle his way to an ultimate goal, that may kill the whole dream before it gets there.