NoLabelsUnity20!

Mike Allen beings us an innovative solution to the nation’s political problems:

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) — “the Johns,” as insiders are calling them — have been making a flurry of joint appearances to talk about state-driven improvements to health care.

Somehow, I think “the John” is where non-insiders are going to want this idea to end up.

But Axios has learned that their duet is part of an alliance that’s gaining momentum toward a possible joint independent bid for president in 2020, likely with Kasich at the top of the ticket…

Of course Kasich will be on part of the ticket! This is a perfect representation of all “grand bargains” favored by this kind of “insider.” The idea is that Democrats should make 90% of the concessions, which is really 100% of the concessions since any tax increases Democrats get will vanish as soon as Republicans take office, because this is what Republicans do. And the kind of pundits who take unity independent presidential tickets seriously, who are obsessed with deficits during election campaigns and when Democratic presidents are in office, tend to “forget” about them when Republicans are passing them.

Similarly, when a Republican is at the head of the ticket, the Republican has virtually all of the power should they win. Not a coincidence!

The Johns’ jobs plan will focus on the coming displacement from automation, with prescriptions that include trade, workforce training — and an optimistic and hopeful message, balanced with an honest admission that some jobs just aren’t coming back.

Yeah, good luck with that.

The two are talking to major media companies about a possible podcast or cable show to continue cementing their brand. Their conversations would include politics, policy, and pop culture.

It will be Hot Soup, only you don’t listen to it rather than not reading it!

Why it matters: National Dems so far haven’t capitalized on Trump’s record unpopularity and obsession with his base. But this is a creative coupling that’ll get a ton of airtime, and maybe even traction.

Uh, isn’t this kind of premature? Shouldn’t we be waiting for the midterms to make this assumption?

At least somebody is allowed to state the obvious:

The pushback: Some establishment Dems are apoplectic about the idea of Hickenlooper teaming up with a Republican. One top strategist told me: “No Dem wants Kasich anywhere near our ticket. Sounds like a No Labels fantasy, but moderate Dems would hate it.”

One of the countless problems with this idea is that Kasich IS NOT A MODERATE. It’s nice that he’s not a complete sociopath on healthcare, but he’s an orthodox conservative Republican. The idea that he represents some sort of centrist compromise tell you all you need to know.

And now, the punchline:

But a veteran operative emails: “Our political system is completely broken. Something big and historic needs to happen to break the logjam. I’m a big Dem but I’m for anything that … does away with this hyper-partisanship on both sides that is paralyzing our government.”

“I’m a big Dem, but I’m open to breaking national gridlock by letting Republicans run anything, only a different Republican in the White House. For some reason, I choose to remain anonymous.”

Having a somewhat more competent George W. Bush as president — this is a totally proactive new paradigm!