On the prospects of a political debate between parties on the importance of education, I don't see any possibility of a meaningful one. As I understand your point, you consider the better political option at the moment is some kind of compromise. That's where we part company. My own commitment is to building stronger voices on the left for more infrastructure spending, more education spending, for a strengthened safety net, and for better retirement coverage (ss and medicare/medicaid). And make certain those voices argue against giving up any of the present gains in these regards.