Bernie Sanders isn’t a “crackpot” — and the progressive agenda isn’t “left-wing”

[Jefferson23]

The Vermont senator's ideas and policies have far more public support than our oligarchs want you to believe

Bill Moyers and Michael Winship, BillMoyers.com

This piece originally appeared on BillMoyers.com.

Congressman John K. Delaney, what the hell are you talking about?

In a recent Washington Post op-ed piece, headlined, “The last thing America needs? A left-wing version of the Tea Party,” the Democratic congressman from Maryland scolds progressives and expresses his worry “about where some of the loudest voices in the room could take the Democratic Party.”

He writes, “Rejecting a trade agreement with Asia, expanding entitlement programs that crowd out other priorities and a desire to relitigate the financial crisis are becoming dominant positions among Democrats. Although these subjects may make for good partisan talking points, they do not provide the building blocks for a positive and bold agenda to create jobs and improve the lives of Americans.”

Rep. Delaney even implies that a freewheeling, open discussion of “these subjects” could lead to the election of a Republican president.

Good grief, John. A trade agreement that favors multinational corporations over working people? Cutting “entitlement programs” such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, worker’s compensation? Letting Wall Street off the hook for crashing the economy and costing millions of Americans their jobs and homes? These are Republican policies, bought and paid for by plutocrats. If Democrats simply mimic them, there would be no need to bother with voting for a Republican president; we could cancel the election and put the billions saved in campaign contributions straight into the Clinton Foundation.

in full: http://www.salon.com/2015/06/06/bernie_sanders_isnt_a_crackpot_how_democrats_can_win_big_in_2016_partner/

[HooptieWagon]

1. A left wing version of the tea party is exactly what we need...

...to take the party away from corporate control.

[daleanime]

2. K&R.....

[zanana1]

3. I met him a few months ago...

I live in NH, so meeting presidential candidates doesn't take much effort. I went to his house party just to hear what he had to say. I got dressed up, because usually these parties are held in beautiful homes and everyone is dressed to the nines.
I was surprised to find that the party was being held in an old triple decker on the "wrong" side of town. Actually, I was delighted. I expected a small crowd, but the house was so packed that they had to put speakers outside so everyone who couldn't fit into the house could hear what he had to say.
I've always volunteered for Democratic candidates who looked good on paper and held "reasonable" positions on issues. I thought I'd be volunteering for Hillary this time around. Even though I'd love to see a woman in the White House, for the first time in my life I'm working for someone I totally agree with; someone who isn't afraid to tell the truth and to stand up to power.Now I'll gladly talk to people who think I'm a "nut" for doing it. I feel pround. I'm 63 now and finally I'm fighting on the right side of truth.

[Jefferson23]

4. +1. Thank you for sharing that great story. I hope to meet him at some point too.

I am hopeful as well for his run.