Democratic Primaries
Related: About this forumA Former Clinton Aide on Embracing the Sanders Movement And 'Nonviolent Political Revolution'
Here he is in his own words...How the Trump years drove this one-time establishment insider to call for nonviolent political revolution
Peter Daou
Nov 26, 2019
http://gen.medium.com/a-former-clinton-aide-on-embracing-the-sanders-movement-31fcea5e04ea
[key excerpts - full post at link]
I have begun to question my core assumptions about politics and society, about the meaning of democracy in our dysfunctional two-party system, about the root causes of injustice and inequality.
The irony of my political journey is that my politics during the Bush-Cheney years put me squarely in sync with people like Paul Wellstone and Bernie Sanders. During the early part of the 2016 primary, I was excited by the Sanders campaign and praised him for raising issues like extreme inequality, which I had written about for years. But as the Democratic primary intensified, I hit back hard at any critique of Clintons character from right or left. And in the process I alienated many fellow progressives. I never used the term Bernie Bro, but I contributed to the narrative that Sanders supporters were all angry white males. I have apologized for that. I apologize here again. For the past two years, Ive worked hard to build bridges to the Sanders supporters I fought with. And thankfully, theyve reciprocated.
But my recent metamorphosis has gone beyond just expressing 2016 regrets or warming to Bernie Sanders after opposing him in the last election. I have begun to question my core assumptions about politics and society, about the meaning of democracy in our dysfunctional two-party system, about the root causes of injustice and inequality. I have been studying and learning more about neoliberalism, capitalism, and socialism to educate myself on the deeper structural issues that have led to obscene wealth and power concentrated in the hands of a tiny minority.
Incremental change wont result in meaningful long-term progress. Democrats winning occasional elections may lead to less draconian policies for a time. And thats a good thing. But it is always two steps forward and three steps back. Theocrats, plutocrats, and white supremacists are ascendant, consolidating their grip on power.
So, for the 2020 race, I am aligned with the people-powered movement sparked by Sanders. His plan for a systemic overhaul, a fundamental restructuring of our approach to government, is the only viable path to meaningful progress in the United States. His voters have created a mass movement to do it, one that has attracted millions of young people Americas future. I feel at home in it.
[full post at link]
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
The Mouth
(3,169 posts)And laughed about it.
With friends like this, Bernie (and us) don't need enemies.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
corbettkroehler
(1,898 posts)I have no doubt that Berners everywhere welcome Daou's fresh support.
Daou explains the whole metamorphosis, including why Sanders is his guy, in a fresh interview. His portion begins at time index 16:22:
http://blubrry.com/hear_the_bern/52361975/34-turkey-talk-making-the-case-for-bernies-electability-w-bernie-sanders-peter-daou
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
The Mouth
(3,169 posts)I mean I'm glad, I love Bernie and supported him in the primaries in 2016 (nothing against Secretary Clinton, I supported her in 08). I don't trust the guy, but that's me.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
corbettkroehler
(1,898 posts)If you have the time, I promise you'll find the interview worthwhile and edifying.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
The Mouth
(3,169 posts)Hell, I got called a racist for supporting Hillary in 2008, and I'm still bitter as fuck about that. And then the vitriol from some of my friends over my support of Bernie in 2016; I'm not a one to just kiss and make up, let's see him get on the bandwagon and go on the offensive; talk is cheap. Color me unimpressed, if glad he seems to have a clue.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
corbettkroehler
(1,898 posts)I don't blame you for being anger but you might take some solace in knowing that he offered a fair amount of contrition in the audio interview. Make sure to listen to it if you have a chance.
Starting at time index 16:22:
http://blubrry.com/hear_the_bern/52361975/34-turkey-talk-making-the-case-for-bernies-electability-w-bernie-sanders-peter-daou
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
TidalWave46
(2,061 posts)Best turn of phrase I have ever seen.
It sure beats "following the money."
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
seaglass
(8,173 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
Uncle Joe
(58,506 posts)Thanks for the thread corbettkroehler.
primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
dgauss
(884 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden
JoeOtterbein
(7,702 posts)primary today, I would vote for: Undecided
Gothmog
(145,794 posts)Link to tweet
All that bootlicking on Fox News finally paid off for Mark Penn, David Axelrod, President Obamas top strategist tweeted of the news that Penn visited Trump. Hes finally a White House insider again!
This is not the first time that one of the architects of Bill Clintons campaign and impeachment strategy has visited with Trump. The president met with Penn in February to discuss 2020 strategy and the Mueller investigation, aides said.
Penn has served as a Microsoft executive and a corporate consultant in recent years. He wrote a 2017 op-ed in The Washington Post titled: How To Fix the Democratic Party arguing that moderate candidates had the best chance of winning in the 2018 midterms.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden