Progressives Bernie Sanders/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Could a grassroots movement elect them?

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez/Bernie Sanders

I know, I know, Bernie ran for President in 2016 and lost. I voted for him and think he should have won the primary if not for some questionable moves by Hilary Clinton and Debbie Wasserman Schultz, DNC Chair at the time. And yes, Bernie is 84 but acts as sharp as a 20-year-old. Have you guessed by now I am a Bernie Sanders fan, as well as AOC, but don't feel she quite has enough ammunition for the Oval Office yet. And what a teacher Bernie would be, and  what a pair they would be putting America's democracy back together again after Donald Trump.

And the argument against Progressives is apparently no longer credible with all the recent wins by these candidates across the country. Leftist candidates have won in a series of major primary upset victories and contested wins across the country. Here are some...

Colorado: Political newcomer Melat Kiros defeated 15-term establishment incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette for the Democratic nomination in the state's 1st Congressional District.

New York: Backed by NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, progressives had a massive primary night. Darlisa Aila Shioalier ousted incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat in the 13th District, Claire Valdez won the primary in the 7th District, and Brad Lander dominated the 10th District.

Pennsylvania: Self-described Democratic socialist Rabb won a closely watched U.S. House primary in Philadelphia, defeating an establishment-backed rival.

New Jersey: Senator Bernie Sanders-backed candidates secured notable nominations, including Adam Hamawy in the 12th District and Analilia Mejia.

New Mexico: Secretary of State Maggie Tuloo Oliver won a highly contested Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor, advancing to the November ballot. 

California: State Sen. Scott Wiener advanced in the jungle primary for a highly prominent U.S. House seat. Meanwhile, Randy Villegas secured a runoff spot in the Central Valley aiming to face an incumbent.

My wife and I received an email from Bernie recently with this headline...

"I understand why many of you in the last week are feeling anxious, angry, and upset..."

Then he continued..

"In this unprecedented moment in American history we, as progressives, are engaged in many struggles."

There's even more... 

"Not only are we trying to defend and improve democracy against those who want to move us toward authoritarianism; we're trying to create an economy that works for all of us and not just billionaires; we're trying to create a public health care system that guarantees health care to all; we're trying to stop U.S. weapons going to the extremist Netanyahu government and end a genocide in Gaza; and there is the not-so-small matter of trying to save our planet from the ravages of climate change so it is habitable for our children and our grandchildren."

I am quoting heavily from Bernie Sanders to show the sharpness of his insight and the depth of his perception. I am not looking for a comparison with the Oval Office moron because there is none. But, a comparison could be drawn if the Bern had won in 2016, had served a second term, and would be handing off the White House to a now well experienced AOC. I don't want to undermine her abilities, rather, she is smart, confident and know what the American publlc wants and needs. This, plus Bernie could be a winning ticket.

In a July 13, Benzinga article, the Bern said,  'American Society Is in Decline,' Calls for Grassroots Movement. "Decline," in my estimation is the understatement of the century. Bernie is a nice guy and never was one to diss others, even his opponents, so you have to take "Decline" with a grain of salt. Donald Trump has obliterated democracy in this country, has sent the economy in a downward tailspin with prices for groceries and gasoline skyrocketing. People can no longer afford to eat or leave the house.

The Vermont Independent doesn't blame Democrats for doing nothing, which they haven't, but offers this strategy, which bites the Dems in a positive way...

"But in the midst of our many struggles, we cannot simply remain on the defensive. The answer to all of this is not simply to bury our heads in the sand or wallow in despair."

Here's the answer...

"It is to continue fighting back as we did in New York City where we won three 

House seats last month, in Colorado where we elected Melat Kiros in a race against a long-time Democratic incumbent representative, as well as many other House victories this year in New Jersey, Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, California and more." 

Don't be afraid of Progressives. When you find out what their mission is, equality for all. and if you are not in the wealthy class--millionaires, billionaires--yet still wouldn't like to see impartiality on the social scene, in the marketplace and in politics, then maybe you need authoritarianism. That would be someone telling you every move to make, what you can say, what you can buy, how to raise your kids. (Sound familiar?) This list goes on and on. Now let me leave you with a definition of Progressive that I hope you will read, at least once...

In politics, a progressive is someone who advocates for social and economic reform through government action. The movement focuses on reducing inequality, protecting the environment, expanding civil rights, and ensuring that large corporations and the wealthy pay higher taxes to fund public programs. 

Historically rooted in the early 20th-century, progressive politics prioritizes active government intervention to correct societal wrongs and protect vulnerable populations rather than relying on the free market. While often used interchangeably with "liberal," modern progressives generally distinguish themselves by pushing for more aggressive, structural changes to the economy and healthcare system. 

Peace!