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! 

Hello Bernie, 2028...Farmers dump Trump...Donald Trump loves inflation

I have been a Bernie Sanders fan since this man came on the scene running for President in 2016. He is articulate, sincere, and stands for the average citizen...a Democratic Socialist. A term that has carried shame for some but hope for the future for others. Like Zohran Mamdani, the new Progressive mayor of New York. Add Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known as AOC, as Bernie's Vice President running mate, and you have a winning ticket. 

There is a current stigma when you mention Democratic Socialism or Progressive that must be alleviated through education to allow this ideology to prosper in the U.S. A Bernie Sanders/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez run in 2028 could put this country back on track.

So the farmers finally got smart and decided Donald Trump is the trickster he has been all along. This group is the last to be offended by the Oval Office lunatic, pretty slow coming out of the fields, I guess, a collection, I might add, that put him in office. The farmers have had an interruption in their "energy and fertilizer supplies that has emerged as a consequence of the war with Iran." A war that Trump started with his ego and can't seem to get the handle to stop.

That's not all that pissed off the growers of America, "American agriculture had been struggling due to Trump’s tariffs and attacks on immigration, the latter of which has exacerbated a preexisting labor shortage." There were also funding freezes and all-toll, the farmers of America have gotten smart and turned left.

Did Donald Trump really say, 'I Love The Inflation,' which just went up on billboards in 16 states with a picture of dufus and what he said. The anti-Trump group, Home of the Brave, which has a number of Republicans on its board, spent $15 million to advertise the rising cost of living. We've seem a large increase in gas prices fueled by the war along with grocery prices going up and T-rump's ratings plunge. Trump has dismissed the affordability issue as a "hoax," while Americans suffer, including Republicans up for reelection. 

Huff Post said, "Democrats quickly seized on Trump's Wednesday remarks to show how out of touch he is with the struggles of everyday Americans." Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer added, “His contempt for you [the American voter] knows no bounds.” It is hard to fathom how the White House maniac could have any followers, much less the gang of MAGA maggots who dearly love him. It has to be based on the individual's intelligence level, which doesn't say much for the future of our kids and grandkids.

BERNIE IS BACK!

Bernie Sanders in Colorado

Yes, Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, who has been serving in the U.S. Senate since 2007, and ran for President in 2016 and 2020, is back on the campaign trail fighting Donald Trump's oligarchy. He is being accompanied by the Progressive New York Repreesentative, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In my mind, Bernie had two questionable presidential losses. One, 2016 against Hillary Clinton, orchestrated by the DNC, and two, 2020, against an insurmountable presumptive candidate, Joe Biden.

Okay, Bernie is 83, will be 87 when he would run. But don't forget AOC, only 35, and certainly capable of taking over the presidency if something happened to Bernie. She'd make a great vice president for the Bern since they obviously have the chemistry. And we are seeing a new Bernie Sanders with his current focus on defeating Donald Trump's oligarchy. Not that he had forgotten his working class ideology, it is just obvious today that a strong force from the left is needed to conquer the would-be king.

My wife and I still receive emails from Bernie and just this past week he alerted us to his current trip through Nevada, Arizona and Colorado. The rallies drew 34,000 in Denver, another 11,000 at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Arizona, heavily Republican, had crowds of 15,000 with thousands more watching online. And Nevada numbers aren't clear but the campaign quotes in the thousands. Bernie's and AOC's group said they expected a total of 51,000 for the trip. Arizona, Colorado alone had 60,000.

In his email, Bernie expressed frustration of the last Democratic votes between those who voted for Joe Biden in 2020 and Kamala Harris in 2024. Also noted was the loss in this election of working people, young people and Latinos. In other words, the Dems have completely lost contact with their base. Added to this is the fact that the Democratic Party has the lowest approval rating in decades. The Bern asks why and answers his own question. The establishment politicians just don't get it anymore.

The good news is that Americans across the country have had it with oligarchy. His three state rally speaks to this end indicating a need to reject the corporate wing of the party and head for the grassroots. People don't want authoritarianism and the huge tax breaks Donald Trump plans for the wealthy people of this country in favor of shifting the emphasis back to working class families. Voters are fired up nationwide, illustrated by the fact that thousands came out to Bernie/AOC meetings in Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan and Wisconsin.

American Oligarchy by Mother Jones

This is what Bernie had to say at the Denver rally...

“In the hundreds of rallies that I have done, we have never, ever had a rally as large as this,” Sanders said. “And Denver, your presence here today is not just significant for Colorado. You are sending a profound message all over the world. The whole world is watching, and they want to know if the people of America are going to stand up to Trumpism, oligarchy and authoritarianism.”

There's more...

“Abraham Lincoln talked about a government of the people, by the people, for the people,” Sanders said. “Well, Trump has a government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, for the billionaires. And what these guys are busy doing right now is going after Medicaid, going after Social Security, going after nutrition. The rich want to get richer and they don’t care who they step on.”

Bernie Sanders has been talking about oligarchy for years, reports NPR, but, now he talks about his favorite subject...

"...the Democratic Party has also turned its back on the American working class and suggested the party capitalize on this moment by championing policies that address things like income inequality, health care and climate change."

I have thought, and still believe, that the Bern should have won in 2016. There was talk that Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Florida representative and head of the DNC at the time, did some finagling that won the Democratic nomination for Hillary Clinton. Clinton, of course, who blew it in the last lap and we ended up with t-RUMP's first term. And it was then the seeds were sowed for the oligarchy Bernie Sanders is fighting today. Here is one of his recent statements...

"We will not allow you to move this country into an oligarchy," Sanders pledged, speaking directly to Trump. "We're not going to allow you and your friend Mr. Musk and the other billionaires to wreak havoc on the working families of this country. No, you're not going to destroy Social Security. You're not going to destroy Medicaid. You're not going to destroy the Veterans administration."

Although the Democratic Party has become unpopular, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

said, "voters still have power to push back against Trump administration policies..." and adds...

"Ironically, the most divisive forces in this country are actually starting to bring more of us together," she said. "And that's important, because the same billionaires who are taking a wrecking ball to our country derive their power from dividing working people apart."

Americans are sick of Trump in only the short time he has been in the White House. I don't know what it will be but I sense we are on the cusp of reestablishing our democracy. 

 

Joe Biden's left turn could pick up Bernie followers

Time to fish or cut bait

The headline says that Joe Biden is breaking with some of Obama's policies, even when he craves the former president's endorsement. Biden thinks it's “'an obligation' to provide health insurance for undocumented immigrants," according to The Hill. Joe wants a$15.00 minimum wage; Obama wanted $10.10. Biden has endorsed a public option on health care, creating a government insurer to compete with private firms . Obama said no to this.

What we have to consider is that Obama may have changed his mind on several of his policies when in office and updated his thinking to 2019. Biden is running on his own but still wants to be remembered as Barack Obama's Vice President. Amie Parnes of the Hill says...

"Biden also needs to move to the left, though not too far, and in all three cases the breaks with Obama-era policies allowed Biden to shift to a more liberal position."

"This is important for a candidate who is battling a number of rivals who have embraced more progressive policies."

Okay, I am a Progressive that strongly backed Bernie Sanders in 2016. I have not yet made a decision for 2020, but with Joe Biden holding such a huge lead, with the likelihood today that he will be the nominee, I still want to see more lean to the left, like a stronger stance on Gun Control. We could also use more emphasis on the racial problems that continue to plague this country. Biden thinks so, and there seems to be a consensus of opinion, he is best Democrat to beat Trump.

If Joe Biden does support a “middle of the road” strategy on climate control as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expounded at a Howard University event with Bernie Sanders, he'll not only lose my vote but also a number of votes from other Progressives that value the ecology of this country and the world. Democratic strategist Basil Smikle comments...

"Biden has the potential to win over younger voters, who according to polls have not particularly gravitated to his campaign, and older Democrats — who the polls show are embracing him."

A recent poll shows that younger voters are deserting Bernie Sanders, and his average donation has dropped under $27.00. I truly hate to see this but it could be caused by the fact that Bernie has not expanded his platform enough, particularly regarding gun control and the racial situation. But Biden is weak in both areas as far as I am concerned. It's only May of 2019 and anything could happen between now and the Democratic Primaries.

Please let me have your comments.

I'm in for Bernie's 2020 run

Bernie Sanders in 2020

Bernie Sanders has officially declared for the 2020 presidential campaign and both my wife and I are now satisfied that he does genuinely support gun control. This is his most recent position:

"Sanders supports a ban on assault weapons, a ban on high-capacity magazines, and expanding background checks. However, his record on gun control has been mixed, and he has admitted that he comes from a state with little gun control legislation, though many of the guns used there are for hunting."

OK...this is at least a start.

The above is from Elle magazine where you can also find out where he stands on Taxes, Income and wealth distribution, plus other issues. I was particularly encouraged by the recent Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez comments on confronting the NRA and banning assault weapons. If you really look into what Bernie Sanders stands for, his slate is the most diverse of policies that appeal to Progressives, and they are the issues that are most important today to get this country back where it belongs...a humanitarian nation.

Now it's time to start making our donations to the Bern.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for gun control

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I was a Bernie Sanders supporter in 2016, despite the fact he never did come out strong for gun control. He recently asked supporters to tell him what we were concerned about and I did...gun control. Now I do not expect to hear from Bernie personally, just want a firm indication that he will support the issue in the White House. This is what he said recently on Twitter...

"This is what real action to stop gun violence looks like. We must follow New Zealand's lead, take on the NRA and ban the sale and distribution of assault weapons in the United States."

This is a great start but there is much more to be done than banning assault weapons; like the gun show loophole and universal background checks to name a couple. The Bern feels that this issue should be settled in the states. I don't. My thought is that hundreds, maybe thousands would die before all states got around to passing gun control legislation, although some states have made this move.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is solidly behind federal gun control legislation and it would be nice if she was age 35 and able to run for president. It seems that most of the enthusiasm and good ideas are coming from the young ones.  Ocasio-Cortez is 29; maybe we should change the law for electing presidents.

Democratic Socialists are here to stay

Bernie Sanders v. Koch Bros.

It won't go away. Bernie Sanders was the first to use it in a political campaign,  Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has shown it can win an election. "It" is Democratic Socialism and this conviction has been sweeping the country since the 2016 Presidential election. A certain group, namely Progressives, have decided that the inequality that exists across the U.S is not good for the country,,,and it isn't. There's wage inequality, homelessness, gender pay and seventeen more listed and explained in the Stanford Center on Poverty & Equality study. The Democratic Socialists of America do a good job of explaining their mission. It is beyond me how anyone, especially the wealthy, can stand by and let this inequality flourish.