The latest poll of progressive Democrats, sponsored by Progressive Democrats of America, again echoed what progressives have been saying for years: the Clintons are not progressives, and to many are not even liberals. This latest poll drew over 15,000 votes from registered PDA members. Hillary drew a lackluster 9%, which Dennis Kucinich and John Edwards topped the list at 41% and 23% respectively.
What does this mean? The media has all but anointed Hillary as the "likely nominee" but their polls do not reflect the potential impact of progressive, activist Democrats-- a big part of the base that will turn out in large numbers for primaries and caucuses. While Kucinich obviously can't win the nomination, the strong support for his agenda (and Edward's neo-populism) suggests the eventual nominee will have to pay attention to progressive issues and likely will not be able to win with a records on Iraq (and now Iran) as poor as Clinton's.
So look out Hilary. I'd love to vote for a female candidate (and in fact supported one in 1984) but you're not it. The centrist DLC strategy that elected Bill is certainly politically viable, but it's morally bankrupt. I'm saving my caucus vote for a candidate that actually reflects my values-- not one that once sat on the board of WalMart.
Lots of towns in rural-Minnesota have Wal-Mart, and other local stores that cost twice as much - and those are the only two options. Where should a person with a modest salary and four kids shop?
ReplyDeleteA second question - and I ask both of these in good faith - a moderate who is curious for your take - what are "progressives" progressing towards? Is it necessary to always be progressing towards something? What if the status quo is where we should be?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous-
ReplyDeleteWal-Mart hurts American workers, exploits its employees, wipes out locally owned businesses, and degrades the environment. Those are facts. While it's true that some people have no choice but to shop at Wal-Mart, that is largely due to Wal-Mart's negative impact on competition. Those who have a choice should shop elsewhere; those who do not should work with local leaders to bring other options to their communities. Those options should be pro-worker, pro-environment, and pro-American-- unlike Wal-Mart.
The real cost of goods at Wal-Mart is far higher than the price tags would have you believe.
Anonymous-
ReplyDelete"Progress" is in the eye of the beholder, but progressives in general believe that our country has fallen far short of its potential. Indeed, that has been the view of progressives since the "progressive era" of the early 20th century, and the founding of the Progressive Party by Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 (when he left the Republican party). If anyone was truly satisfied with the status quo in the US-- millions lacking health care, decent education, and even enough food to eat, I'd be particularly saddened by their lack of empathy for others. While I and most people I know are certainly well off when compared even to the "average American" (defined by household income, educational levels, etc.) that certainly does not excuse me from working for change to benefit all Americans-- indeed, it becomes a duty for those who have the means to do so.
There's much more on progressivism in general at Wiki if you're interested.