Neither JFK not LBJ were particularly liberal. They were politicians who could be moved, by the arc of history and events and by determined movements. The relentless push of movements is what made these imperfect men enact civil rights and voting rights. Bernie clearly gets that.
And he clearly knows that his movement is in a position to push for more progressive policy, and that millions of Americans losing their health insurance at once and instant economic want due to the pandemic and maybe a depression creates the need for Biden to rethink some ideas.
There is so much opportunity among normie moderate and liberal Democrats, progressives and yes Never Trumpers to drag this country out of this mess and negotiate a new, saner future where we put up guardrails against the next disaster, why would anyone refuse to be at that table?
That table will get messy and loud and there will be arguments over what can and should be done. But other than Trumpers, everyone else WANTS it done. Most people want to live in a country where states don't have to bid against each other for ventilators and hospitals have PPE.
Most Americans want to have a president who is prepared and listens to warnings and science so when disasters strike at least we are ready. Most people want to know that the poor and middle class and small businesses won't have the floor drop from beneath them w/ every disaster.
I thought the ideal outcome for 2020, especially given what happened in 2016 was for the election to produce a woman president. I am extremely disappointed that the Dem electorate looked at some really great choices of women candidates (Sens Harris & Warren especially) & said no.
But that was not my call. A call was made. And now it's time to decide: are you going to be at that table to negotiate a better future, or are you going to peace out and just let the future happen? I don't think anyone is obligated to beg y'all to make a choice. Do what you want.
But just accept that what you are doing IS choosing. Choosing to keep things as they are: as dangerous as that is in particular for people of color, Muslims, immigrants, LGBT folk and women, or to be at the table to negotiate something new. Ok I'm done auntie-ranting. Be blessed.
