With responsibilities come pragmatism

[drray23]

I have been fascinated observing how much Senator Sanders approach has changed. He was asked to chair the powerful budget commitee and so far it has been highly effective.

He is working with leader Schumer and president Biden rather effectively. Known as a firebrand progressive he actually realized he had a golden opportunity to do more than just loudly point out issues. He can act on it. He completely morphed from rhetoric to strategic thinking. As an example, he was not happy that the minimum wage legislation got stripped from the bill but yet said he would vote for the whole bill anyway because it does so much good in other areas.

The Bernie of old would have bucked and voted against it.
I can only hope other strong progressives follow his lead and use this opportunity we have with one of the most experienced president, white house staff and congressional leaders we ever had to push transformative, progressive legislation forward.

We may yet prove to the american people government works when it works for the people.

[Irish_Dem]

1. In comparison to the GOP, helping people has become progressive.

[Hortensis]

2. Political progressivism is belief that government should be used to

solve big/systemic problems and advance society in ways beyond the abilities of individuals and private organizations.

Progressivism was uniquely designed into our liberal democracy by our revolutionary framing fathers. Government of, by and for the people, after all. And there almost is no such thing as a liberal who is not progressive. I've never met one.

[Irish_Dem]

9. I think being progressive is more than your description.

It also involves a desire for social and economic equality, women and LGBQ rights, etc.

[Hortensis]

10. Irish, THOSE are all modern Democratic Party liberal ideals.

Progressivism is an ideology, not the same as liberalism but almost inseparable from it. "Progressive" is the name a frequently illiberal faction chose for itself.

[Irish_Dem]

12. A government of the people, by the people, for the people would not always guarantee

attainment of progressive goals. For example, a country which is still mainly racist.

And certainly some conservative Dems may not follow progressive ideals for various reasons, be it political or personal.

So it is up to the progressives to make their case for social and political equality even if there are a large group of Americans not yet ready to move the country forward. Progressives have to display leadership to the rest of their party and to the country, to show them the path to a more just and fair America.

BLM is a good example of progressive leadership. JFK integrating southern schools is another.

And illiberalism is the opposite of progressive thought.

[Hortensis]

13. I've been liberal and progressive all my life, with all the ideals

and ideal you imagine are only for others.

I belong to America's giant liberal bloc who invented and share those ideals. I could and would never join the oppositional faction that just calls itself "Progressive" because I believe they're fundamentally very misguided at best and always, sooner or later, fail to achieve the goals they claim. Even sometimes are lead to betray them by oppositional passions. Remember 2016.

Watching the Biden administration is a chance to clarify who stands for what, and also terribly important who can deliver.

[LizBeth]

3. They bought his vote giving him the position just as they did in '91 not putting up

a viable Dem to run against him in Vermont. He does not get a pat on the back for maturing, more an expectation of toeing the line, honestly.

Business 101.

And adding: that is the pragmatic in this story so interesting.

[scarletwoman]

4. "The Bernie of old would have bucked and voted against it." I seriously doubt this.

I don't believe he would ever withhold his vote when his vote would be so absolutely crucial for a Democratic bill to pass.

[pecosbob]

7. I agree

[DTomlinson]

11. +1. Bernie has always been a more pragmatic legislator than what his presidential campaigns

seemed to show...

[AZSkiffyGeek]

5. How is putting up an amendment that can't be done in reconciliation...

Which is opposed by multiple members of your caucus for just this reason, and which you know will fail, pragmatic or responsible?
It seems like it's more theatre to me.

And the fallout may cost us a seat in 24.

[LizBeth]

6. I was thinking about this also while I was posting my thoughts. But did not want to get into

this also. But yes. Thank you for bring this to the conversation because this would be Sanders drama that does harm the party and why some of us still have issue. Or speaking for myself. I am trying to just see it as part of Sanders just like I am trying to see the value in Manchin. There was nothing pragmatic putting out the reconciliation.

[rickyhall]

8. Don't brag about hiring the best people. Hire the best people.

[DTomlinson]

14. Especially don't brag about hiring the best people when you're clearly hiring the WORST people.

But enough about that loser. It's a new year and new administration!