Robert Reich on the Netroots Nation event

[Admiral Loinpresser]

119. Thank you for your genteel approach

to the discussion. I don't fully agree with you but I do not question your sincerity. If we had more people exhibiting your calmness at a time of high tension, we'd be better off.

The OP is about the need to avoid a wedge in different components of the progressive movement, lest the RW win. I fully support that point. I stand in unreserved solidarity with both BLM and the economic equality movement.

Your point, if I may paraphrase, that we should first fall in love but then after the nomination fall in line is also well taken. Solidarity behind a nominee is crucial in winning close elections. But the process of choosing a nominee is traditionally a fractious process in open cycles. The only exception I can think of is the 2000 cycle, when race was a major theme and yet to the credit of Bradley and Gore, it did not become divisive. This cycle, unfortunately, is no exception in that regard.

If we choose candidates without educating ourselves about their records, their trustworthiness and whether they are likely to keep their promises, then I believe we have failed in our duty as citizens. Democratic candidates sometimes say one thing and then act another way when elected. Tragically, some Democratic candidates have even exploited race in an ugly way for political advantage, imo. I believe any of that is fair game. It is not conducive to a peaceful nominating process. I wish all of this could be done dispassionately, but that has not been my experience since I became politically aware in 1968.