I love my progressive left for being "outspoken" but not for being "uncompromising". You can be both, and there are plenty of examples in history to draw from. I think most people do appreciate the presence of AOC and the Squad in our debate, and more genuine interaction and engagement with these pols and their concerns is a good thing. …
I love my progressive left for being "outspoken" but not for being "uncompromising". You can be both, and there are plenty of examples in history to draw from. I think most people do appreciate the presence of AOC and the Squad in our debate, and more genuine interaction and engagement with these pols and their concerns is a good thing. But, if all they do is obstruct instead of persuade, they defeat their own purpose for being there. AOC in particular has a strong presence in our political culture. She makes an effective case for her ideas but then remains disconnected to most of official Washington, even to most voters, and her message gets lost. There's potential for compromise, for better communication and for stronger actions taken, but the left and the center and sane right need to listen to each other and work together. AOC has the political capital and the talent to make that happen. Though it's unfortunately and inexplicably unlikely, I'd love to see her on a Bulwark podcast truly engaging with Charlie and the other writers on these issues we are ALL concerned about.
I love my progressive left for being "outspoken" but not for being "uncompromising". You can be both, and there are plenty of examples in history to draw from. I think most people do appreciate the presence of AOC and the Squad in our debate, and more genuine interaction and engagement with these pols and their concerns is a good thing. But, if all they do is obstruct instead of persuade, they defeat their own purpose for being there. AOC in particular has a strong presence in our political culture. She makes an effective case for her ideas but then remains disconnected to most of official Washington, even to most voters, and her message gets lost. There's potential for compromise, for better communication and for stronger actions taken, but the left and the center and sane right need to listen to each other and work together. AOC has the political capital and the talent to make that happen. Though it's unfortunately and inexplicably unlikely, I'd love to see her on a Bulwark podcast truly engaging with Charlie and the other writers on these issues we are ALL concerned about.