Calm down, establishment Democrats. Bernie Sanders might be the safest choice.
Moderate candidates wont be electable if they cant speak to middle- and working-class frustrations.
By Robert B. Reich
Robert B. Reich is a former U.S. Secretary of Labor, a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley and author of the forthcoming, "The System: Who Rigged It, How We Fix It."
Feb. 26, 2020 at 6:28 a.m. EST
Excerpts:
As wealth and power have moved to the top and the middle class has shrunk, more Americans feel politically disempowered and economically insecure. Today's main divide isnt left versus right. Its establishment versus anti-establishment.
The frustrations today are larger than they were four years ago. Even though corporate profits and executive pay have soared, the typical workers pay has barely risen, jobs are less secure, and health care less affordable.
The best way for Democrats to defeat Trumps fake populism is with the real thing, coupled with an agenda of systemic reform. This is what Sanders offers. For that reason, he has the best chance of generating the energy and enthusiasm needed to regain the White House.
In a general election, Republicans would surely do everything they can to tag Sanders with the socialist label. But that hasnt hurt him so far, partly because it doesnt come with the stigma it once did.
Instead of hand-wringing about Sanderss electability, maybe establishment Democrats should worry that a moderate Democrat might be nominated instead.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/02/26/calm-down-establishment-democrats-bernie-sanders-might-be-safest-choice/