This is only a caution, not a prediction. But without a strong populist progressive movement, based on the economic and social well being of all Americans, we run a serious risk of further disintegration.
The first thing that needs to happen is for there to be a clear distinction between smug, self-serving liberalism contemptuous of so many Americans and a populist progressive movement that seeks unity with those many liberals prefer simply to condemn.
The magnets for this unity are such obvious yet ignored issues as the creation of jobs, the preservation of pensions, decent treatment of endangered homeowners, an end to credit card usury, respect for local decision-making, and, yes, a healthcare plan based on providing financial assistance, not bureaucratic nightmares.
link (H/T to Cannonfire blog for this link stating what we who never drank the Kool Aid always knew.)
The elitists have always been the bane of the Democratic Party since the McGovern debacle of 1972. Bread-and-butter issues were traditionally those issues which Democrats clearly had the edge, but those have gradually been pushed aside for identity politics and silly damned crap having no bearing on the grand scheme of things (e.g., same-sex marriage).
But it isn't just the elitists and the nutroots who are a reflection of those elitists; it's also the damned neoliberals as well who are a problem and are a hindrance to anything resembling helping working people.
Finally, the cult of personality egged on by the media needs to stop. I don't care WHO the politician is. It could be Barack Obama, it could be Howard Dean, it could be Dennis Kucinich, it could be Hillary Clinton. The idolization of politicians needs to stop. It accomplishes nothing. Voters must look into the actions of a candidate or president, and not be swayed by empty rhetoric.
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