Progressives outline agenda on ‘reforming the Democratic Party’

NEWS AND OPINION:

Things appear to be percolating among progressives at the moment.

“Progressives have charted a path forward to build a bold working-class agenda and reform the Democratic Party,” an advisory from Our Revolution stated.

Unfamiliar with the organization?

It is described as “America’s largest grassroots progressive political organizing group, born out of Senator Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign,” according to a mission statement.

The group “hosted a post-election organizing call focused on reclaiming the working-class priorities of the Democratic Party,” the advisory said.

“The virtual event brought together progressive leaders, including Our Revolution executive director Joseph Geevarghese, The Nation journalist and author John Nichols, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb, and Our Revolution Chair Larry Cohen, to reflect on the 2024 election results and strategize on resisting Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda, winning future elections, and reforming the Democratic Party,” the advisory continued.

“The call emphasized the need to rebuild the party by focusing on working-class priorities, cutting ties with the corporate donor class and consultants, and empowering its grassroots base. Speakers called for bold reforms to counter the influence of corporate money and high-dollar donors, ensuring the party listens to its progressive base rather than prioritizing centrists and consultants removed from the needs of everyday working people,” it said.

“The Democratic Party has abandoned its working-class roots and embraced corporate donors and consultants. It’s time to reclaim the party and rebuild it around bold policies that resonate with working people,” the aforementioned Mr. Geevarghese said on the call, according to a transcript of the conversation.

“The number one party reform is to get rid of dirty money. The Democratic Party must stop wasting millions on consultants and TV ads and instead invest in grassroots organizing to win elections,” Mr. Cohen said.

SEEKING TRANSPARENCY

Sen. Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican and member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, has introduced the SBA Disaster Transparency Act, which requires the Small Business Administration to make its monthly reporting requirements for the Disaster Loan Account available to the public.

As of 2015, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has followed this transparent reporting model for its Disaster Relief Fund.

Mr. Scott is responding to the devastation from hurricanes Helene and Milton in South Carolina and neighboring states.

“In the wake of devastating storms, bringing transparency and accountability to the Small Business Administration is the only path forward. Anytime our nation faces a natural disaster, we should have the necessary resources to address the aftermath,” Mr. Scott said in a written statement released Wednesday.

“When Congress isn’t notified that agency funding levels are nearing empty, the American people will without question suffer. I am glad to be leading this effort with my colleagues to bring more oversight to the SBA and ensure our disaster response isn’t caught flatfooted,” he noted.

The legislation has some significant support from fellow Republican Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd of North Carolina and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

“North Carolinians, including countless small business owners, were hit hard by the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Mr. Tillis, also in a written statement.

“This common-sense legislation will bring greater transparency to the SBA’s disaster relief program, ensuring administrative accountability at SBA so those affected by Hurricane Helene and future natural disasters receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.”

MEANWHILE IN TEXAS

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is proactive. On Wednesday, he issued an executive order to protect Texas’ critical infrastructure from threats posed by China and the Chinese Communist Party.

The Republican governor directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to prepare for potential threats against the state’s critical infrastructure from a hostile foreign government or their proxies.


“China has made it clear that they can — and will — target and attack America’s critical infrastructure,” Mr. Abbott said in a written statement released Wednesday.

“Just this past year, a hostile Chinese government actor targeted America’s communications, energy, transportation, water, and wastewater systems, threatening our national security. Today, I directed Texas state agencies to identify potential vulnerabilities to prevent cyberattacks on local, state, and other critical infrastructure. Texas will continue to protect our critical infrastructure to ensure the safety of Texans from potential threats by the Chinese Communist Party or any hostile foreign government,” Mr. Abbott said.

The governor has also ordered the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas to create a secure, dedicated communications channel for telecommunication and electrical infrastructure companies for use to prioritize load requests in a critical grid incident.

AN ORNAMENT OF NOTE

Need a notable Christmas tree ornament? How about the official MAGA Hat Gold Ornament — one of many holiday-minded objects of note from the President-elect Donald Trump’s online store.

Indeed, this diminutive but regal version of the ever-famous Make America Great Again baseball cap has character and a little glitz too.

“Made in the USA, brass with 24 karat gold finish, it includes a gift box and gold strings for hanging,” the product description said.

Curious? It’s priced at, uh, $40. Find it — and other holiday gift ideas — at donaldjtrump.com. Once on the site, tap on the “shop” icon.

POLL DU JOUR

• 10% of registered U.S. voters say their “personal economics right now” are in excellent shape.

• 8% of independents, 9% of Republicans and 13% of Democrats agree; 7% of women and 13% of men also agree.

• 31% overall say their personal economics are in good shape.

• 27% of independents, 30% of Republicans and 35% of Democrats agree; 28% of women and 34% of men also agree.

• 34% overall say their personal economics are in fair shape.

• 37% of independents, 34% of Republicans and 32% of Democrats agree; 35% of women and 33% of men also agree.

• 25% overall say their personal economics are in poor shape.

• 28% of independents, 27% of Republicans and 20% of Democrats agree; 30% of women and 19% of men also agree.

SOURCE: A Harvard University Center for American Political Studies/Harris Poll survey of 1,732 registered U.S. voters conducted online Nov. 13-14 and released Wednesday.

• Contact Jennifer Harper at jharper@washigntontimes.com.