Northern California Caucus Chair Report
Mal Burnstein
As progressives we know that no president, by him or herself, is likely to, or can, adopt progressive policies. As Jesse Jackson reminds us, we need a combination of an enlightened president and an energized electorate – that’s us. But we can’t afford to get bogged down in what is becoming an increasingly bitter fight between Hillary and Barak partisans; marked by increasing invective. Already partisans of one are starting to say they will not vote for the other (recent Oregon survey).
We must rise above that. We can’t afford the Nader strategy of blindness. Above all, we must remember, there are differences – and the differences are significant:
McCain will continue the war in Iraq. Though neither Democratic candidate goes as far as we would like, both will pursue a sharp draw down of troops and is likely to be more responsive to an electorate that has demanded an end to this war.
McCain will do nothing to bring about universal health care; both Dems will move us towards that goal.
McCain will continue tax cuts for the wealthy as a policy; both Dems will end that policy.
McCain will doom Roe v. Wade; both Dems will seek to preserve it.
McCain will let the minimum wage stagnate; both Dems will seek to expand it.
McCain’s economic policy will be to expand trade agreements that export American jobs; both Dems will seek to end or amend such agreements.
McCain may take us into war with Iran; both Dems are likely to avoid such a dangerous adventure.
McCain will continue the policy of warrantless spying on Americans; both Dems will end it.
McCain will continue the Republican policy of taking no action to prevent global warming; both Dems will end American resistance.
McCain’s party won’t let him work for immigration reform; both Dems are committed to it.
McCain will not expand SCHIP; both Dems will.
McCain is likely to appoint reactionary judges; neither Dem is likely to do that.
McCain is likely to follow the Republican policy of avoiding government solutions to societal problems; neither Dem is likely to make that mistake.
McCain is what we are likely to get unless we commit to working, and working hard for whoever gets the nomination.
