The progressive problem

In a now-deleted tweet on July 20, 2017, Jeff Stein of Vox announced the new Democratic slogan, three days before Chuck Schumer and party leadership released “A Better Deal.” The tweet, however, reveals a larger problem in the progressive/ establishment divide. Democratic leadership had ignored millions of Americans across the United States pushing the People’s Platform, sponsored by Summer for Progress, days earlier.

The progressive agenda’s hallmark legislation is “Medicare for All,” which is quickly becoming a litmus test on which elected officials and candidates are measured. Progressives across the United States appear willing to accept an establishment candidate/ incumbent if they adopt the People’s Platform, but time is running out. Those who refuse will be met with harsh criticism and fewer votes. If progressives don’t support the candidate/incumbent, Republicans win. If progressives leave the party, Republicans win.

The solution: legislative compromise and laying aside some pride. Democrats, independents, and other party-affiliated voters rightly respond to Trump with “Hillary is gone. Get over it!” Yet, many Democrats continue to wage the Hillary vs. Bernie war of attrition. Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez might say, “There is a crisis of acceptance” in the party.

Hillary is gone. And for all her good, we need to move on. Bernie isn’t going anywhere — and the party won’t find unity until it learns to live with him, whether he has an “I” or a “D” next to his name.

Ryan Ross received his graduate degree in History from Florida Atlantic University and is currently running for Broward County Commission, District 2.