On my Pacifica Radio show on KPFK in Los Angeles today, I interviewed Karen Bernal, chair of the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party (CDP) on their new resolution in support of a primary challenge to President Obama. [Audio posted below.]
My article on the matter (which includes the full text of the resolution), was posted earlier today here.
I was struck during my conversation this afternoon with Bernal when she mentioned the CDP had actually considered “punishment” for the caucus for, apparently, even daring to suggest such a challenge to Obama, much less for overwhelmingly passing a resolution in favor it by some 75 of their members. While attacking the party’s nominee might be in violation of the party’s rules, the fact is, to my knowledge, the DNC has yet to nominate a candidate for the 2012 Presidential election.
It seems the CDP might do well to remember what the “D” stands for in their name.
Since today’s interview, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Joe Garofoli has posted a column on the matter, including some comments from Bernal and, of more note here, some, uh, colorful comments about the Progressive Caucus resolution and the idea of a primary against the President, by California Democratic Party chair John Burton. It’s worth noting, as Garofoli did, that Burton supported the primary challenge against President Jimmy Carter by Sen. Ted Kennedy back in 1980. He’s singing a different tune now. Of course, Kennedy didn’t win that primary challenge, Carter won the re-nomination and he ended up losing in a landslide to Reagan — for whatever that comparison may be worth. (Not too much, in my humble opinion.)
Also, progressive author and journalist David Swanson sent me a link to this new website, StopHoping.org, at which you can vote on whether Obama should be primaried and, if so, by whom.
And, a quick note of correction, during the show I accidentally mischaracterized Ernie Canning’s piece last Friday calling for a primary challenge to Obama. His correction to my mistatement, posted in comments here, reads:
I proposed a progressive primary challenge because, in a democratic society, the People are entitled to chose between candidates who represent their interests and those who do not.
I am proposing that someone who truly represents the interests of the American people run and, hopefully, defeat an incumbent President who does not, period!
My apologies for that error. Enjoy the show!…
Russ Feingold for president. The only senator who voted against the patriot act. Bernie Sanders for vice president because he stands for US.
Molly, there is a Petition to draft former Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) which you can sign.
There is also a Petition to draft Bernie Sanders.
A Feingold Presidential run could come at Wisconsin’s expense. Recent polls show Feingold would likely defeat Scott Walker in a Recall election 52-42.
And big news, big party…the EFF presents….
HACK THE VOTE 2011…yay go us!
https://www.eff.org/pages/hack-the-vote-2011
Be careful.
Obama commands a 60,000 strong army of assassins who are working very hard.
Their code name is “Tip of The Iceberg” … who knew?