The goal of moving the Democratic Party
to the left is a mirage conjured up from the fevered mind of those
dying of thirst. There’s absolutely no incentive for the Democrats
to embrace a progressive agenda after this election. Why would
they? They were barely able to squeak through with a moderate at
the top of the ticket. Electorally, the left is a liability for
them. There’s no substantial evidence on behalf of the claim that
Bernie would have won: it is a fervent wish offered up to the
universe, substituting itself for a dispassionate assessment of
the balance of forces. The Democrats have perfected the act of
housebreaking their internal opposition in a way the Republicans
never could. Worse, due to the razor-thin margins likely to be
involved going forward, liberal pressure against “spoilers” and
dissidents to the neoliberal line will only be ratcheted up from
here on out. Don’t vote for the neolib? You’re a traitor.
