Economic liberalism isn’t just popular now — it has been for years
Those suddenly seeing a "liberal resurgence" are missing one big thing: The last two decades of American history
BLAKE ZEFF
When Bill de Blasio was sworn in as mayor last week, the Washington establishment took it at as a sign of a liberal resurgence in America on economic issues. The progressive wing of the Democratic Party is stirring, the Washington Posts Dan Balz
observed. Our Republican colleagues should take note,
warned Sen. Chuck Schumer, vowing to focus on issues like minimum wage and helping the unemployed. Certainly were going to build on the progress weve made to reduce the deficit, but it is no longer the most important issue that we face.
Yes, progressive economic reforms are strongly supported by Americans now, in the face of historic suffering. But this isnt just a new trend. This progressive economic approach is appealing to Americans now
because it has been appealing to them for a long time. The political class just hasnt noticed.
How bad is their blind spot on this? Rewind to the summer of 2012. Elizabeth Warrens selection as a speaker at the Democratic National Convention was seen as such an outside-the-mainstream,
high-risk gamble that pundits and some rank-and-file party members feared her presence could up-end the convention and cost President Obama his reelection.
I wish we could buy Elizabeth Warren some air time, a GOP strategist snorted. What works in Massachusetts isnt necessarily what will work nationally, an actual Democratic strategist freaked. Most Americans are optimists, not pessimists. They dont see themselves as victims.
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http://www.salon.com/2014/01/08/economic_liberalism_isnt_only_popular_now_it_has_been_for_years/