First…

I love what Bernie has always done to keep eyes focused on fundamental economic disparities (i.e. why we are where we are).

He’s ignited the revolution, so we can be awake and conscious of our underlying economic realities while we work on this government of, for and by the people thing.  Thank you, Bernie.

But even though the polls now say Bernie beats Trump one-to-one, I’m concerned they’re wrong.  You know, kinda like they were wrong four years ago.  Not the polls’ fault, btw…

Consider..

Elizabeth Warren embodies those essential values Bernie has championed throughout his career, and yet I think has more potential to bring more people under the tent than Bernie does, especially once the primaries are over.

With her revolutionary’s heart, policy wonk’s smarts and activist’s saavy, she may be not only the best Presidential prospect in the field, but also the only one Trump simply cannot beat.

We know Trump will insult, demean, berate and badger this person regularly, and media will amplify all of it.  But it’s not just whether someone can take the heat and keep going (as most of these candidates could).  It’s what will happen in the minds of the American people along the way.

Some may currently be tentative about Elizabeth Warren, but there’s not that much reason to “hate” her (unless the status quo is great for you and you really don't want her to change it).

The more people get to see who Warren is (if the media will allow), Trumps’ attempts to demean and humiliate her won't land so well with independents or even his own people.  

Warren IS clearly a champion for people vis a vis corporate power.  That’s her gig. 

She may be the not only the best presidential prospect in the field, but also the only one Trump simply cannot beat.

It’s getting harder and harder to argue corporations should have more rights than people as their influence wreaks havoc on the national balance sheet, threatens the health of air, water, soil, food and now risks the very habitability of the planet.

It's clear that corporate influence over public policy (and media) is what is keeping us as a nation from addressing climate change (i.e. it's global heating, and the clock is ticking), among so many other pressing challenges.

Warren’s candidacy may also pose the greatest threat (among the different candidates) to the media companies themselves.  So pay close attention to the relationship between how well YOU perceive Warren relative to the coverage she gets compared to the moderate candidates.

So let that be a reminder to find OUR VOICE and explore the difference WE can make when we express ourselves powerfully and authentically.

Warren walks a fine line

…between knowing enough about the system to understand and critique it from the ground up, while defending capitalism itself with the aim of making it work better for all of us.  

For example, her proposal re “accountable capitalism” would shift the legal foundations that require corporations to maximize profits for shareholders at the expense of concerns for the environment, employees and the communities in which they operate.

This would be no minor tweak to an inherently flawed system, but instead would be genuinely revolutionary.  It would lead us down a path that could be much more sustainable and beneficial for individuals, society and the natural world in the long run than trying to overthrow capitalism altogether.

That said, for some capitalists at least, Warren is the biggest threat among the candidates to their chokehold on their largely unexamined economic and political power.  I imagine most of the 1% aren't worried that Bernie will get elected. 

But Elizabeth Warren is the kind of Democratic candidate that could make some of those guys lose sleep.

In terms of Trump's supporters, she may actually carry some immunity to his attacks.  And they may well make her stronger, not only among those already in her camp, but independents and Trump people as well.

I’ve held off making my decision and have enjoyed listening to the political discourse.  But in the past week or so I realized that Elizabeth Warren may well be the leader who can pull things together for not only the Democrats, but for all of us.

Warren is a revolutionary spirit…

reformer, teacher, expert in corporate finance, public servant, visionary, fighter for justice and uniter of Americans, an unusual combo.

It feels good making this decision to stand for her, and I imagine if she got the nomination,  she, more than any of the others, would inspire the enthusiastic support (including ongoing stumping) of every other candidate in the Democratic field.

Bernie people have plenty to love with Warren, as do moderates, independents and many traditional Republicans.  Incremental reformers can appreciate her pragmatism and revolutionaries can appreciate the scope of her vision, the boldness of her proposals and the particular battles she chooses to take on.

I think she would be able to usher in the kind of inspired change many of us have prayed and worked for for decades.  We could move again toward an America that stands for the idea that anyone can forge a better life for themselves and their families.

I’m a fan of Democracy

American government has fallen way short on this throughout its history.  But our vision suggests it's possible, and that we can move toward creating government that is increasingly accountable to the people, and that it can effectively monitor and balance the overpowering influence of concentrated wealth.

As it's said, Democracy isn't pretty, but it’s better than the alternatives.

I’m drawn to being vigilant about threats to democracy both foreign and domestic, and selecting leaders who represent values strong majorities of us can rally around.

Such things as freedom, fairness, justice, rule of law, respect for other humans and other life we share the planet with.

I think Elizabeth Warren embodies those values as core principles that motivate her.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts.  Let's chat, explore, and maybe even play a little music along the way.