Run Warren Run’ Is Over. What Did It Accomplish?

[eridani]

http://www.thenation.com/blog/209121/run-warren-run-over-what-did-it-accomplish

But before Run Warren Run becomes a footnote to the 2016 election saga, it’s important to take stock of what the draft movement has accomplished and the role it has played in Democratic politics. (And, it should be noted, the draft movement isn’t totally over—the organizers of Ready for Warren, a group managed by former Obama campaign staffers, confirmed to The Nation that they will press onwards.)

When the campaign kicked off back in December, nobody was quite sure what kind of campaign Hillary Clinton might run—but progressives were plenty nervous about it, and with good reason. Insider reports indicated that the Clinton camp might frame her candidacy as a fight against “Washington gridlock,” which can fairly be read as rapprochement with Republicans and the big-money interests that regularly gum up the works in DC.

There were also persistent suggestions from anonymous Clinton aides in Beltway publications that Clinton might not even debate during the Democratic primaries. Coming on the heels of a summer book tour where Clinton didn’t speak to a single progressive or left-leaning outlet, many liberal activists worried Clinton simply didn’t care about them or their concerns.

Fast forward to today, where Clinton has unmistakably moved to the left. She voiced support for a $15 minimum wage and has flirted with the idea of debt-free college, two organizing goals of the left. She also backed a constitutional amendment to Citizens United and has frequently talked up the problem of income inequality, starting with her announcement video where she noted that the “deck is still stacked in favor of those at the top,” a clear echo of Warren’s rigged-game framing. She neglected to endorse the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal (though she hasn’t opposed it, either). And her first big campaign speech later this month will be deliberately tied to the legacy of FDR.

There’s still considerable skepticism of Clinton’s desire to become a true populist, particularly among liberal donors, and she hasn’t said much so far about truly taking on and reforming the financial sector. But any plans to run a truly centrist campaign have clearly been abandoned.

[delrem]

1. No. Clinton didn't become Warren.

I don't accept that argument.

[Demeter]

2. She didn't shift her position, either

She just stopped talking altogether about what she was planning to do.

[delrem]

3. It's the reality of it, all right.

[djean111]

4. Clinton moved some rhetoric to the left. That's all that has changed. As was predicted.

IMO, what the Run Warren Run campaign did is to begin the process of liberals and progressives realizing they don't have to settle for a Centrist candidate. It was never "Warren or nobody", it was, and is "someone like Warren". Another great thing about the support for Warren was that it threw the stupid memes about not supporting Hillary because she is a woman, and the ageist thing, out of the window. Warren is a woman who is also about the same age as Hillary. Sanders has fantastic support, and he is older than Hillary. The gender and age cards can be tossed. It's the (lifelong and sincere) policies, stupid.
I think that conflating Clinton with FDR is the height of hypocrisy. Or the very depth. I do not listen to campaign speeches, though, anyway. Deeds not words. Substance not blather.

[delrem]

5. Warren flatly contradicts the Wall St. message.

I'm so so so sooooo happy that she isn't going anywhere but where she wants to go.

[djean111]

6. Me too. And I am grateful for Bernie.

I do wonder if many DINOs were surprised that the support for Warren was not personality based, but based on policy. And that gender was not an issue.

[delrem]

7. DINOs don't understand the depth of the problem.

They don't try to think it through.
Some of their followers are saying that because some DINO can amass $2.5billion in promises, in IOUs in the form of campaign donations, therefore that DINO is the only possible "eligible" or "credible" candidate for the Democratic party. Because the other side does the same.

I never thought I'd see the day when it would be so blatantly up-front.

[Cal33]

8. I think "Run, Warren, Run" has brought many Progressive Democrats closer together. Now

they'll have to decide what to do. I'm sure Warren will be glad that her supporters will shift
over to her fellow-Progressive, Bernie Sanders, who is running as a Democrat. It makes
sense. Warren and Sanders have pretty much the same political views and goals, and both
are fighters -- unlike the Third-Way Democratic politicians.

I think, at the appropriate time, Warren will ask her fans to support Sanders. With her in
the Senate (as Democratic Senate leader, I hope), and him as President, it would be a great
team. They'd make a great team anyway, whether she becomes the Dem. Senate leader
or not.

I am a Warren supporter, and I respect her decision not to run. She must have her reasons.

[RiverLover]

9. They took a vote from us on where to go from here.

Maybe you took part in that as well Cal33?

When I say "they" I mean Ready for Warren , DFA, & Moveon.

What would you like to see our main focus be in the months ahead? [choose one]
Drafting Elizabeth Warren to run for president
Supporting Bernie Sanders for president, until/unless Warren enters the race Supporting
Hillary Clinton for president, until/unless Warren enters the race
Supporting Martin O'Malley for president, until/unless Warren enters the race
Organizing in support of issues that Warren champions, without backing a particular candidate for president or drafting Warren to run

What is the most important goal for you in supporting Ready for Warren? [choose one] *
Drafting Elizabeth Warren to run for president
Supporting a progressive populist candidate for president
Organizing in support of progressive issues

Anything else you'd like to add?

The format didn't copy well, but you get the gist. I'm fairly certain the 3 groups will throw their support to Bernie until/unless Warren changes her mind. We should find out on Monday.

[Cal33]

10. No, I did not take part in voting on this issue. I, too, think most would support

Bernie until/unless Warren changes her mind.