Is The Squad dead? Cori Bush on the future of progressive politics
Jan 8, 2025
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Cori Bush, former US Representative from Missouri, dives into the evolution of progressive politics following her recent electoral defeat. She reveals the harsh realities of disinformation and super PAC influence on elections. Bush emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to remain authentic while enhancing inclusivity for younger voters. Drawing from her experiences, she speaks to the resilience required in activism and highlights the indispensable role of identity politics in amplifying marginalized voices. A heartfelt reflection on personal growth shapes her vision for the future.
Cori Bush's political defeat illustrates the damaging influence of external funding and disinformation tactics on grassroots progressive candidates.
Despite challenges, Bush emphasizes the importance of effective messaging about progressive policies to connect with voter needs and build support.
Deep dives
Cori Bush's Political Journey
Cori Bush reflects on her recent political loss, revealing how significant outside funding impacted her primary race against Wesley Bell, which saw nearly $9 million spent, largely by AIPAC. The campaign utilized disinformation tactics, including distorted images of Bush that she identified as racially charged attacks. Bush’s defeat highlights broader issues within the Democratic Party, suggesting that the increasing financial influence of corporations can undermine grassroots candidates. Ultimately, her experience serves as a case study for understanding the challenges facing progressive Democrats in a politically charged environment.
The Future of Progressivism
Despite setbacks, Bush maintains that progressive values remain popular among voters, citing successes in her home state with initiatives like minimum wage increases and the rollback of an abortion ban. However, she acknowledges the need for improved messaging to ensure that the public connects with progressive policies on issues such as clean water access and wage equality. Bush argues that the disconnect between voter needs and political messaging is detrimental and emphasizes the urgency of clear communication about progressive values. As conservatives seem to gain ground, Bush believes that a message of fighting for everyday people can still resonate if articulated effectively.
Identity Politics and the Democratic Party
Bush discusses the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding identity politics, arguing that these politics highlight the importance of representation for historically marginalized groups. She asserts that the party should not abandon identity politics but rather redefine it to recognize the valuable contributions of diverse leaders without defaulting to traditional norms. By emphasizing that leadership should not be solely based on race or gender, Bush encourages a more inclusive approach that values competence in addition to representation. This call for robust identity politics seeks to address longstanding exclusions within the political structure while ensuring that the best candidates rise to leadership positions.
Five years ago progressive Democrats seemed to be on the rise. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez had just ousted a moderate Democrat, and Senator Bernie Sanders looked like he could win the party's nomination. Now, two members of the progressive group known as "The Squad" have lost their re-election bids.
This week, Brittany sits down with one of them, former congressional representative, Cori Bush of Missouri. They get into what the progressive politics are in 2025 and what the future holds for Democrats and identity politics.
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