What could we do if we had a progressive movement and progressive politicians working together in the same direction, at the same time? How can we change the rules of political ideology to build coalitions? These are just some the questions Minnesota Congressman Keith Ellison addressed in an interview with the Laura Flanders Show, in early 2016. Ellison, who is co-chair of the Progressive Caucus is now widely supported as a candidate for DNC chair. Here, he talks about what the word “progressive” might mean in an increasingly stifling political atmosphere.
Phyllis Bennis, also in this episode, recorded almost a year ago, reflects on the price we pay for marginalizing war, foreign policy and the military industrial complex from our political calculations. Bennis, author most recently of , Understanding ISIS & the New Global War on Terror: A Primer also considers the lasting impact of U.S. and U.S.-backed occupations.