Flexibility has been a hallmark of great progressive and left politicians and leaders. A refusal to make any adjustments in program, demands, and organizing themes, no matter what the situation, may seem admirable on its face, but in a political and practical sense, it can easily turn into a fool’s errand and recipe for defeat. Past political leaders of a progressive or radical disposition left their mark on the times in which lived in no small measure because they were flexible and open to adjusting their positions to political realities and imperatives.
I hope Bernie is too if he wins the nomination, even if some of his supporters aren’t so disposed.
