Elections can shift the balance of political power in favor of democracy and social progress and the upcoming one surely fits into this category. And this is so no matter which of the Democrats is elected. The degree of the shift will depend on who the candidate is, the sweep of the victory at the Congressional as well as the presidential level, and the popular mandate attached to the victory. It will also turn on the extent to which millions remain engaged in the post-election period for neither the right wing nor the 1 per cent will throw in the towel.

So far the Democrats are winning the battle for public opinion. And that is critical in this election year. The accepted wisdom not that long ago was the Trump would come out of the Senate trial with a head of steam, much like he did at the conclusion of the Mueller investigation. But there is reason to doubt that. He’s not getting the bounce in public opinion polls that he had hoped. If they are trending in any direction, it is against him.

Moreover, even if he isn’t removed from office, thanks to his supine Republican supporters in the Senate, his declaration of victory will ring somewhat hollow for many. To make matters worse for Trump, his culpability and organizing role in the “drug deal” will continue to drip out in the coming months.

Thus, the conclusion of the Senate trial this week isn’t the final curtain of this legal and political clash. The real verdict will turn on how this trial is digested and understood across the country in the months ahead and on election day. Adam Schiff and the other House mangers did their part, we should do ours.

I think that we should retire the term neoliberal. It becomes a poor substitute for a concrete analysis of existing conditions and trends. In too many instances, it leads to narrowly constructed politics, something that we don’t need at this moment.

What often goes underappreciated is MLK’s unusual strategic depth, tactical flexibility, and sense of political realism. All of which are needed today!

To say that Elizabeth Warren is a capitalist strips the word of its meaning; in a similar vein, to criticize her for her attachment to “markets” is something that many socialists could be criticized for as well.