To say that the Democratic Party is a party of oligarchy or a party in the pocket of the establishment or finance capital seems to me a flight from analytical complexity and thus empty of strategic and tactical insight. Both characterizations should be retired. A more accurate, useful, and complex characterization of today’s Democratic Party needs elaboration because it matters, strategically and tactically.

I wasn’t a big fan of Bernie’s speech at the DNC. Others will likely disagree, but for me it was all pronouncement but tone deaf to the moment, a bit insensitive and presumptuous, and devoid of humor.

Of great consequence last night at the Democratic Convention was the palpable unity and infectious enthusiasm on display by speakers and delegates alike to elect Kamala Harris and defeat Trump this November. If anyone doubts that a united Democratic Party is at the core of the anti-MAGA movement, last night’s proceedings should give them pause to think again.

Feels like we are on the cusp of making history!!! About time.

Politics is about more than demands, programs, and correct analysis and positions. As we are seeing at the Democratic Party Convention, it’s also about feelings, hopes, desires, hoopla, good vibes, and more.

Steve Kerr was awesome!!!

Michelle Obama is such a compelling and masterful speaker; few are better! Her speech tonight was simply brilliant. She outdid her husband, which isn’t easy to do.

Senator Raphael Warnock is preaching the people’s gospel. Hallelujha, I say!

A well deserved tribute to Jesse Jackson. To say he earned it would constitute a serious understatement!

Shawn Fain’s speech was one of a kind. And yet it was only one expression of the presence of labor at the DNC. And here I include the heartfelt and impassioned remarks of President Biden in support of the labor movement.

AOC is rocking the house!!! She combines inspiration of the heart with clarity of message!

Hillary made a powerful speech that focused laser-like on the existential imperative to defeat Trump and other MAGA candidates in November at the ballot box. She didn’t pull any punches, while inspiring the delegates.

If you want evidence that the center of gravity of the Democratic Party has moved in a progressive direction, look no further than the 1st night of the party’s convention —- its speakers, its delegates, its politics. And there is more to come.

The convention and the emerging movement around the candidacy of Kamala Harris should give us all hope and energy.

Stevie Wonder speaking at convention and urging us to vote and reach higher ground. Now he is singing and playing “Higher Ground.” What a unique and incredible human being!

The Coach was cookin and coachin tonight!!!

It is generally acknowledged that Bidenomics represented a turn away from neoliberalism and unchecked globalisation. Moreover, it is hard to deny its legislative successes and their positive impact on peoples lives, not to mention its actions to strengthen the fighting capacity of the labor movement. It had its limitations for sure. But what goes unmentioned in such critiques is that its limitations in no small measure were a result of Republican opposition and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin, sometimes Krysten Sinema, on the Democratic side.

What is the lesson here? Not to bemoan the limitations of what was won, but to roll up our sleeves from now until Election Day to elect Kamala Harris and Democratic Congressional majorities. Such would set the stage for a political-legislative struggle on a new level, maintaining the successes of the Biden administration, but going well beyond them as well.