On the one hand, we're in big trouble. There are many, many crises facing us. But the flip side of crisis is opportunity. All great societies recognize that in the fluidity of crisis, you also have the chance to make things right. You also have a chance to stabilize the direction in which we're going. You also have a chance to get back to your politics. This Republican-controlled administration, as much as they have all power over all the branches of government, is really floundering. They're also unstable. And they're also groping from crisis to crisis. But the only way to topple this government is for the Democratic Party - and progressive Democrats in particular - to stand up and give [the Republicans in power] a big, hard shove. But that shove needs to take the form of a clear vision and a direction in which we will take the government when we return to governing status and become the majority party once again. It has to take some bold strokes. It has to take some courage. It has to take admitting some mistakes. It has to take the form of reaching out to the American people and asking for their trust based on an honest dialogue in discussing the opportunities that lay before us.
ND: Well, it seems you are perfectly placed to spread that message. I wish you all good luck in doing it.
CP: You bet, Natalie, thanks. It's been a real pleasure to talk to you today.
Article comments
1 - Dave De Vetter
I truly believe that Chuck Pennacchio is our only hope of beating Santorum in November. He will actually represent the people's interests instead of giving in to the corporations and righ-wing religious extremists. I hope everyone who reads this visits his site and contributes to his campaign or signs up to volunteer (even if you don't live in PA, there's much you can do). We're an all volunteer campaign fighting for the future of democracy.
2 - Austin
that site is www.chuck2006.com
3 - Natalie Davis
Chuck's name in the essay, as does the Pennacchio button graphic, links to the campaign Web site.
4 - Brenna Lorenz
If you have a chance to hear Chuck speak, absolutely do go. He will have you jumping out of your seat ready to do battle. You can't imagine how wonderful it is to hear a candidate talk sense!
When people ask him tough questions, he doesn't hedge, waffle, change the subject, flinch or dodge. He answers head-on, decisively. He's going to make mincemeat of Santorum.
This man is a true leader.
5 - Natalie Davis
Yes, Chuck is a principled, empowering presence. And a straight shooter. But the fact remains that the Democratic powers that be, including a lot of the major Democratic blogs (Kos, MyDD, etc.) are pushing the centrist-conservative Casey. That makes it crucial for progressives to spread the word far and wide throughout Pennsylvania: Casey is nothing more than a pale image of Santorum. He does not support the basic issues so crucial for Pennsylvania and that represent core Democratic values. I understand that people are used to caving in to the right wing; they're accustomed to bending over for the conservatives and losing for their self-degradation. But come on - a progressive can win and god knows, a change is needed YESTERDAY. It's time for a real progressive, a real people's candidate. If Santorum is destined to win (and I maintain that he is NOT), isn't it better to lose standing tall rather than on one's knees? Casey is the candidate for the acquiescent, the cowardly, the weak. Pennacchio is the candidate for the courageous, for those who want power to rest in the hands of the PEOPLE rather than the fatcat, money-motivated pols. Spread the word.