Progressives are on the march within the Democratic Party.
Candidates like Andrew Gillum, Florida’s Democratic nominee for governor, are winning primary races by calling for a range of big changes to the American economy, such as a $15 an hour minimum wage, Medicare for all, and more.
Jeff Weaver ran the 2016 presidential campaign of progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont).
Weaver believes progressive candidates can make it into office by winning over moderate voters on pocketbook issues.
“When you poll people, and talk to voters in the middle or who are independent, about Medicare for all, $15 an hour minimum wage, making sure that corporations don’t run America at the expense of everyone else, you find out that most people are quite progressive,” he said.
Related: Listen ToThe Full Interview With Weaver On Wednesday’s First Coast Connect
Weaver didn’t rule out Sanders making another presidential run in 2020. Sanders is basically a Democratic socialist who is not a formal member of the Democratic Party, even though he’s used the party banner to run for president.
Sanders endorsed Gillum's gubernatorial bid last month, saying, “As governor, Andrew Gillum will work to provide health care for all through a Medicare-for-All program, raise the minimum wage to a living wage, invest in sustainable energy, improve education, make sure the wealthiest corporations pay their fair share of taxes, and be welcoming to immigrants,”
Gillum, who is the mayor of Tallahassee, will face Republian Congressman Ron DeSantis in the November election. DeSantis has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Weaver appeared on Wednesday’s First Coast Connect while in Jacksonville for a book signing of How Bernie Won: Inside The Revolution That’s Taking Back Our Country.
Melissa Ross can be reached at mross@wjct.org, 904-358-6382 or on Twitter at @MelissainJax.
