In my latest column I suggested the Obama presidency is adrift and that he should wage a major national battle for a substantial bill to create jobs.
I do not believe, however, the progressive movement is adrift. Both policies and polls tell me the left is right, the right is wrong, and there is a progressive majority in America, which is why I like the idea of Hillary Clinton for president, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) for vice president, and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) for Speaker.
For more than 200 years, nobody believed it was odd to suggest two men for president and vice president. Isn't it about time someone (in this case, your faithful columnist) raise the prospect of two women? I can think of one great reason why: They would be the best leaders.
I cannot think of one good reason why not, only the bad reason of those who believe -- in my view wrongly -- that America is not ready for two women at the top of the ticket. Let's put the subject on the table for serious discussion, along with the prospect of bringing back as Speaker a woman who is one of the leading lights for Democrats and progressives in America and who was a spectacular Speaker when she served in that post.
I would like to see President Obama revive his presidency by galvanizing the nation to support a powerful and dramatic proposal to create millions of Made in America jobs. I would like to see Democrats in 2014 and 2016 revive in national politics a progressive cause and movement that is very much alive in the real America and should be brought back to center stage in Washington and throughout the corridors of political power.
Clinton in 2016 will stand for a revival of grassroots democracy, equality and passion, with a leader who has proven her capacity and brilliance for governing. Warren for vice president in 2016 will stand for the progressive and populist reformism that is the heart of the American idea and on most issues supported by a majority of voters. Pelosi was a courageous, bold and principled Speaker, and the gavel belongs in -- and may be returned to -- her hands.
I know, we may have to settle for two out of three, but that ain't bad, right? And why not dare to dream and suggest the possibility of two women at the top of the ticket should be discussed just as seriously as the possibility of two men? Fair enough? Those who disagree, please raise your hands and explain why.