The "new" candidates at the core of the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives were decidedly, dis-proportionally Progressives. Demographically and ideologically the charge was led by women, minorities, and LGBT candidates, the common thread being an ability to convey progressive values successfully to voters in blue, red, and purple districts alike.
The marquee issue for the Democrats was Bernie Sanders' signature issue from the 2016 presidential campaign, healthcare -- specifically, healthcare for all. In fact, it was a Bernie-style campaign game plan: forget about the barriers and talk to the voters about the issues that make a difference in their lives.
This is a win for Progressives as much as it is an affirmation of the progressive platform.
There has been and will be a lot of talk about whether Nancy Pelosi should continue to be the House Democratic leader. The time for a change may be at hand or not, depending on who else emerges as an option, the viability of the challenger being the key. Regardless, it must be someone who embraces what is clearly the future of the Democratic party and the will of the voters. Progress for the country.
This of course will almost certainly run contrary to the interests of many powerful and influential donors to Democrats and Republicans alike. The healthcare industry will be foremost, as meaningful healthcare reform and expansion must necessarily include a diversion of some of the enormous profits the healthcare industry enjoys into a public option that comforts and saves the lives of millions.
The defense and weapons industries will likewise come under ramped-up and well-deserved scrutiny as the bewildering scope of military spending becomes the subject of long overdue public and Congressional debate.
Perhaps of greatest importance during this election cycle was that mother of all progressive issues, voter suppression, which at long last came in from the cold and took its rightful seat at the table.
This unavoidably leads to a broader discussion and battles over money in politics, which will likely be the defining issue in 2020.
