Onward and Up Dems: Recent Episodes
Onward And Up Dems
Onward and Up Dems is a lo-fi digital series that explores the current state and future prospects of the Democratic Party through the lens of engaged voters and activists. The host is unapologetically Black. Guests are also unapologetically Black and/or unapologetically pro-Black. We're ALL proud Democrats who wish to protect and defend our nation's principles in the face of white supremacy.
Onward and Up Dems tackles the Biden administration's first 100 days, including some early disappointments surrounding early policy decisions, Manchin & Sinema vs. The Democrats, the vital importance of voting rights, plus Vice President Kamala Harris’s historic ascent.
Recorded on April 26, 2021, this super-sized two-part episode also covers the pros and cons of certain green energy avenues, the woes of bloated defense budgets, and the nuances of American interventionalism around the globe.
As we always say, there's no such thing as a perfect politician or a perfect White House administration. However, guests Adee and H point out the very crucial difference between good faith and bad faith critiques -- and how those who voted for President Biden and Vice President Harris can maintain a health balance of praise and criticism as we work toward a more perfect union.
MUSIC: “See a Brighter Day” by Gloria Tells
It's a new dawn, a new day, a new White House, and we're feeling good... Well, most of us are.
The Democrats aren't in disarray, but it's not exactly paradise, either. One of the major sources of contention are two factions vying for long-term control of the party: So-called "Establishment" Democrats and so-called "Progressive" Democrats.
While Establishment Dems focus on defeating Republicans, Progressives seek retribution from within. Major players in this saga include the supporters of two dynamic Dems: Bernie Bros and KHive.
As President Joe Biden's second-in-command, Vice President Kamala Harris is under intense, relentless scrutiny. Whether it's accountability or misogynoir is in the eye of the beholder, though most Harris supporters would agree it's the latter.
In this super-sized first episode of "Onward and Up Dems," we talk to two VP Harris supporters about their perspectives regarding the Democratic Party's trajectory -- and how it measures up against the expectations of Biden-Harris supporters and Progressives.
We also talk about New York's upcoming mayoral elections, dangerous pitfalls of the ADOS movement and more.
Music: "Uplifter" by Conditional