Introduction

> The ideas I champion—raising the minimum wage, healthcare for all, and a fair tax system where billionaires pay their share—are not fringe; they resonate widely and deeply with the American people. When 20,000 people rally behind these concepts and we win 23 states, it shows that they recognize these solutions are not only valid but necessary.

> The establishment wants us to believe that "the world is the way it is" and that we should accept our powerlessness. But what we’ve demonstrated through this outsider campaign is that we can challenge that narrative. We can inspire hope, and we can fight for the future that working-class and young people deserve.

MLK Jr

> Growing up, I never imagined I'd be a politician. Not in a million years. I believe politics should be about the issues facing the people, not about me. It's about how we address the challenges of our country and the world.

> Attending the march on Washington in 1963 was extraordinary. MLK's focus on racial justice intertwined with economic justice left a lasting impact on me. The way he built his movement from the bottom up, standing up for civil rights and speaking out against the Vietnam War, showcased incredible courage and leadership.

Corruption in politics

> My opposition to the Iraq War and the Patriot Act stemmed from a deep awareness of how the military-industrial complex operates, shaped by the lessons of Vietnam. I foresaw the consequences of a misguided invasion based on falsehoods, ultimately concluding, "I didn't believe it, I didn't agree with it."

> We’re experiencing a profound shift towards oligarchy in the U.S., where a few large corporations and billionaires wield disproportionate influence over politics and policy. It’s alarming that "we are moving... to an oligarchic form of society," which undermines the democratic foundation we all cherish.

> The corruption in politics isn’t merely transactional; it arises from a systemic dependency on big money for campaign funding. As I observed, "it is the power of big money to make politicians dependent," shaping their decisions to please wealthy donors rather than their constituents.

> Overturning Citizens United and implementing public funding for elections is essential for restoring democracy. When I talk to people, a clear consensus emerges: "Who really believes that we are a democracy when billionaires can spend... millions to buy elections?" Tackling this issue requires a grassroots movement, combined with leaders willing to champion it boldly.

Healthcare in US

> I believe that strengthening Medicare to expand coverage to include dental, hearing, and vision, and gradually lowering the eligibility age can provide quality care to all at a sustainable cost by removing the profit motive from insurance and drug companies.

> Transitioning to a publicly funded healthcare system through taxes can actually save individuals money by eliminating premiums, copayments, and deductibles, thus relieving the financial burden placed on families and individuals by the current system.

> The current healthcare system not only creates financial strain but also leads to unnecessary suffering and deaths due to delayed medical care caused by fears of high costs, making a comprehensive overhaul of the system essential for the well-being of all Americans.

2016 election

> Reflecting on my journey, I am indeed "angry and... upse"t about the 2016 campaign, but I take immense pride in challenging the establishment. Against all odds, we mobilized millions and highlighted essential issues that eventually had to be acknowledged, like in the American Rescue Plan, which incorporated many of the ideas we fought for.

> The growing wealth inequality in America is staggering; we've seen “a 50 trillion... redistribution of wealth from the bottom 90% to the top 1%.” It’s infuriating to realize that despite rising worker productivity, the average worker has not seen a significant increase in real wages. This disconnect fuels the rightful anger of the working class, who worry for their children’s future.

> It's important to understand the difficult choices in politics. Supporting Hillary Clinton was not easy for me, but with "Donald Trump... trying to undermine American democracy," I felt it was crucial to do what was necessary to prevent his election. The path to progress often requires making tough decisions to protect the broader democratic fabric we all depend on.

Barack Obama

> Obama made an interesting point about prophets not becoming king, but focusing on transforming society. My belief is in raising consciousness among ordinary people to drive change from grassroots level. Change happens when people demand it and are organized to fight for it.

> Obama's historic presidency as the first black president was a significant accomplishment, and he deserves credit for his achievements. While we disagreed on some issues like healthcare, his intelligence, articulateness, and the respect he earned during his presidency are undeniable.

Capitalism

> “I believe that a just society should encourage innovation while ensuring that all people have a decent standard of living. We look to countries like Scandinavia, where healthcare is a right, and paid family leave is a norm, to see what’s possible. It's crucial to establish a social safety net that guarantees basic needs like housing and education, ensuring no one is left behind.”

> “Hyper-capitalism, as I call it, has led to outrageous wealth inequality. It’s striking that today, a small number of individuals can have more wealth than millions combined. While I appreciate innovative entrepreneurs, we must question the system that allows for such disparities, especially when working-class individuals struggle to earn a living wage.”

> “In the richest country in history, it’s unacceptable for someone working a full-time job to live in poverty. A federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is simply absurd; it should be at least $17 an hour. This isn't just about numbers—it's about dignity and respect for workers who contribute so much to our society.”

Response to attacks

> I own three residences - one in Burlington, one in D.C., and a summer camp. I got the money by writing bestselling books and my salary as a senator.

> Growing up in a working-class family has shaped my politics. Money doesn't interest me. Having wealth means not worrying about basic needs like healthcare, which is a significant relief off my shoulders.

AOC and progressive politics

> The future of the Democratic Party hinges on whether it will become a “party of the working class” that represents the diverse needs of all Americans, or remain chained to corporate interests that neglect issues like healthcare, living wages, and economic fairness. The rise of the Progressive Caucus with leaders like Pramila Jayapal and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a glimpse of hope for a party that can truly advocate for working families.

> Deciding not to run in 2024 was a painful but necessary choice, made because “it’s not about me, it’s about us.” Supporting Biden helps to maintain party unity against a dangerous opponent like Trump, emphasizing the importance of strategic decisions in politics, even when they come at a personal cost.

> I find immense pride in showing that progressive ideas resonate widely, as demonstrated by initiatives like the American Rescue Plan, which I championed. It proves that concepts like healthcare for all and raising the minimum wage are not extreme; they’re popular and essential. Winning over hearts and minds is crucial, and I believe we’ve sparked a movement that empowers candidates committed to these values at every level of government.

Mortality

> As I've gotten older, mortality has crossed my mind more often. It's not death that scares me, but the idea of losing my physical and mental abilities. My heart attack was a wake-up call to the fragility of our bodies.

> The thought of aging and facing infirmity is what concerns me the most. But despite it all, I'm grateful for my health and the ability to continue fighting for justice. Seeing the next generation of leaders stepping up gives me hope for the future.

Hope for the future

> I've had the privilege to witness the incredible diversity and hope in this country, especially at a rally in California where people from all backgrounds came together with a shared goal: "They wanna improve life for other people in this country." This unity and determination inspire me to keep fighting for progress, even amidst the challenges we face, like war, poverty, and climate change.

> I also recognize a growing frustration with corporate media and a hunger for genuine discussions about pressing issues. "People want to hear folks really talk about... the very important issues which are not discussed," and I believe platforms like Lex's play a crucial role in addressing this need. It’s refreshing to see an effort to foster deeper conversations that truly matter.