How The Progressive Takeover Could Happen [View all]

Even if no major progressive candidate files, I think there is a very good chance the left wins the Democratic primary. Here's why: there could be a "dark horse" candidate who nobody knows about and isn't even political right now, comparable to what AOC was in 2016. And in 2020, the last seriously contested primary, a majority of the vote cast in most states on and before Super Tuesday combined for Democratic presidential primaries went to candidates that were not aligned with the party's establishment (Joe Biden and Michael Bloomberg). The progressive wing has grown significantly since then.

If there are even 30-40% of voters in the primary nationally who will vote for the progressive candidate no matter what their "credentials" are in terms of offices, it could catapult somebody you've literally never heard of into the Democratic nomination and likely give them the presidency given the Republicans are very unpopular. I hope this happens. It would be a good thing to have a president who was not a representative for years because it would be a major step for democracy that not only can anyone vote regardless of their history, but anyone can be elected.