The Nation: New DNC Chair Ken Martin Is Ready to Build a Bigger, Bolder Party

By: John Nichols

• “But as the vote approached, he also leaned into an urgently populist message that resonated with grassroots Democrats, who are exasperated with out-of-touch DC-based strategists and are passionate about moving resources into state parties; taking bolder stands on party priorities such as expanded access to healthcare and childcare, climate, and labor rights; forging multi-racial, multiethnic, multigenerational urban and rural coalitions; and distinguishing the Democrats from the Republicans on economic issues.”

• “Martin said as much in his winning appeal to the committee, which featured a reflection on the historic union song ‘Which Side Are You On?’ ‘Are we on the side of the robber baron, the ultra-wealthy billionaire, the oil-and-gas polluter, the union buster?’ he asked. ‘Or are we on the side of the working family, the small business owner, the farmer, the immigrants, the students? Let me tell you: I know which side I’m on.’”

• “If Martin can give the Democratic Party that level of clarity, it will be ready to take on Trump and Trumpism.”