My main purpose here is to share the complete (90 min. plus) video of yesterday afternoon’s session, although I will include a couple of my own comments.

In the early stages of a 2020 Democratic primary brimming with presidential candidates seeking to outflank each other from the left, some in the field jockeying for the progressive mantle will test their bold ideas before an eager left-leaning base at the NetRoots Nation annual conference this weekend.

Along with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a top-tier candidate in recent polling, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee are converging on Philadelphia for the gathering of liberal activists, which has a reputation for channeling progressive energy while pushing lawmakers and candidates to the left on a range of issues.

The last time presidential candidates descended on the annual conference was during the 2016 presidential contest, when runner-up Bernie Sanders’ status as the lone outsider of the progressive wing elevated his populist platform as a foil against the ultimate nominee, Hillary Clinton. Despite moving the party leftward four years ago, the Vermont senator is no longer the progressive standard-bearer in 2020, but instead standing among a parade of contenders, including his friendly rival, Warren, who broadly shares his vision for economic equality…

Inserted from <ABC News>

Here’s that video:

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley shares remarks starting just after 1:00:00 and 1:28:00.

Markos Moulitsas of Daily Kos commented that Bernie’s campaigning needed to progress from four years ago, but it has not.  Bernie took umbrage at that and retaliated by depriving Netroots Nation of his presence.  I think that was a self defeating move on his part.  If Markos is wrong, Bernie should take his rightful place on the stage today with the other progressive presidential hopefuls and prove him wrong.  Bernie’s display of pique will make his campaign seem far less relevant than it is.

Are you ready for the candidates tomorrow?

RESIST!!