Can the “Angry Left” influence the Democratic Party?

Tuesday night, Bush took a swipe at the “Angry Left,” saying that if the Hanoi Hilton could not break McCain’s resolve, “you can be sure the Angry Left never will.” Given just how unpopular Bush is, the angry Left refers to nearly 80 percent of the population. Which raises the question, as the sun sets on George W. Bush, where should progressive Democrats direct their anger and unrest? And should they break ranks with their own Party?

At a moment of profound national insecurity Barack Obama’s positions on healthcare, the environment, and foreign policy are not nearly as far reaching as many think they should be. But is now the time to push for a more sweeping progressive platform? If not now, when?

On GRITtv our panel looks at the role of the Left and of progressive democrats in American politics. We are joined by Chris Hedges, who has been vocal about Obama’s shortcomings and recently criticized his healthcare plan on Truthdig; Elizabeth Holtzman, the author of The Impeachment of George W. Bush; John MacArthur, the publisher of Harper’s Magazine and the author of You Can’t be President; and Judith LeBlanc of United For Peace and Justice (UFPJ).