Angelides / Spitzer

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William Greider's monster February article from the Nation, The New Colossus is worth a visit, or two. (Thanks to &y for the link.)

Not only is there some great stuff here about how state and union-run pension funds have exerted pressure for corporate reform, but this paragraph looks more and more spot on:

"[Eliot] Spitzer intends to run for New York governor in 2006. [Phil] Angelides intends to do the same in California (though his prospects were dimmed by the abrupt rise of Gov. Arnold). The two men can be seen as representative figures, since each is trying to revive an important dimension of the reform tradition their party has virtually abandoned. Like the earlier Progressives, Spitzer seeks to tame the abuses and excesses of American capitalism, using inventive approaches and toughness (who else is taking on his home state's most powerful industry?). Angelides is more like a New Dealer--an economic liberal who seeks to transform the system more deeply. He boldly espouses basic principles of economic liberalism (and forgotten principles of sound investing) without apology."


Two states, two candidates for Governor, two economic reformers...a theme...for 2006.

Comments

NYBri said…
Living in NY, I have seen Eliot in action. He is the real deal.

Bright, smart and unaffraid. A model for the new progressive.
7:38 PM
kid oakland said…
Have not seen but have observed from afar and am impressed.

I was less impressed hearing Angelides speak last year....but then heard him on Talk Radio the other day and was impressed with his personable, forceful answers. The host was somewhat taken aback by the "new" Angelides..

It was like, dude, did you get a charisma injection?
10:50 PM
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