Yesterday, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) was appointed as the strategic policy adviser to the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, a position created specifically for her. Her duties will include helping to shape the party’s policy positions and priorities, the Huffington Post reported. Warren will also act as liaison for progressive organizations to “ensure they have a voice in leadership meetings and discussions.”
Other senate Democrats, however, are somewhat confused about why and/or how this new role was created.
“A liaison to liberals? I’ve never heard of such a thing,” said Sen. Tom Harkin (IA). “I asked her about it and she said she was some kind of adviser. I don’t know what it is. I don’t know what that all means.”
“I didn’t even know this was happening. I never knew it,” said Sen. Joe Manchin (WV).
And when asked about Warren’s new role, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (CA) said it “wasn’t really discussed. It’s a fait accompli.”
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) was a “driving force” behind Warren’s appointment, the HuffPo said, signaling “that Democratic leaders plan to keep pushing progressive policies, even as Republicans take control of the chamber next year.”
Warren has risen to fame for her progressive and populist ideals, and her willingness to go after the big banks that other politicians deemed “too big to fail.”
“Wall Street … is doing very well, CEOs are bringing in millions more and families all across the country are struggling,” Warren said. “We have to make this government work for the American people. And that’s what I will fight for.”
And while her colleagues might not completely understand the position or how Warren got appointed, they are glad she’s there.
“I think Elizabeth Warren speaks for a lot of us when she talks about those issues, not just the more liberal organizations out there,” said Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill, the most moderate member of the Democratic caucus, calling Warren’s role “terrific.”
“I really rather doubt, knowing Elizabeth Warren as I have over the last couple of years, that she’s going to give up her progressive views and her strong commitment to consumers, even if she is part of the leadership,” said Sen. Harkin. “I can’t imagine that happening.”
Regardless of why or how she got the role, having Elizabeth Warren in any sort of leadership role in the Democratic party is a definitive step in the right direction. It shows that the party might actually be considering a fight for the issues that affect the average American every day, something the Wall Street Dems haven’t done for quite some time.
