…even though he came to the party with Democrats.
In an effort to tap into the “netroots” that was so successful at propelling Obama to victory in 2008 and 2012, the Koch brothers' groups Americans For Prosperity and i360 created Lincoln Labs’ Reboot Congress. Using the slogan “where liberty meets technology” the Koch brothers are hoping to attract younger, tech-savvy lackeys to further their ultra-conservative agenda. The gatherings are a chance for conservative groups to share their techniques, and technologies, along with creating a pool which the Kochs’ network of groups can mine for young talent.
The list of previous speakers is a who’s who of extreme Republicans that have caused most of the recent damage to America’s political system and credibility. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), co-sponsor of Todd Akins’ infamous “legitimate rape” anti-abortion bill. Liberty espousing John Thune (R-SD), who recently voted against the Freedom Act because it restricted spy agencies’ liberty to spy on American citizens. Birther, Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Failed Hewlett-Packard CEO, failed Senatorial candidate, and soon to be failed Presidential candidate, Carly Fiorina (R-CA). All-around roadblock to progress, Ted Cruz (R-TX). And just for irony’s sake, a “fireside chat” with Rand Paul (R-KY), the senator that wants to dismantle every progressive program created by the original fireside chatter, Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The upcoming Reboot Conference in San Francisco will include speakers from Mark Rubio’s, Rand Paul’s, and Mitt Romney’s campaign teams. As well as representatives from the Republican National Committee and Americans For Prosperity. This is not the place you would expect a Democrat to be found, let alone actually speaking at or sharing knowledge and strategies, but one intended to, Ro Khanna (?-CA). After being exposed on twitter by RL Miller and others, Ro Khanna quietly disappeared from the list of speakers. When I questioned Lincoln Labs, they replied that, “due to a schedule conflict, Ro is no longer able to participate.” Then a few days later Khanna’a campaign chair, Steve Spinner appeared on the roster of upcoming speakers.
This is not the first time Khanna has reached out to the extremist right. Last election he did an "exclusive" interview for Breitbart News and was willing to accept Tea Party support brokered by
disgraced and homophobic Republican Ernie Konnyu, but the Tea Party group ultimately declined.
Combined with the fact that much of Khanna’s financial support comes from venture capitalists and professional investors, it becomes clear
who Khanna intends to represent, and it is not the working-class constituents who inhabit California’s congressional district 17.
In an election marked by record spending, the 2014 election cost seven times that of the previous election. Local Democrats were forced to spend large amounts of money and time to protect long-time progressive hero Rep. Mike Honda from the well-funded attack. And this election will be no different. Khanna’s campaign likes to claim that “we are all Dems.” Sorry but, no. "Real Dems" don’t get into bed with the Kochs and Wall Street in an effort to unseat a well-respected, progressive Democrat.
Rep. Mike Honda said it best during his victory speech, “I have news for right-wing billionaires: You cannot buy grassroots this year, next year, or ever." Local Democrats and progressives will need to work hard for that statement to remain true.