I attended the
JRR Dinner in Houston as a guest of the second-longest serving member of the Texas House of Representatives, Rep. Senfronia Thompson. Barney Frank, former congressman and chair of the House Financial Services Committee, was the featured speaker. I knew I would be able to get this very outspoken man to speak frankly—no pun intended—about the Democratic primary race. He did not disappoint, although Bernie Sanders' supporters will be upset over his message.
I pointed out to Frank that the excitement in the Democratic Party is with Bernie Sanders. I asked him why the establishment is propping up Hillary Clinton to make her the nominee. He was ready with an answer.
He said the 2016 election is not just about Democrats—reasonable Republicans and Independents must be won over, too. Frank believes Hillary Clinton is a better candidate to do that.
"When it comes to an election this important," Frank said, "I think you have to be pragmatic. Mainly, who can best carry out your values."
Frank scoffed at those who he believes put idealism over pragmatism. "The opposite of pragmatism is not idealism," he said. "It's wishful thinking."
The former congressman said he wishes Americans were not so phobic about the word socialism, as Bernie Sanders has been a proud socialist for more than 40 years. But, he noted, for years when Republicans attempted to portray Democrats as socialists, they ran away from the term. "You are not going to turn around now," Frank said, "and say, 'Oh by the way we've been socialist all along,' and win the election."
I asked Frank if he thought Bernie stood a chance. He said no. He then went on to say that with all the attacks on Hillary, her overall poll numbers are much better than Sanders'. He also said that the GOP would love to run against Bernie Sanders.
Sanders' supporters should use Barney Frank's words as a rallying cry, instead of slamming someone who believes in the status quo. Barney Frank is right—until he is not.
Bernie Sanders speaks about requiring a revolution for him to win and to enact the policies he is advocating. If he gets that revolution in thought with the help of a mobilized populace, then Barney Frank would be wrong. Until Bernie Sanders mobilizes, organizes, and broadens the movement, then it's likely Frank is more right than wrong.