Thursday June 19th 2008 at 7.30pm
A PEOPLE'S PRESIDENT? Barack Obama and the Left
With DOUG HENWOOD (Left Business Observer), BETSY REED (The Nation), GARY YOUNGE (The Guardian/The Nation), and others to be announced.
The Democratic Party may have unified behind Barack Obama's presidential bid, but the American left has not. Some progressives argue that we should largely silence our concerns about Obama's policy shortcomings, from Israel and Iraq to the economy and healthcare, at least until he gets elected. Others contend that his weakness on these and other issues is simply unforgiveable, and that the left should not be seen in such company. And yet a third group insists that though we should do so without illusions, critically supporting Barack's presidential bid opens opportunities for building progressive politics and perhaps even pulling the candidate in our direction.
Our customary panel of eloquent and erudite experts will cover the spectrum of left attitudes towards Obama. We can't promise to resolve the debate. But we hope to make the issues at stake a little clearer, while informing, and even entertaining, along the way.
Refreshments will be served
THE BRECHT FORUM 451 WEST STREET/ THE WEST SIDE HIGHWAY (BETWEEN BANK AND BETHUNE IN THE WEST VILLAGE) NEW YORK, NYC 10014
www.brechtforum.org or call 212-242-4201 for more details.