Vermont Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman visited the Politics Done Right set at Netroots Nation 2024 to discuss political engagement and progressive values.
David Zuckerman on Progressive values
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One figure in Vermont who consistently stands out as a champion for progressive change and the power of grassroots activism is David Zuckerman, the state’s Lieutenant Governor. In a conversation over his career, Zuckerman reflects on his journey from student organizer to one of Vermont’s most influential political leaders, emphasizing his commitment to progressive values, social justice, and expanding political engagement. His story offers a blueprint for how progressive ideals can thrive in local and state government, challenging the status quo and resisting the drift of American politics toward conservatism.
Progressive Roots and Bernie Sanders’ Influence
Zuckerman’s political awakening began in the early 1990s when he first heard Bernie Sanders speak at the University of Vermont (UVM). This moment, he describes as a turning point that inspired him to engage with a different kind of politics, a vision centered on working-class issues, climate justice, and social equity. In the years since, Sanders’ progressive platform resonated with Zuckerman, who worked on Sanders’ campaigns and eventually ran for office.
At the heart of Zuckerman’s journey is the power of grassroots activism, which he sees as essential to the growth of progressive movements. Vermont, known for its independent political streak, is home to the most successful statewide third party in the United States, the Vermont Progressive Party. Zuckerman credits this party for helping shift the state’s political conversation from center-right to center-left while much of the nation moved in the opposite direction. Zuckerman’s election victories reflect this shift, showing that bold, progressive ideas can win in local elections and influence state policy.
The Struggle for Policy Change
Throughout his career, Zuckerman has focused on issues affecting working people, such as affordable housing, environmental protection, and healthcare reform. During the interview, one of his key points was the emphasis on how policy should not be viewed as a game of party competition but as a serious matter with real impacts on people’s lives. This perspective challenges the binary thinking often perpetuated by the two-party system and calls for a more nuanced, inclusive approach to politics.
Zuckerman’s work in Vermont has consistently sought to address economic and social justice issues. He acknowledges that while Vermont’s political landscape has shifted left, the state still faces significant challenges, such as rising housing costs and climate change. For example, Zuckerman discussed a proposal to raise taxes on individuals earning over $500,000 to help fund affordable housing projects, reflecting his belief that the wealthy should contribute more to solving social problems. Although this proposal faced opposition, it illustrates Zuckerman’s willingness to push for bold solutions, even when they face resistance.
The Role of Media and Public Engagement
Zuckerman is also critical of how media shapes political discourse, particularly how corporate-controlled media often narrows the issues discussed, making it difficult for progressive policies to gain visibility. He underscores the importance of independent media in providing the space for more in-depth conversations about issues like healthcare, environmental sustainability, and electoral reform—issues that often get sidelined in mainstream political coverage.
For Zuckerman, public engagement is key to driving progressive change. He recounts how, early as Lieutenant Governor, he encouraged Vermonters to contact their representatives about important legislative issues. This grassroots effort led to pushback from some legislators, but Zuckerman saw it as fulfilling his role to ensure that voters are heard. He continues to use his platform to inform and engage the public through newsletters and town hall meetings, urging everyday citizens to get involved in the political process.
The Future of Progressive Politics
As Zuckerman looks toward future elections, including his re-election bid in 2024, he remains focused on expanding progressive influence in Vermont. He runs as both a Democrat and a Progressive, strategically navigating the state’s electoral system to build a broader coalition for change. His efforts represent the ongoing struggle to bring progressive voices into the mainstream while working within a political system that often marginalizes third parties.
Zuckerman is candid about the challenges of working within a system that often prioritizes corporate interests and political expediency over the needs of ordinary people. Yet he remains optimistic about the potential for change, particularly if more people—especially non-voters—are mobilized to engage in the political process. He points to other countries, like France, where multiple voting rounds give people more choices, as examples of how electoral reforms could improve democracy in the U.S.
Conclusion: Building a Movement, One Community at a Time
In his closing remarks, Zuckerman emphasizes the importance of community organizing and grassroots action. He encourages people to get involved locally and work together with their neighbors to push for meaningful change. This local engagement, combined with a commitment to progressive values, is how Zuckerman believes real transformation will happen.
David Zuckerman’s career exemplifies the potential for progressive politics to succeed at the state level, even in the face of entrenched political and economic interests. His commitment to issues like healthcare, housing, climate change, and electoral reform continues to inspire many in Vermont and beyond. For Zuckerman, the fight for a more just and equitable society starts not in the halls of Congress but in local communities, where everyday people have the power to shape the future.
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