We Need More Independent, Working-Class Political Candidates

Julian Zelizer : Sen. Bernie Sanders is on a “ Fighting Oligarchy ” tour to rally opposition to Donald Trump .

He says Sanders ' call for more working-class candidates to run as independents makes sense as Democratic Party popularity hits a record low.

Zelizer says Sanders has been a credible voice for pro-worker policies while Democrats increasingly became a corporate-friendly party of the professional class.

Julian Zelizer : Having more independents in office could be a boon for the Left .

He says independents are less likely to rely on Democratic endorsements and goodwill from party leaders.

Working-class candidates running as independents would have to speak to the general electorate, Zelizer says.

Zelizer asks: Can independents help forge a new identity, based around class interests and democracy.

The Anti-Oligarchy Alliance could adopt a platform of popular demands and endorse pro-worker candidates.

It could run its own media outlets directed at working-class Americans .

The group could organize mass mobilizations and protests against the Trump administration’s assaults on federal workers and civil liberties.