Bernie Sanders, AOC, Ilhan Omar, Nina Turner, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, among others.

All have been viewed by leftists as beacons of hope ... and sources of disappointment.

In the end, there is no real LEFTIST representation in govt and media.

That can change.

I studiously avoid questioning the core character of these progressives in (or running for) Congress. I don't say they're bad people.

But it is abundantly clear that they have collectively determined the path they'll pursue is WITHIN the establishment, not opposing it.

And to be clear about how I understand the term "leftist":

Anti-establishment
Anti-imperialist
Anti-capitalist
Anti-duopoly
Anti-misogynist
Anti-censorship
Anti-fascist
Anti-racist
Pro-peace
Pro-earth
Pro-worker
Pro-justice for all
Pro-housing, healthcare, education as rights.