This Number Explains Why Our Politics Is Broken...And How to Fix It

52% of Americans are working class, compared to just 2% of people in Congress. Dan Osborn wants to buck that trend.
Two years ago he led 500 coworkers in a successful strike at Kellogg’s Omaha plant.
Now he’s running for Senate to represent Nebraska’s working class.
-----
More Perfect Union is a nonprofit media organization with a mission to build power for working people. Learn more here: perfectunion.us/
Follow us on Twitter: / moreperfectus
Instagram: / perfectunion
Facebook: / moreperfunion
Tiktok: / moreperfectunion

[@marcosgoldenvoice]

Regular citizens have been deliberately disenfranchised from voting.

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

And because it's couched in a narrative that "Them guys are taking yer jobs and yer money!", working class voters have allowed it for decades.

[@ArcturusAlpha]

i feel like that is what happened in japan.

[@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr]

our "democracy" has been a joke from the start. we've always done as much as we can to take away voting rights or the efficacy of voting from as many people as possible.

[@middleagebrotips3454]

You can still vote, but only on fringe issues like WOKE or abortion where the rich people's wealth aren't at stake.

[@jonlittle5032]

@@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr Isn't that the point of the rhetoric of the other side, to sow mistrust of our democratic institutions? I am sure they appreciate your support.

[@symmetrylove]

People who work for a living are subsidizing those who let their money do their work.

[@theboyisnotright6312]

Whenever mentions lazy parasites that live off the working people they are usually surprised when I say yep I hate the idle rich also. People think it's the people on welfare that suck off us. Perhaps but that's a tiny amount compared to what the wealthy basically steal from workers. 5:01

[@dranavaque91]

Bill Maher but better. New rule, if your money makes money you have to prostrate yourself before me to ask me for anything

[@ILovePancakes24]

Tax the money for nothing profit seekers and set labor taxes to zero. Money for nothing is a logical aberration

[@factsbeforefeelings]

Publically financed campaigns would render private campaign donations illegal.

[@dranavaque91]

Also, no. It would make contribution from unaccountable partners impossible

[@CoviYello]

I don't live in Nebraska but he's got my vote

[@CJ-vj7pm]

I live in Illinois but I think I'm gonna donate to his campaign

[@edvingjervaldsaeter3659]

I am Swedish and he's got my vote

[@politika8087]

Ditto

[@SilverDreamweaver]

​​​@@CJ-vj7pmI moved from IL to NE a year ago after spending nearly 6 years in IL. This man has my vote. There are so many corporate money hogs with their noisy, ugly signs up in this state.

[@geinikan1kan]

Same here.

[@sjenkins91812]

No more corporate lobbying! Corporations should not be considered individuals with rights equal to the people!

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

The way to get that done is point out that it allows stock holders to donate twice as much as other citizens

[@Ryan-Fkrepublicnz]

And have twice at minimum the impact on the election

[@gavinshickle1814]

The entire basis of corporate law is that corporations are entities comprised of people. Thats why they are structured as they are. So those people don't lose their rights just because they are involved in a business entity. People like you need to learn and understand this before you go spouting off your useless rhetoric. You're not helping anyone by being ignorant. In fact you're helping perpetuate the problem.

[@personnesenki4521]

Abolish union lobbying too.

[@sjenkins91812]

@@gavinshickle1814 "Entities comprised of people," hence the individuals don't lose their rights just by being part of a larger entity, which itself should not be treated like an individual citizen. It's pretty common sense here. You're not doing anyone any favors by being a spineless corporate shill. It's one thing if you want to sell your soul for profits. Just don't drag the rest of us down with you.

[@gordonmills2748]

If I - as a middle class person - wanted to talk to my Senator, I'd have to wait for the rare town hall meeting, stand in line, and maybe get to ask a single question. If I wrote a big enough check, I could get a one on one meeting to discuss my concerns. If I write my Congressman, I get a robo-signed response written by a staffer. If I make a donation I might get a photo and a handshake, but unless I'm buying a $2,000 plate at a fundraising dinner I'm just not worth their time.

[@KRYMauL]

I can confirm as someone who knows a lawyer who worked for the Vice President. The real sharks are the lawyers.

[@DrJohnnyJ]

@@KRYMauL That is a meaningless statement.

[@KRYMauL]

@@DrJohnnyJ That’s the point. I’m saying that all lawyers know each other.

[@kristiblack4789]

This may cheer you up. In 2002, I lived in Santa Barbara, CA when Rudy Giuliani came into town to campaign for himself post his 9/11 gory glory. Even

[@matthewdavis4749]

@@KRYMauLmost lawyers work their asses off. Say whatever you want about them, but when the time comes that you need one you’ll be more than grateful of their existence

[@AnonymousMusing]

I hope he wins. Every state needs working class politicians.

[@Ziegfried82]

No paid sick leave is insane. How does anyone support that kinda crap?!

[@xellos5262]

easy if you think like the average business owner: "Wait, why should I pay them, if they're not working? It ain't my problem that they're too weak. Who's paying me, when I get sick?" It's the believe among the rich that people aren't people, but only work horses. They think the value of a worker corrolates with their contribution to the wealth of the business.

[@rogerwilco2]

The sheep are voting for the wolves because of culture wars.

[@Byakurenfan]

​@xellos5262 their customers pay them when they are sick cause their business can function with out them most of the time.

[@keithpalmer4547]

The good old usa is live to work die if you cannot afford health care.

[@kimarimoi]

One reason is that big businesses will take over small towns, becoming basically the only employer, and then people will support them no matter what because the business packing up and leaving would be a disaster. The coal mining industry did a similar trick on a larger scale, convincing people to fight to save their dangerous and unhealthy jobs because they see no good-paying alternatives. This is one of the main reasons rural areas are so heavily Republican.

[@DrDanWeaver]

ZERO correlation between Average citizen support and probability of policy adoption is very telling.

[@randycarrier3401]

That was proven at the begining of the parent administration. Huge support for all the popular things voters wanted. We did not even get crumbs when it was all said and done. No single payer health care, no child care, no affordable education, etc.Diane Finstein's seat should have been Katy Porter NOT the privileged terd that will be the candidate we are forced to elect this November because the alternative would be worse.

[@ey67]

It's designed that way.

[@briancostello6892]

Now. It’s Time To Change It. Vote All Independents

[@symmetrylove]

We can have democracy or concentrated wealth in the hands of a few in America, but we can`t have both.

[@grmpEqweer]

The top 10% hold 75% of the wealth. The bottom 50% own 1.8% of the wealth.

[@GenerationX1984]

​@@grmpEqweerAnd the top 1% hold way more than even the top 10%.

[@grmpEqweer]

@@GenerationX1984 That they do, but the top tenth can donate enough money to cause our government to pay attention to what they desire. ...They desire more power coupon$.

[@dao8805]

The words of one of our greatest Supreme Court justices, Louis D. Brandeis, are so true. It's why I am voting to break the duopoly that controls both parties; RFK Jr is the only one who can do that. He deserves our support.

[@justletmepostthis276]

@@grmpEqweer IDK about "Power" coupons, but when progression happens, one might have to push forward, and one might have to pull back, or one might have to pull back, and one might have to push forward. IDK yet; something I'm just now noticing maybe. Something like what people call "Sharing" but I'm not sure yet. More research needed.

[@nnonotnow]

I live in Nebraska. I'm a registered independent. Former Democrat. Former lifelong Republican. And while I was aware of Mr. Osborne, I can't say I paid any attention to him. It's tough to go against the Republican party in this state. But now I'm going to reach out to his campaign and also forward this video to people that I know. Thanks for sharing this.

[@LashknifeTalon]

Someone else in the comments was asking why it needs to be so expensive to run for office--this is why. Outreach, advertising, awareness, and convincing people to vote for you. Of course the spoiler effect is a hell of a drug...

[@michaelchurbe-yl7wh]

I think it matters. Good luck supporting cronies.

[@matthewingerson]

Vote RW-extremist Repubs for the fast, open-road from RW-capitalism to RW-fascism. Vote moderate-RW Dems for the slow, disguised-road from RW-capitalism to RW-fascism. Both parties are bought, owned, bribed, & controlled by the corrupt wealthy-class & their corrupt RW-politics. And if/when the Independent party makes any meaningful progress, the same wealthy-class-RWers, for whom you voted your whole life, will corrupt that party, too. Then you'll just be voting for RW-Independents instead of RW-Repubs and/or RW-Dems. RW-politics are anti-working-class politics. RW-politics are pro-wealthy-class politics. Working-class dupes, like you, who lack the critical-thinking & reading-comprehension skills that are necessary to develop principles, morals, values, and ethics, are why the U.S. is such a RW-sh!tehole.

[@John_Doe3]

I don't live in Nebraska but thank you for forwarding this video. I hope he can help you guys out

[@Watch-0w1]

People have the power to mad trend. Make this happen

[@grmpEqweer]

Our politicians actually work for the people who can give them big campaign donations.

[@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr]

which is why we need to remove the ability to finance campaigns

[@girlofanimation]

Yep. And those who pay them to vote in favor of their lobbyists' bills. Even some of the Supreme Court justices accept bribes/extravagant gifts. It's putrid throughout.

[@99eewing]

*cough* Jews

[@Tripskull]

You will be happy to learn that tbe supreme court is going to hear tbe case tbat tbere is NOT ENOUGH bribery in our political system and the rich and corporations should be able to "thank" politicians DIRECTLY after passing bills in their favor. The supreme court that takes bribes will surely decide decide impartially...

[@smokelord2002]

indeed, both sides work for corporations.....they dont give a f about normal people.

[@gingerredshoes]

Political campaigns are too expensive for working class people to run. Regular folks are too busy trying to keep a roof over their heads and can't afford to take time of for politics. Many working people aren't even allowed time off work to vote.

[@E34bmer]

If you live in Nebraska or know someone that does, please share this and vote for this man! Politicians will spin the same old lies for people not to vote for him! And we wonder why nothing changes.

[@TVtheTV]

We need an end to two party politics.

[@kurtdrehwing5552]

This

[@kristiblack4789]

The greatest evil that corrupted and doomed our Free Constitutional Republic!

[@virginiamoss7045]

And then what? That's the hard part.

[@LetMeBelieve]

​@virginiamoss7045 All the common american need to do is vote for their best interests. Don't vote if you're being oppressed or disenfranchised by the person you tried to put in office. Learn from mistakes.

[@chavvy9074]

@@LetMeBelievethat’s not really a solution to politicians teaming up with each other

[@hfc3249]

I identify with that. I was a welder for 12 yrs, got sick from the welding fumes, had 3 accidents that caused me lifetime injuries. While I was working at NASSCO we had a very strong union, I was making pretty good money, I could afford to buy a house, etc. Economically we were doing very well, couldn't complain about that... Nowadays, I can understand why the Blue Collar Workers are so pissed off about not having a Union to protect their earning potential... The corruption that infiltrated the US Government since the Reagan administration has a lot to do with what is going on today...

[@kiwibonsai2355]

People are slowly waking up that trickle down economics is a 40 year scam, money never trickled down it went into buying up the working classes homes.

[@jimk8520]

The average candidate running for the senate needs to raise 45k a day, 365 days a year, for 6 years to have the funds necessary to effectively compete in one race. Considering that a great many of us (if not most) can’t afford the expense or have the will to donate anything close to 10k a year (let alone, more!) to political issues and candidates, it becomes blatantly obvious who the candidates are going to serve.

[@LauraB.335]

I don’t understand why it has to be so expensive.

[@jimk8520]

@@LauraB.335 Here’s a similar question that kinda answers yours. Why does it cost 7 million for 30 seconds of air time during the super bowl?

[@klingonsexy]

@@LauraB.335 Ever been to an auction? The candidates are for sale to the highest bidder(s), AKA "donors and lobbyists." If the candidates had to run a straight and honest campaign without outside interference, things might actually change, but would it be for the better or the worse?

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

​@@LauraB.335Because there's only 435 Representatives and 100 Senators.

[@LauraB.335]

@@jimk8520 - i have no idea. I don’t watch the Super Bowl or the ads, and have done everything I can to avoid ads of any kind. I think they have less of an influence than people believe and don’t think they’re worth the money. Not to mention, the money can go to better use. We are so caught up in beliefs about spending so much money for everything, consumerism, and you get what you pay for. I guess, I’ve never understood it. I’m not a huge shopper or spender.

[@hehethattickles2152]

I thought this was about 2% of the population owning all of the politicians.

[@user-vo9wd6tx6c]

Fortunately, the events in Gaza have made American Gentiles realize how evil the 2% are.

[@loricusenza4887]

No, 2% of politicians who are working class when 52% of the people are working class…

[@stab456]

wasn't stepstine's helper a 2% Yeah and so was her dad! Robert! Weird he had a hand in the only textbook company used in schools in the US...

[@ubermo1182]

I've told my friends and family for years, if a man or woman doesn't know the price of a loaf of bread and isn't affected by the cost of a gallon of gas, you shouldn't vote for them. It's a warning sign that a person is too wealthy to represent you and your interests. That's not a reflection on the character, or critique of, the well off. It's just that rich people are occupied with rich people problems. The blinders of wealth they wear contribute to their inability to solve your problems when they're elected to government office. That is what I see as a top five reason for our country's poor governance.

[@mrs.seaturtle66allen78]

Biden sure wouldn't know.

[@blasphimus]

​@mrs.seaturtle66allen78 Anyone who has a decently paying middle class job doesn't worry about it. I work 60 hours a week doing manufacturing and font know what Gas costs because I make 200k

[@mobilityproject3485]

​@@mrs.seaturtle66allen78 The only reason he's in office, and would be in office this time next year, is that people want to have a 2028 election. Nobody wants us to stop having elections...

[@wilberwhateley7569]

In that case, over 95% of all politicians shouldn't have our vote - hardly any of them went grocery shopping for themselves in the last decade...

[@mobilityproject3485]

Wow, KZbin blocked my comment about Trump wanting to be a dictator... that's weird, you'd think they love that kind of stuff

[@hope4now]

Campaign finance reform! Outlaw gerrymandering! Term limits!

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

Expand the House. Nerf the Senate.

[@Acteaon]

To start!

[@randymatthews1272]

Outlaw lobbying

[@HoodedOlive]

Gerrymandering is illegal it just nearly never gets proven as gerrymandering so they get away with it

[@joshieecs]

now imagine 2% of workers going on strike. they'd have more power than big money interests as the economy grinds to a halt.

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Until they do what Canada did. People give up their livelihood little by little until the realize they live in a cage.

[@stab456]

nah they got south american caravans for that

[@AB-wf8ek]

Striking is the easy part. Having a clear message and a singular set of conditions that everyone can agree on fighting for is the hard part.

[@bargdaffy1535]

"The consequences of a Rail Strike will be devastating" To whom Deb? Warren Buffet? Well he is almost dead so I don't think he should be considered.

[@chavvy9074]

Wow that’s not horrible at all!

[@AB-wf8ek]

​@@chavvy9074 What's your problem? Someone saying Warren Buffett should be insignificant in dictating policy affecting rail workers in a youtube comment is the least horrible thing I can think of

[@mobilityproject3485]

If you can't go on strike, you can't compete, and are essential for the entire US economy, what are you? A utility. And utilities shouldn't get to have shareholders.

[@swayback7375]

Yea let’s not forget “everybody act real nice” Respectability politics is part of the problem! Look nice, smell nice, dress nice, act nice, and if you don’t fit the bill you’re not going to get any legitimacy. This is garbage! If you look, smell, and act that nice it’s obvious you aren’t working class. Work is hard, bare minimum you get tired and look like hell, if you work with your hands you probably get dirty and stinky, probably cuss when you drop something on your foot… these are not reasons to be excluded from politics, if anything they should be qualifiers!

[@swayback7375]

@@chavvy9074that’s mighty nice if you to defend my buffet! I’m sure he really appreciates it, the personal thank you letter is probably in the mail🙄

[@jacobwiens659]

This video should be shown to every Nebraskan (and every American)

[@user-sq5sl4uz3c]

As a Nebraskan that votes for the Democrats I don’t care if they don’t endorse him because I like him more than these Democrats that come from money and if they ever get into office which is extremely unlikely they’d be no better than Joe Manchin.

[@pagandragon830]

The people who won't raise our wages spend most of their day on our dime calling their bribers for more bribes while not helping the working class. The people who want to raise the retirement age couldn't last in our jobs for a week!! I've picked my carpenter husband up off the floor after his back gave out. He's 54 and they want him to keep doing this until he's 67?! Thank you to boomers (my parents), who is the only generation to have had it better than their parents and kids, for not paying attention and letting the government screw over your kids and grandkids!!

[@PhotonBeast]

All else aside, I hope your husband is feeling better and his back is doing okay!

[@dosadoodle]

Serious suggestion: ask your husband to try yoga for a few times each week and keep at it for a month. I've heard from builders that this is life changing for them, because it stretches and strengthens key muscles. I hope he's doing better. ♥️

[@PhotonBeast]

If your hubby is interested in yoga or similiar exercise, do note that not all teachers include the spiritual aspects. So if your just interested in the physical side, that is out there

[@pagandragon830]

@@dosadoodle LOL!!! Sorry, I'm not laughing at you. I'm laughing at how people in general like to give advice without knowing people (I do it too so I'm not bashing). We both practice yoga every day and have for more than a decade. Dammit!!! Where tf did that decade go?!!! Anyways, yoga is the BEST and everyone should at least try it. Even His back just goes out due to a degenerative disc issue - which no exercise can help. It's his job over such a long period of time that just demolished lower discs - bending over, weird angles to nail/screw things, etc. And he's worked out since we met at 15 (we're now 54) so there is no lack of muscle and he's not over weight at 6'1" 180lbs. Even former football player touted yoga and still does if I'm not mistaken - I stopped willfully supporting millionaires and don't watch sports anymore even though I miss them.

[@pagandragon830]

@@PhotonBeast It's not out at the moment, but has been several times over his career as a carpenter so it's been many times I've picked him up off the floor when it did go out. But THANK YOU!!!! ☮💙

[@ariw9405]

This is exactly what we need. I’ve always been afraid to run for office because I didn’t have the proper education but clearly I’ve learned we need more working class people to stand up for us!

[@SparkyWrench]

When a lawyer chooses politics for a career you know which position pays better...

[@HoneyBadger80886]

EXCELLENT Observation

[@hottuna7]

My thoughts exactly.

[@videos4mydad]

We absolutely do not have ‘Free and Fair’ elections. When most people hold their noses and vote for the ‘Lesser of Two Evils’ - that is not a free choice. When you have only TWO choices and both are 80+ year olds when in most corporate jobs you are forced out by the time you are 65, that is a sign that this system of elections leads to 2 parties and gets rid of serious competition. A 3rd candidate often ‘spoils’ the election - this leads to no competition and a race to the bottom. As citizens, we need to be able to choose from the ‘Best of the Best’ NOT ‘Lesser of Two Evils’. The solution to this is ‘Multi-Choice Voting’. We need to reform our election system before we lose it. We have republicans who hate Trump but either choose to not vote at all or vote for Trump rather than voting for Biden. We need MORE OPTIONS, we need MORE COMPETITION for politicians. We need reform before we lose democracy.

[@farginargle]

Excellent insights. The Forward party, which is what I jumped ship from Dem to, is very pro ranked choice voting. It has been done in Alaska, winning a Native American woman a seat for the first time. This system works very well in Iceland.

[@KRYMauL]

Most people retire at 62, dude.

[@voxorox]

The two-party system arises naturally from the way politics works. Voting on a bill is Yay or Nay. It's binary. Agreements and alliances form around those 2 sides on various issues, and coalitions form where the goals mostly align. I don't think that it's a problem of there only being Democrat or Republican. I think it's a problems of there being a DNC and an RNC. The major parties are run like corporations and the parties are little more than brand names at this point. If the DNC doesn't like you, they won't let you run as Democrat. If the RNC doesn't like you, they won't let you run as Republican.

[@KRYMauL]

@@voxorox , it's not if you have a points-based system.

[@videos4mydad]

@@voxorox the problem is in the election system where it DOESNT allow 3rd party competition. We have D and R and majority of people are unhappy with both. but i still have to vote because one is much worse than the other.

[@alenaadler8242]

As an American who has lived in Europe, I gotta say the concept of sick-leave is mindblowing to most Europeans. Humans don't plan to be sick, and shouldn't be at work when they are sick. All they need is a doctor's note. There's no limit.

[@GirtonOramsay]

I have accrued sick leave in California, so I only got 2 paid sick days in April...guess when I got sick and only took 1 day off. Still came sick several more days...in a bakery.

[@marciamartins1992]

The American workers have been whipped into submission by threats of, "we'll just close it down then what are you going to do?" And the gov lets them.

[@sleepingbag2424]

4:35 "The consequences would be devastating." I guess not devastating enough to give rail workers more benefits.

[@charvisaur4184]

"The country would literally fall apart without them" "--Also screw them. No benefits. Get a better job lmao"

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

4:40 Sen. Fischer didn't lift a finger to ensure the rail workers could _live,_ while the Biden administration negotiated a better contract after the strike was broken. I'm sure another Democratic administration (coughClintoncough) might have dropped the ball on this, but credit where credit is due.

[@mobilityproject3485]

Yeah, I expected nothing and I'm impressed by some of his policies too... That's not to say I think he's what we need right now, but he's certainly the best one we've had since 1980 (bar in the basement)...

[@wesborg5386]

People talk about problems with U.S. politics all the time, but this is ^THE^ problem.

[@gigaus0]

Anything labor or civil is progressive , especially in the US. And people need to stop shying away from saying as much. My local is 40% conservative, and actively argue *against* benefits and organizing initiatives. We had a polling done when the UPS contract came up, and literally almost all of that 40% actively said 'we shouldn't ask for more money' and instead shoehorned in an option to, and I quote, 'Reduce the overhead of the union by reducing the number of office staff and stewards across 12 work sites.' Take a wild guess which side argued we should get more pay, more sick leave, and more protections on the job? It sure wasn't the conservatives, that's not their issue. But you wouldn't know it because the liberal side doesn't want progressives 'being too aggressive about it.'

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

Yeah, I think people don't understand what progressive means, and are too tied up in the optics of it. Reminds me of how people shy away from the word feminism even when they have feminist values and take actions that are in accordance. I get tired of people who say they're progressive but then are actually centrist and don't want to improve life for those with the least power, but at this point, as long as people are doing the work, I don't care if they like the progressive term or not. I just want them to get things done

[@gabrielsatter]

You need to vote those old Hoffa types out and get a Shawn Fain style leader.

[@czarkusa2018]

It's some real USA brained stuff, so terrified of forward movement are they that "People have a hunger for change" means it's not progressive it's just normal or something. Poor bastards are completely hypnotised.

[@dontmisunderstand6041]

... Liberalism is a conservative ideology. Classical liberalism is an economic doctrine that suggests the free market is the ultimate good and that all government policy should be in service to the economy. This is why the Democrats are called liberals, because their core ideology is classical liberalism.

[@FireElement7]

Vote for Dan Nebraska! You've got this! As voters overall, we need to start voting in every one of our local elections. If we don't start there, we can't make the changes at the top.

[@flutieflambert]

The consequences of a rail shut down would be devastating??? Working for the railway is devastating! And if you don’t want it to shut down, PAY YOUR &%#!¥ WORKERS!

[@c.m.169]

Definitely need campaign reform on so many levels.

[@mandisaw]

The folks interviewed exemplified the problem even as they complained about it 😮‍💨 Most of them said or implied that they don't vote at all, and even the ones actively fighting for standard Democratic policies (fighting economic inequality, labor/union rights, public education, social benefits, etc) kept talking about how they're not "progressives" or how "it's not about party". NE has a little short of 2M people. According to their State Elections Board, about 1.3M folks voted in 2020, of whom 600k were registered Republicans, and 370k were Democrats, with 270k listed as "nonpartisan/independent". If some of the independents actually voted with the party more aligned with their stated policy interests, then they'd have more competitive races at the State & Federal level.

[@happiersoul]

I'm sending this guy a campaign contribution!! We need so many more of him.

[@shroomyk]

I know a regular guy who is running in my state for the state assembly. He is part of a group I volunteer with. Unfortunately I am not in his district so I can't vote for him, but I am so excited to see how hard he has been working to improve the lives of others. We need more working-class folks in office. But like the video mentions, the system is designed to favor elites who can raise millions for a campaign via legalized bribery from the wealthy. I don't know how we can fix this when it was always built like that on purpose. I wish Dan the best of luck.

[@CortexNewsService]

The issues he laid out in rural Nebraska would also work in dense urban areas. And any minority community as well. There really are a lot more similarities when politicians aren't stoking the division.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

I'm a retired pipefitter/welder and I really hope this man succeeds.

[@troyallen8223]

Those who campaign for office should be heavily vetted and none should be representing corporations.

[@SvenDansk7]

I think some of them are captured by corporations after initially getting in. Lobbying itself should be dismantled

[@wilberwhateley7569]

And who will do the vetting?

[@troyallen8223]

@@wilberwhateley7569 I think it's abundantly clear who should be vetting,of course it would never happen. It's an Ostensible endeavor.

[@OneAmongBillions]

I count Dan Osborn as being among America's heroes.

[@jacquelyndeleau]

The rich have implemented a strategy that started at least as early as Ronald Reagan to transfer wealth from the poor and middle class up to the top 1%. It is frustrating and disappointing to me that the rest of us are not well-informed enough to use our vote to change that. There are more of us than there are of them. If I lived in your state, I would vote for this man-he understands the core issue that is driving our politics and our economy into the ground. We have to vote. It is the only weapon we have against the grift of wealthy politicians only serving the political interests of the super rich. Please vote. The margins are so slim between candidates that at this particular point in our history, ALL of our votes matter. Do what our founding fathers intended-support a democracy by the people for the people. That is how we can change the momentum of transferring wealth to the super rich. Your vote matters!

[@geodad4782]

I’m 100% with this guy.

[@mark99k]

I've never even visited Nebraska and likely never will, but this guy's platform is impressively straightforward, sensible, and noninflammatory. He's what's needed. I sent him $20.

[@catherinewilson1079]

The best of luck to you Mr Osborn, you have the heart of a lion ❣️

[@darinmckee2320]

We need 99 more like him in the senate, and 435 like him in the house!

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

We need 1265 more than that in the House.

[@adaminfunkytown]

I can't help but be excited about Dan's efforts... but wow it must be hard. I do not know how he finds time to sleep. I very much hope he's successful. Great work More Perfect Union.

[@Vort_tm]

I am literally launching a nonprofit to help independent and grassroots progressives run for office. Like, I filed for the business license yesterday. Wish I had more of it off the ground, because this seems like a perfect place to plug it.

[@justinbuddy56]

What’s the name of it?

[@Vort_tm]

@@justinbuddy56 I tried to reply several times, but YT keeps deleting. It's People United for Peaceful Revolution, which I alternatingly love and feel is overly corny. It's a foregone conclusion that I won't be able to get up and running to have any impact this year, but with a lot of luck and a business acumen I'm not sure I have, maybe I can make an impact in 2026.

[@zpfriem]

I would vote for someone like this in Washington State over our establishment senators that auto win every year, turning my home state into a corporate nation.

[@d.d.d.a.a.a.n.n.n]

Same, I was just thinking this

[@gabrielsatter]

Too bad 98% of blue collar workers here vote red.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

Do it.

[@suzannederusha1370]

Having regular working class people in government is my idea of government.

[@horizon319]

From "just $300,000..." damn how many of us working-class people would kill for that kind of money. Also I work in education and I tell everyone willing to listen that anyone who is on a committee or part of any group that holds power over the purse strings of education, especially special education needs to have some experience with special education. Like a grocery store manager - they spend weeks in each department learning what it takes to do the job. Politicians need to have some literal experience with the children in SpEd. Feeding, cleaning, facing behaviors, teaching, seeing and doing what our SpEd teachers do everyday with dwindling support or no support at all. Then and only then can they make decisions about educational budgets.

[@Guacamoc]

Born and raised a mile from that Kelloggs plant mentioned. I love this guy, if I still lived in the state I would vote for him

[@Fixtheproblemwithgoodpolicy]

Citizen's United is why we're completely broken and can't overcome corporations.

[@face4me2]

Need someone like him in Ohio definitely would get my vote

[@drrocketman7794]

It's not "inflation." It's greed. Let's call it what it is.

[@benzell4]

Thanks Jessica and MPU and candidate Osborn! Great report.

[@IL_Bgentyl]

Huge issue with voting is we don’t use a ranked system which forces us into a two party government. Due to people not wanting to, “waste” their vote. Ranked system allows you to select 1,2,3 and so on if 1 loses 2 gets your vote and so on.

[@eringo-bragh4243]

I remember an auto shop owner from a small town won her seat; she is a Democrat and wonder how she had fared among Congress

[@gamtngirl3655]

How can ANY politician withstand the thousands upon thousands $ that corporations give politicians to see things their way. It’s a huge stumbling block. Citizens United in 2010 destroyed our political system.

[@beckyraskin3280]

Good for Mr Osborne - I hope he wins. It will inspire MANY more working class people to go to Congress. Yes, it will!!!

[@calebrobinson6406]

Ranked choice voting!

[@pagandragon830]

YES!!!!! I think we're going to have to equate it to a football pool in order to get the willfully ignorant to understand what this is. Gods people and their unwillingness to look up facts irritates the 💩 out of me!!!

[@ohiasdxfcghbljokasdjhnfvaw4ehr]

yes please. this would help so freaking much.

[@TheDanEdwards]

No. RCV is not the answer.

[@pagandragon830]

@@TheDanEdwards Uh oh! We have someone who loves the status quo and minority rule that is happening through gerrymandering. The people with a lack of critical thinking skills and 5th grade reading/comprehension levels in this country are trying to hold the rest of us, who want money out of politics and our lives to improve, back!!

[@xboxbam3979]

@@TheDanEdwards What makes you think that? Why would it not be the answer? Yes, people that are worth voting for still need to actually run to make the change worthwhile, but ranked choice gives a stronger chance to get the better people elected and gives the "minority votes" in each state more representation compared to the none they currently get in the "winner takes all" approach currently in effect. It also removes the control the two major parties currently have over our government. I don't see any negative that outweighs the benefits here, so I'm genuinely curious on why you are against it?

[@TheDanEdwards]

Given many people in the US are convinced that a liberal democracy is some sort of sinful thing, that the proper way for a nation to govern is through a theocracy, or a very limited form of democracy whereby only landowners or heads of households ought to have a franchise, the issues are much deeper than what are painted in this video.

[@wilberwhateley7569]

But *why* do they think this way? Usually this is due to a lack of education - one linked to the underfunding of public schools in favor of charter programs. And who pushes for this? Nine out of ten times it's the rich: those with wealth want to keep those who aren't as ignorant as possible - just smart enough to run the machinery of society, but not smart enough to ask questions like "why is the machinery here" or "how can make the machinery work for us instead of the upper classes?"

[@techcafe0]

Land Value Tax + Universal Basic Income both are long overdue

[@mn0g0nm]

finally someone with a platform talking about the thing I been hollering about since 1997! will wonders never cease?

[@Aion_00]

So, where do I start. I am Dan,or in the same boat at least. In 2020 I ran for mayor for my small city becuase I did not want to see the only person in the race go unchallenged.To my surprise I won. I worked my butt off. We are only 370 people city, but I ran as a Republican. I was asked at every door I knocked on, Republican or Democrat. We are only talking about 370 people, that is all the cared about. During that time I was becoming disenfranchised with my party or parties in general. All the disfunction was getting to me. Fast foward two years, and I tossed my hat into the county mayors race as an Independent. I was called everything, Democrat in disguise, to a Geroge Soros candidate. I just ran as a Republican in the last race. How can that be? How am I anything in disguise? How can a man or a woman win a race where the general public is so pitted against each other, that party is all that matters. Not only that $270,000 dollars was spent for the Republican candidate to get just over 2,000 votes and win. I funded my campaign, with the exception of a few people that really believed in me. I took no outside money at all. How do we compete against it. How do we change a system that is so broken when we can not even look at a candidate for their ideas, without asking Republican or Democrat?

[@marciamartins1992]

Free advertising, which of course doesn't exist.

[@UnclePlaysBadly]

The most telling stat I've seen is that Congress people spend something like 30 hours per week on fundraising. If you don't raise funds for the party, you don't get committee assignments. Imagine how tedious it must be to spend so much time asking for money.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

They're just shitty telemarketers for rich people.

[@wilberwhateley7569]

Yup - a typical politician is a sales rep: he's selling his influence to the highest bidders in exchange for bribes (sorry... "campaign contributions").

[@danieldumas7361]

This Video is a Keeper. Thanks!

[@Yeahok-pc2jd]

Every working American should file tax exempt. Politicians don’t deserve a penny of our money and we shouldn’t even have pennies.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

All the coins are worthless.

[@marciamartins1992]

They are always crying about how much it cost to mint money. No doubt it will be used to makes us go into crypto currency. Then they could see everything you buy, and you'll be taxed on your pennies.

[@tmkeesler]

That wealth migration that he mentions at 4:00 is what’s referred to as “trickle-down economics”. That was pushed by the working-class hero R. Regan.

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

He was an actor, so he was a lot better at conning everyone.

[@Skylord12345]

Term limits for all! Make sure to push hard for this. No politician or judge should be allowed to stay around forever.

[@peacelovehopecharity]

Rep Glusenkamp of southwest Washington is a autobody shop owner. We need more blue collar, teachers, nurses and STEM people in DC and alot less lawyers.

[@sdesrocher]

Blue collar workers, health care workers, teachers and people in STEM are generally problem solvers. In the legal profession, it's all about winning, even if you're not right. That doesn't translate well to a government that is supposed to serve its people and not its political parties and donors.

[@piku5637]

We need a worker and🏡🏘️co-op and Ⓐctive union revolution across our cities🌆to democratize🗳️💙the workplace☭. To preserve and improve our democracy.🌸🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

[@CJ-vj7pm]

Socialism or barbarism

[@noahd213]

Bot?

[@andrewwebb917]

What's with the emoji?

[@justinbuddy56]

@@andrewwebb917I’m very confused too

[@amibrainwashed]

​@@CJ-vj7pm socialism IS barbarism

[@SilortheBlade]

Just remember, not voting accomplishes nothing. THIS. This is how change is made. You don't like all the politicians? Then go out and support an independent or someone at a primary. Voter apathy has created the world we are stuck with today.

[@Julieglam3]

The broken political system in this country is what has caused voter apathy. Anyone running Independent doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of winning anything unless the way our political system runs currently is radically changed from what it is. And as long as it's kept the way it is (which it probably will be) more and more working class people are going to keep opting out. Term limits and age limits would be a good start for people running for ANY position in government. When I see that happen, I might not feel as apathetic as I do...but I won't hold my breath for it. Because that would mean they were serious about bringing actual CHANGE.

[@daviddeshazo5183]

This is a movement that needs to happen if we are to take humanity into a better direction.

[@Apheleion]

in France and Brazil minimum paid time off for all employees is 5 weeks off.

[@gking407]

Labor issues are progressive by definition in any nation that values and protects capital over people.

[@czarkusa2018]

Yeah but "People have a hunger for change" means it's not progressive it's just normal or something. Man, USAliens are so deeply hypnotised.

[@wonyankeesays5661]

If the current congress put in 90hrs a week,,we would all be dead and stinking

[@The_fusion_physics_guy]

Ay, good to see you on youtube, your tink tonk updates were always great, excellent journalism! So great to see actual on-the-ground journalism nowadays.

[@fl676]

🇺🇸💪🏻

[@doom2avatar]

Says he wants to stop inflation...proceeds to talk about tax cuts

[@klang180]

Yes I noticed that but I think there is method in there, was just lost in translation. He meant that the mega corps are making huge profits which drives inflation and are then not taxed on those profits whilst ordinary people pay those taxes and for inflation too. He's not slick but he can't be worse than those in office who are but laugh all the way to the bank.

[@marciamartins1992]

Absolutely we need more stories like this. Unknown politicians need the exposure. Yes please do.

[@Aortadetroit]

Great piece Jessica!

[@williammowbray6305]

I am fortunate to have two working class people in government, Josh Shapiro governor, and John Fetterman US Senator. I just makes me sick when politicians like Trump say they are for working people. He was given every thing from his Rich daddy. Hope Dan wins a seat! Thanks for your work.

[@donaldjones9830]

Fetterman is brain dead. Like every Democrat in office.

[@wilberwhateley7569]

Yeah - funny how this orange "champion of the working class" advanced massive tax cuts for the people that already have more money than they can possibly spend in a lifetime...

[@jeffdelaunay6656]

Throwing fresh meat into a broken meat grinder doesn’t fix the meat grinder, it ruins the meat. You either become the thing you hated in the first place or you don’t get reelected. But sure, Dan is gonna be the exception 😂

[@cliveklg7739]

As opposed to your plan which is... oh right do nothing. The analogy is bs. He's an example of change we can make at the local level. And his example could be the start of more people running and winning and finally getting the numbers to make a change.

[@chavvy9074]

@@cliveklg7739 no. He’s not. There is nothing that will exempt him from being bribed once he gets enough money to compromise his views. Plenty of people have plenty of suggestions that don’t just run off of “elect the guy who’s never been to college or studied an inch of politics in his life, he’ll make good policies!” AOC was a bartender elected off of street cred and it took less than 5 terms for her to be accused of embezzling money from her campaigns. Money is the meat grinder and ANYBODY is the meat. Anybody can run for any office as it is, you’re just betting on this guy to be good.

[@chavvy9074]

@@cliveklg7739 test

[@jeffdelaunay6656]

@@cliveklg7739 how the fuck do you know what “my plan” is? Mother’s day is coming up. Why dont you get her that post-term abortion she’s always wanted.

[@RetNemmoc555]

Agree 100%. Vote for Dan. In the mean time, which party in office _right now_ is more likely to vote for any bill that Dan Osborn introduces, and which presidential candidate is more likely to sign it? Getting money out of politics is absolutely necessary. Electing representatives who are more likely to _represent_ people first is absolutely necessary. Yes, the two-party system sucks, but which party _right now_ is trying to prevent the other from excluding regular working-class people from participating in elections? Please don't ignore the rest of the ballot. Don't be fooled by subtle attempts to convince you not to vote for either of presidential candidate. It is not hard to figure out which one of them does more for you and which one is only in it for himself.

[@williamrose3191]

Thank you for making this video!

[@ngf5077]

2%? I thought this would be a video about Kanye identifying who controls the government t.

[@sherizarn]

Sounded great until the end. I’d like to hear more policy.

[@ny3683syr]

Great video and great candidate. One of my friends is running for a local office in NYS. It's her second attempt at getting elected. I am so proud to call her my friend.

[@Rkcuddles]

Everybody has a price, not every politician starts corrupt. We don’t know what coolaid they are serving over there.

[@4whirledpeas]

First, THANK you for this excellent video. It gives me hope. It points to what America SHOULD and COULD be. I have shared it on all my socials! Second, you asked about ideas for other stories. I have been working in the Montessori community for 35 years to try to bring about educational change. As a medical doctor, Montessori said that the way we educate should match the way human beings actually learn, grow, and develop. Dr. Steve Hughes, a pediatric neuropsychologist, said that Dr. "Montessori anticipated a lot of what we now know to be true in neuroscience" and "pretty much got everything right." So, it should not be surprising that the Montessori model has been shown to close the income-achievement gap. There are Montessori schools in inner cities that are changing lives. There are public Montessori schools in rural red states that show Montessori crosses cultural and political boundaries. There are Widlflower micro-schools that bring Montessori principles into small home daycares. Koren Clark calls Montessori a "liberation pedagogy" as did the Malcolm X Foundation in 1968. People *think* that Montessori is for the wealthy. That is not true. *Maria created her educational model for working families first* People *think* there isn't anything we can do to fix education. But a large community has been working on this problem for over 100 years - they are just outside of the mainstream (so no one knows about it). A lot of people have heard the word "Montessori" - but most people have no idea what it is and how it meets the needs of developing humans (aka children). kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJK8lKJnl5J8gKs news.virginia.edu/content/study-montessori-education-erases-income-achievement-gap www.wildflowerschools.org/post/montessori-for-our-collective-liberation www.edutopia.org/article/public-school-makes-case-montessori-all kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXjMiqCLbtx_jrs kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5jchoN-aMZlidU eadn-wc03-7783607.nxedge.io/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Malcolm-X-Montessori.jpg

[@ozzitor8]

Everything from Buckley v. Valeo to Citizens United needs to be repealed. That has to be the start.

[@Khorvalar]

It's ridiculous that they don't have sick time, it's been mandatory in Oregon for a long time.

[@grayautumnday]

I have $10 in my account until the end of the month. I just went and donated $3 of that to his campaign. My dad was a shipfitter all my childhood. We need more honest real working non-elite folk in senate for all the states, no matter what party they run for or what kind of politics they believe in.

[@corythekillerrr]

Reminder for the future, folks: He's happy and non-suicidal!

[@Thomas-pq4ys]

Most politicians are actors... and that's it.

[@Mr.Mopar.23-7]

Take the money away from politicians. The problems we face will be corrected. A corporation shouldn't have anything to do with our lives. We The People!

[@marciamartins1992]

People? I wish ...Lol No I feel like a commodity owned by a corporation.

[@marykirmo]

Had I not already been subscribed, seeing Ms Burbank would have sold me. Thanks for doing important work.

[@HeavyMetalTots]

More people like Dan in Congress!

[@johnhavel7685]

I love this. At this point I’m am so sick of the partisan games and the putting everyone against each other that they do and never getting anything of any real substance done. And I’m sick of the trash candidates we keep getting from the two main parties. I often ask myself are they really the best we can do and my answer is no these candidates are not. Let’s get common sense real working people in there and people not beholden to these corporations and lobbying groups and actually make some change that will benefit the majority of citizens rather than the top 1% again. Don’t buy into the main parties games and their propaganda that there aren’t any other options other than them it’s a lie and we need to vote third party and independent if we want to really change things for the betterment of all not just a few.