Progressives Rally As Midterms Approach

Tens of thousands of progressive activists rallied at the base of the Lincoln Memorial Saturday in what organizers hope will be a crucial show of strength in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections.

The rally, entitled “One Nation Working Together,” was arranged as a call for job creation, social justice and improvements in the education system, but with the specter of the midterm elections looming overhead, Saturday’s gathering contained another clear message: Vote.

“We’ve got to hit the pavement, we’ve got to knock on doors,” Reverend Al Sharpton told the crowd. “We can’t stop.”

The rally comes amid widespread discussion of an enthusiasm gap between Republican and Democrat voters. Conservative activists have held dozens of rallies nationwide since Obama assumed office and Republican leaders are hoping the sense of frustration will translate into the votes needed to shift control of Congress to the party. The rally, as well as a White House effort to motivate young voters, serves as an attempt to reverse the momentum.

“One Nation” was the culmination of efforts from hundreds of labor, civil rights and left-leaning organizations, including the NAACP, SEIU and AFL-CIO. Reverend Jesse Jackson, ex-Green Jobs advisor Van Jones and musician Harry Bellafonte attended as well.

While many progressives hoped the event would dwarf a rally held at the same location by conservative television personality Glenn Beck this August, it appears that the turnout was likely significantly smaller. Comedy Central stars Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert have scheduled more direct counterpoint to the Beck demonstration for the end of the month.