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Now that Hillary Clinton is officially in the presidential race, liberal groups are vowing to keep pushing Clinton to adopt a more progressive message.

Shortly after her video announcement, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee released its own video using Clinton's own words: "I'm not just beginning a campaign though, I'm beginning a conversation. So let's talk. Let's chat. Let's start a dialogue about your ideas and mine."

The video goes on to call on Clinton to adopt a "bold" campaign platform adopting progressive, populist ideas.

Clinton's official candidacy has done little to deter populist progressives, especially those who have been working to persuade Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren to join the race. Instead, these activists say they see Clinton's candidacy as a critical moment in the 2016 presidential contest.

"Ready for Warren will be stepping up our efforts to convince Warren to run for president," said Erica Sagrans, the campaign manager for outside group Ready For Warren. "With the 2016 race officially underway, we anticipate more Americans expressing their desire for a vigorous Democratic primary with Elizabeth Warren in it a primary that would strengthen the eventual nominee, ensure Democrats are better positioned to win the general election, and give working families a champion in Washington."

While many progressives won't publicly criticize Clinton, they believe Warren, who has rallied against Wall Street and excessive money in politics, would be well-suited as a fighter for the poor and the middle class.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who was elected on a progressive platform and is also Clinton's former campaign manager, said he is holding out endorsing her until he sees "an actual vision of where they want to go."

Warren, meanwhile, has said many times that she is not running for president. Last week, she turned down an offer of a million dollars from television host Bill Maher if she jumped in the race.

Still, Warren's supporters are continuing to organize in the key primary states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

Ben Wikler, Washington director of Moveon.org and the Run Warren Run campaign, said 12 staff members in the two states are creating "the apparatus so that when she does announce she hits the ground running."

Originally posted here:
With Clinton In, Progressives Ramp Up Pressure