I still shudder at the speeches from the Bread & Roses slate in the East Bay elections. They were trying so hard to sound right, but came across as tacky, anemic, and lacking lived experience. I felt embarrassed for them, and also felt their speeches explained their persistent siege mentality, too: lashing out because they’re afraid of losing control and trying new things, while the Medicare for All campaigning and other cemented priorities have become more like concrete blocks.