1. What does Populist Mean?

Populist means appealing to ordinary people who feel that their concerns are disregarded by establishment elite groups. TYT’s Populist Plank includes policies that have overwhelming popularity among all Americans.

  1. Why is TYT creating the Populist Plank?

As the nation braces itself for a second Donald Trump term, TYT is preparing to lead its viewers in a populist revolt. “Challenge the establishment” is part of the network’s mission statement and nothing has changed. For years, we have warned of the growing rot within our political system. Corporate cash has enfeebled the mainstream media and made them beholden to access and ad revenue. They prioritize the needs of the powerful over the people. As a result, decades of slanted and deceptive coverage have led voters astray. They have abandoned their responsibilities as members of the fourth estate. But, TYT is ready to rebuild and move forward for positive change.

  1. Why are we saying Populist instead of Progressive?

Words like progressive and liberal still have meaning in our country. They are used to identify ourselves, and they are also used to ostracize others. The above definition (#1) is the best fit for what we are trying to achieve which is bringing people together to fight for what we believe in and what we deserve.

  1. Why does the Populist Plank appeal to the right as well as the left?

These are policies that would have real impact on millions of people. Right now, we are finding common ground on these issues. So why not work together to get these popular policies passed? We are driving for positive change and going to get caught trying!

  1. Why are there only 6 policies?

These are the policies that the vast majority of Americans agree on. Imagine that? And yet, politicians cannot seem to get stuff done to make sure we have higher wages and paid family leave. It’s time we change that.

  1. Why are these the policies?

Get Money Out of Politics - If we get money out of politics, the whole system changes for the better. Politicians would stop being beholden to their donors and would focus on their constituents. And, candidates and elected officials could stop wasting their time calling donors all day and night. As an added bonus, we would all stop getting those annoying emails.

Higher Wages - well, no explanation needed. But the last time we raised the minimum wage was 2009!!!

Paid Family Leave - The United States is the only developed country without any guaranteed paid parental leave at the national level. Paid leave improves both maternal and infant health.

No More Wars - Wars are an outdated form of conflict that causes injury to civilians and destroys the environment. The financial cost to the US to participate in wars is astronomical.

Ban Private Equity Firms from Buying Up Our Homes - Private equity firms are buying residential properties making it impossible for Americans to own homes. Home ownership is one of the primary ways for us to build our own wealth.

Negotiate All Drug Prices - the federal government should have the ability to negotiate down the cost of all drug prices, not just some. Americans often forgo their medications because of cost while the insurance industry and drug companies profit off of sickness.

  1. What about climate change and other things I care about?

There are so many issues that TYT is passionate about. Policies around climate change and gun violence are incredibly important and we have spent a great deal of time discussing these issues AND we will never stop fighting for them. When building the Populist Plank, we looked at the policies that the majority of us agree on and those that politicians would support regardless of party affiliation. Now, should climate change be a partisan issue??? Of course not!

  1. Why should I sign this petition?

Signing this petition is your way of showing personal support for a movement that is bringing people from across the party spectrum together to get something done.

  1. What happens after I sign the petition?

After you sign the petition, we would love for you to share it on your social media, by text, or by email with your friends and family. Once we have a critical mass of signatures, we will be launching various campaigns to create partnerships and get elected officials to sign on.

  1. What happens if one side or the other abandons these policies and the Populist Plank? How do we hold people accountable?

We are building a voting block based on these policies. It is in TYT’s core mission to hold people accountable - that means holding EVERYONE accountable. We will not sit back and speak only within our echo chamber. We will fight for things that we all deserve.

  1. There are organizations focused on one or some of the policies in the Plank. Can we partner with them?

YES! Our Operation Hope volunteers have started a document to track potential partners. If there is a group or person you think we should partner with, fill out this form.

  1. You’re a media company, why are you running a petition?

We are a different kind of media company. We want to work with you to drive positive change in the world.

  1. How can I help spread the word about the Populist Plank?
  • Sign the petition and share on your social media
  • Join the Operation Hope Working Groups (tyt.com/hope) to learn more!
  1. Do you sell Populist Plank merch?

Why yes, we do. www.ShopTYT.com