Clinton launches new political action group

By Ben Kamisar - 05/15/17 04:30 PM EDT
 

Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonBiden flexes presidential muscle on campaign trail with Virginia's McAuliffe Shontel Brown gaining ground against Nina Turner in Ohio: poll Biden hits trail for McAuliffe in test of his political brand MORE on Monday unveiled her new political action organization, Onward Together, which will fundraise for five prominent progressive groups. 

Clinton revealed the news in an email to supporters and a series of tweets, promising to contribute to the "remarkable" spirit of political activism in the early months of the Trump administration. 

"I believe more fiercely than ever that citizen engagement at every level is central to a strong and vibrant democracy," she wrote. 

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"To support this wave of grassroots organizing, we're launching Onward Together, an organization dedicated to advancing the progressive vision that earned nearly 66 million votes in the last election. Onward Together will work to build a brighter future for generations to come by supporting groups that encourage people to organize and run for office."

The group's initial effort will support five specific progressive groups: Swing Left, which targets vulnerable House Republican incumbents; Emerge America, which will train Democratic women to run for office; Color of Change, which fights for criminal justice reform and racial justice; Indivisible, a group that's mobilizing a "resistance" against Trump; and Run for Something, which helps potential candidates find tools to guide their bids. 

That support will take the form of direct funding as well as efforts to "amplify their work," Clinton said. 

The move marks Clinton's most tangible return to the public arena since her loss to President Trump in November, a defeat that sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. After spending a few months out of the public eye, Clinton has ramped up her political involvement in recent weeks and months.
 
In March, she debuted a new slogan, "resist, insist, persist, enlist," as she encouraged disheartened liberals to remain in the political fight. That slogan is now prominently featured on the group's website.  
 
Former candidates moving to the world of political nonprofits isn't new. Former President Barack ObamaBarack Hussein ObamaEmergency infrastructure needed to keep Americans safe: Public media Kavanaugh conspiracy? Demands to reopen investigation ignore both facts and the law Congress is to blame for the latest ruling on DACA MORE converted his latent campaign apparatus into Organizing for Action after his first presidential victory. And Clinton's Democratic primary opponent, Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersTo break the corporate tax logjam, tax overinflated CEO pay Will Pence primary Trump — and win? Grassley pressured to run as Democrats set sights on Iowa MORE (I-Vt.), launched his own Our Revolution nonprofit in the aftermath of his primary bid. 
 
Tags Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders Barack Obama