Filmmaker Michael Moore used an appearance on CNN’s election night coverage Tuesday to call for progressive candidates to challenge the Democratic Party establishment.

Moore spoke with host Laura Coates during a discussion about whether Michigan was ready for a progressive candidate. The exchange quickly moved into a broader argument about the party’s direction and the role of establishment Democrats, as reported by Breitbart.

Coates asked Moore what was different about the current moment and why he believed Michigan could be prepared for that kind of candidate. Moore answered by pointing directly at the party’s record against Trump.

“Well, first of all, the Democratic Party, the traditionalists, were unable to stop Trump twice.”

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Coates then pressed the issue further, raising the tension between what voters believe is possible and what some see as a need to preserve parts of the status quo. Her question focused on whether a real clash exists between establishment Democrats and more progressive candidates.

“There is a clash between what people think is possible and what they think requires the continuation of some aspect of the status quo. Do you think that there really is this striking odds between establishment and more progressive candidates on the ability to get things done? Does there require a change in the establishment and in the way things are done to effectuate the changes you want to see?”

Moore responded by saying he would plead for the kind of change Coates described. He argued that Democrats were not going to win by continuing on the same path.

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“If I could get on my knees and beg, it would be for exactly what you just said, because we are not going to win the other way.”

He then referred to the 24 election cycle while continuing to criticize the party’s approach. Moore’s point was that the strategy he was rejecting had already failed.

“We lost that way when, in 24, it’s not going to happen.”

Moore said that responsibility now rested with those who want a different direction inside the party. He presented the moment as urgent and said action had to begin immediately.

“If we allow this to happen, we are in charge, and we need to get busy right now.”

He also rejected the idea that the debate should be centered on electability. For Moore, the issue was not whether a progressive candidate could win, but whether the party would continue relying on figures he blamed for past losses.

“It’s not about electability.”

Moore said he had known the candidate discussed in the segment for many years and had worked on his campaign for governor in 2018. He said Democrats would be fortunate if that candidate became a senator representing Michigan.

“Boy, we would be so lucky if he were our senator representing us and standing up for the people who are dying every day over there.”

Moore then put the responsibility back on voters and party members, saying the outcome depended on them. His criticism of the Democratic establishment became sharper as he said he would not back the people he believes brought the party to defeat.

“I will not support hacks, hacks in the Democratic Party who have led us to this Waterloo.”

He continued by saying Democrats needed to commit and do what was necessary. Moore did not frame the issue as limited to one night, saying the broader fight would continue even if the result did not arrive immediately.

“If it doesn’t happen tonight, it’ll happen another time.”

Moore closed that part of his answer with a direct warning that the current situation would not be allowed to continue. He described a coming reaction from younger Americans.

“This will not stand. This. This will not continue. The youth of America are going to rise.”

The CNN appearance showed Moore pressing for a progressive revolt against Democratic Party traditionalists. His comments were aimed at the party establishment and centered on his belief that Democrats cannot win by following the same leadership and strategy he blamed for repeated failure against Trump.

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