Former Obama administration Green Jobs Adviser Van Jones called on progressives to learn from the successes of the tea party movement, calling it a movement larger than any leader by "talking individual and acting collective." He warned that the progressive movement must be tied to "principles and not a person." He said that President Obama's presidential campaign slogan of "Yes we can" has turned into "Yes you can," with voters expecting the president to do everything himself. Following his remarks he invited several progressive activists on stage to introduce themselves.

Mr. Jones' speech was part of a Campaign for America's Future conference grassroots organizing, the progressive movement, and helping the middle class in a slow economy.