DISQUS

Guest · 1 year ago

"... this loose, but broad people's coalition has the potential to defeat McCain and gang in a landslide and shape the post election agenda." Is the Communist Party USA part of that "broad" people's coalition? In theory, or practice? Openly, or secretly?

brad · 1 year ago

From what I've seen, the CPUSA is undoubtedly a part of the coalition, though we can of course do more. Also, it would be useful to further consider and understand what is the role of a revolutionary working-class party in this climate. Certainly, we would be making a serious mistake to think that Communists, socialists, radicals, or even the "Left" are "leading" the current upsurge. Given our size, we do well to keep up with it.
That said, it is encouraging to see the depth of grassroots organization invested in the campaign to elect Obama, particularly considering the intent to maintain field organizations in all 50 states BEYOND November. My question is: how can we best take advantage of this new feature in the political landscape? Beyond merely making this year one of landslide victories...what is the role of the broad center-left coalition (and of the Party within it) not only before but AFTER the elections? To what extent can we ensure that this election transforms the political landscape beyond the center-left liberal politics represented by Obama and the Democratic Party? How can we maintain and expand this momentum to create possibilities of raising the struggle to new and higher levels?

Guest · 1 year ago

I would add another question: how will the CPUSA grow from a very small party of few thousand into a large mass party of millions, given all that is happening now. I don't really see our clubs - most of which are amorphous, city-wide groups that can barely manage to get together and talk on a monthly basis - as a model for growth. In fact, they're the opposite; a model for stagnation and eventual death.

MikeK · 1 year ago

Great questions and comments on a great post! The question of where the movement goes after a huge victory in November (fingers crossed!) is a crucial one. I've been impressed with the accountability program that SEIU has rolled out recently. In short, millions of dollars and a huge number of the union's staff and member leaders are going to be dedicated full time for the first few months after the change of power to making sure that the politicians that they helped elect are actually pursuing a pro-worker agenda. Similar types of accountability efforts should be encouraged in all parts of the movement.

I would note that this should not be interpreted as treating voting for Obama and other Dems as some sort of pained action. They should be enthusiastically campaigned for. But to get them to do their part in bringing about the 21st century New Deal legislation that is needed will require continual pressure from the movement. On that note, the field organizations that Brad mentions should be an area of focus. Forging deep connections with these folks - many of whom are young people who are being politicized (and could be radicalized) by this exciting campaign and time - is an important task now.

To Moonmaster9000 - Do you have something in mind as an alternate structure? Or could you maybe be more precise on how you think the club model can act as an obstacle to growth? Just trying to get a good grasp on your critique.

Gregory · 1 year ago

Regarding the CPUSA's role beyond November: I wonder, to what degree does the CP have relations with other left and progressive parties, such as the Green Party, and the Socialist Party USA? Consider that the Bolivarian revolution in Venezuela is driven by twenty four parties that support Hugo Chavez. I think that after the election the CPUSA should reach out to these other organizations, perhaps normalizing relations. If would be great if the Party could organize a national convention with representatives from all these organizations and begin discussing what we all share in common, despite our ideological differences, and perhaps draft a program that all the parties support. Obviously, this would involve a lot of compromise, but alone, we are all small. How many members does the CPUSA have? How many members does the Green Party have? Together, we would be formidable. The coalition could start strategically backing candidates in local elections across the country, influencing electoral politics from the ground up.

Rayne Poussard · 1 year ago

The best thing the CPUSA can do is stay the hell out of Republican or Democratic party affairs. You're a nothing organization that should remain at nothing. You offer nothing and you bring nothing to the table but problems. There are no bright stars for your party in the U.S. Thank you very much!