Socialism

Beyond Bernie: Still Not With Her

counterpunch by Kshama Sawant June 24, 2016 Since the June 7 California primary, the historic upheaval that coalesced around Bernie Sanders’ campaign has continued to defy the demands of the political establishment, but has also increasingly turned into a search for the way forward. After a powerful, year-long mass campaign over the hostile terrain of a rigged primary, our political revolution is at a crossroads. The post-California period began with a revolt, following the AP’s preemptive anointment of Clinton. In the hours and days after this corporate media assault and the initial ballot results, there was a wave of angry…


Why Socialists Can’t Wait for Bernie to Lose

How the biggest socialist candidacy in a century is dividing an already divided movement. Politico By Bill Scher February 4, 2016 Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the 2016 presidential race is that Bernie Sanders, somehow, has made “socialism” a safe word in American politics. Nearly 100 years ago Socialist presidential candidate Eugene Debs had to campaign from prison; today, Sanders campaigns on socialism in broad daylight. For eight years, Democrats winced when Republicans hurled the “socialist” slur at President Barack Obama; now, 43 percent of likely Iowa Democratic caucus participants, many inspired by Sanders, embrace the label. But the…


Political Revolution and the Third-Party Imperative

OdEd News By Scott McClarty February 3, 2016 “You’ve had your fun with Bernie. Now it’s time to get serious and support Hillary.” That’s the harangue Bernie Sanders’ supporters have been hearing from mainstream bsmocratic Party leaders and their apologists in the media. It’s bound to intensify in the wake of the virtual tie in the Iowa caucuses on February 1 and his projected win in the New Hampshire primary contest. When Dem leaders look at Mr. Sanders, they shudder over the prospect of a repeat of George McGovern’s crushing loss to Richard Nixon. Like Mr. McGovern in 1972, Mr….


After Bernie

What will happen to ‘political revolution’ if (when) Hillary wins the nomination? counterpunch by Scott McLarty June 15, 2015 The question needs to be asked. What will Bernie Sanders’ supporters do when “We need a political revolution”  inevitably turns into “We must vote for the lesser evil”? It seems like bad manners to bring up the likelihood that Mr. Sanders will lose to Hillary Clinton in the primaries, when so many progressive voters are waxing enthusiastic about his decision to run for the Democratic nomination. The fate of progressive Dem contenders like Jesse Jackson and Dennis Kucinich in previous election…


Supporting Sanders sends the wrong message

Socialist Worker by Gloria Mattera June 10, 2015 The decision of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders to run for the Democratic Party presidential nomination has led to a vibrant debate. On May 31, at the Left Forum in New York City, Gloria Mattera, co-chair of the Green Party of New York State* and a coordinating committee member of System Change Not Climate Change*, was part of a panel discussion on “Should the Left Support Bernie Sanders?” Other panelists included Ashley Smith of the International Socialist Organization, Bhaskar Sunkara of Jacobin magazine and Winnie Wong of People for Bernie. Audio of their…