Ep132: Local Elections as Revolutionary Praxis

This shorted episode due to teeth problems covers some of the electioneering stories I’ve saved before this years election Day hits like a wiffle batt. As always, I cover wins, losses, and how running some forms of electoral politics can and does integrate with more radical and revolutionary politics, with a through line about the need for election system reform in America. Few radicals care for it, but its totally needed. I explain with how communists have taken power in an Austrian city, Greens in Scotland, and compare with the experience of a Green campaign for Mayor in a small Connecticut town and the Hawkins Walker Campaign as they reflect on their run last year for President.

Music Used: Tubthumping, by Chumbawamba

Sources:

How the Communist Party came to hold power in Graz, Austria
https://jacobinmag.com/2021/09/communist-party-of-austria-kpo-graz-election-victory-red-fortress/
Greens Gain in Scotland and Germany
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-57043738
https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-green-party-a-victory-that-doesnt-feel-like-one/a-59328354
Local Green Electioneering in CT
https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/aoc-local-elections-tom-dispatch/
Hawkins/Walker Reflect on Last Year
https://howiehawkins.us/project/7-28-21-green-pages-lesser-evil-dynamic-tramples-green-presidential-campaign/