By Jack C
Electoralism is a perennial bugbear of leftist organizing. One of the many skepticisms leftists hold (including many in the DSA) is that even if a campaign to get the elected official of choice into office succeeds, they may have little ability to institute the policies they ran on an. Additionally, holding them accountable to voters once they’re in power can prove difficult, so when they abandon the ideals and policies that were the reasons for supporting them, the voting public has no recourse.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s career in the House of Representatives since her victory over Joe Crowley two years ago has been a noteworthy exception to the norm. She immediately made waves by joining a sit-in and announcing her support for the Green New Deal and has consistently put forth progressive policies and spoken truth to power in committees, at press events, and online. Of course, her support of Bernie Sanders has also helped keep her in the good graces of the people who helped her get elected, especially within the DSA.
Holding a special DSA-only town hall with AOC in January was a unique opportunity for many local organizers, some of whom no-doubt joined the DSA or increased their involvement because of her campaign. They had a chance to connect with the representative, hear her speak, and ask her questions. The event had a communal feel, being held in a party hall in Corona (complete with dance recital upstairs).
AO …. C Major! Sing Solidarity Chorus with their latest recruit. Photo by Rebecca Rodriguez/staff
“It’s important for members to have opportunities to interact with our elected officials and ask questions about what they are doing to advance DSA’s demands in office,” said SBK-DSA member and Steering Committee co-chair Chi Anunwa.
There was a heavy Queens presence, understandably, as well as new and seasoned members from across the rest of NYC’s local branches. Enthusiasm was high and there was significant tabling from other DSA-endorsed electoral hopefuls. One of the common arguments for electoralism is that, win or lose, we always bring in lots of new members whenever we run a candidate (see: Bernie, AOC, Salazar, and the heavy slate of 2020 candidates currently running campaigns).
Standout moments from the evening included an exchange between AOC and EcoSocialist OC member Andrea Guinn, wherein AOC agreed to meet with the working group about helping out with the public power campaign. The Representative also agreed to join the Medicare for All Caucus and discussed the unique challenges facing elected officials and organizers if we’re to get M4A legislation passed.
It’s a time of great excitement, opportunity, and anxiety for DSA members and leftists of all stripes, as Representatives like AOC become emboldened to push for more and more progressive policies, and an out socialist stands poised to possibly run for (and win) the highest office in the land. Now is the time for us to stand together and redouble our efforts in building the world we wish to live in. Events like this remind us that when we work together, we win, and every now and then, we get someone in office who really gives a damn and follows through on what they say they’ll do. AOC seems to be one of those people, spending her time and energy with her DSA comrades until the last moment:
“Alexandria was a gem and stayed until we literally got kicked out of the venue taking pictures and talking to people,” says Leanna Ballester, SBK.
Enough said.
