The Communist Party USA has made a comeback in the recent elections, with three candidates winning in Maine, Massachusetts, and Upstate New York. This marks a significant moment in the Party’s history, as it doubles the number of open Communist Party members ever elected to US public office. These candidates are part of a new generation of communists, believing in a Marxist-Leninist political structure to achieve a “workers’ paradise.” The Party is distinct from Democratic Socialists of America, as they reject the idea of reforming the Democratic Party. The recent successes in local elections have been part of a strategic plan by the CPUSA to target non-partisan races, where candidates are listed on the ballot without party labels. This has allowed them to make significant gains without voters realizing they are supporting a member of the Communist Party. The Communist Party USA made headlines when they decided to run candidates for political office, breaking a trend of members running as Democrats or Independents. Steven Estrada, a 29-year-old US Army vet, became the first CPUSA member in decades to run openly for a seat on the Long Beach, CA city council. Despite his support for China and progressive ideas, he did not win the election.
Estrada criticized the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for being a “big tent organization” rather than a political party. He believes that China represents the next step in the evolution of Marxism and Leninism since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The CPUSA has modernized its leadership structure with a co-chair system, led by Joe Sims and Rossana Cambron. They have adopted a bold and modern campaign style, similar to that of DSA-backed politicians like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.
Despite their efforts to recruit members and promote their platform, the CPUSA faces challenges due to the negative perception of communism in America. Some members, like Estrada, have left the party due to their perceived friendliness towards Democrats and their anti-Trump rhetoric.
Estrada believes that the Make America Great Again movement represents the true will of the working class and should be respected. He aligns with a communist offshoot that shares this belief and thinks that communists should learn from Trump rather than oppose him.
Overall, the CPUSA continues to navigate the complexities of American politics, trying to promote their socialist ideals while adapting to modern political trends. sentence: “The cat sat on the windowsill and watched the birds outside.”
The cat perched on the windowsill, observing the birds flying outside.
