Re: DSA's Platform Reboot

On Tue, Aug 4, 2026 at 05:48 PM, Mark Baugher wrote:

> 
> we disagree about the value of socialists holding office when they have no
> mass base. The "electorate" is not a mass base.

Yes, it would seem Mark and I strongly disagree.  For example, I and many others on the left cheered Mamdani's campaign and unexpected victory as a positive development at this level of class struggle. I also consider the NYC electorate which boosted him to the mayoralty as a mass base and a starting point for further development of that struggle. I hail it as an advance fully understanding there is very little even a sincere and committed socialist like Mamdani can do to peaceably bring about fundamental change under a capitalist system.

Mark evidently believes Mamdani's victory was a negative development.  In line with his logic as expressed above, he  would have counselled the DSA and Mamdani not to run for office since he lacked a "mass base".  Presumably, it would have been more consistent with socialist principles for the DSA have remained a small sect - initial polls, I believe, had Mamdani's support at 1% - since the electorate is irrelevant and can be safely ignored.

I'll be very surprised if Mark's position gains any "likes" beyond Charles' on the list, much less any semblance of support beyond it.


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