Winning Political Revolution: How we go From Bernie Sanders to Democratic Socialism in our Lifetime
Micah Uetricht; Meagan Day
Synopsis "Winning Political Revolution: How we go From Bernie Sanders to Democratic Socialism in our Lifetime "
A guide to political revolution using Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign as a springboardBernie Sanders's 2016 candidacy expanded the scope of political possibility in the United States, putting socialism and class politics back on the map. His radical campaign - not just for the Democratic presidential candidacy but against 'the billionaire class' - helped catalyze other transformative left-wing politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to seek and win office, just as he inspired teachers from West Virginia to Los Angeles to win hard-fought, historic strike campaigns. Sanders has, in short, helped cohere a new movement in American politics.But even when coverage of Sanders takes stock of the sea change he has affected in American politics, it all too often fails to grasp what's unique about his approach. The senior senator from Vermont has demanded new policies and political approaches in this country -- though he has also hinted at more, calling repeatedly for a "political revolution," something that he says would involve "millions of Americans" getting involved in politics not just at the ballot box, but in their workplaces and neighborhoods, too.In this book, Micah Uetricht and Meagan Day, two leading representatives of both the intellectual and activist currents in this new socialist political wave, go beyond a simple balance sheet of the Democratic Party politics. In a clear and effective style, they detail what we need to do to get beyond the Sanders campaign or presidency to transform the US from top to bottom. Rather than focus on his admirable personal qualities, Beyond Bernie provides a serious analysis of the prospects for long-term change, driven by the activity of millions of ordinary people. As radicals continue to win down ballot elections in small towns and big cities, as teachers and teamsters continue to win militant strikes against their employers, and as thousands press their representatives or join movements to fight for healthcare, a Green New Deal, and an end to mass incarceration, the revolution seems less like a slogan than an actionable strategy for changing everything.As Bernie's campaign for the Democratic nomination winds down, either in victory or in defeat, the supporters of the most popular politician in America will be wondering: what's next? This book is a how-to guide to making political revolution a long-standing presence in American politics, and a day to day feature in the lives of millions of Americans.
