The progressive congressional leaders known as the Squad have significantly impacted political alignments in Washington. In contrast, the 2016 election of Donald Trump was a different kind of game changer. In this plenary, we will explore the following:
How do fights for freedom and justice connect to electoral and legislative work? What does it mean to fight for state power when the state itself is problematic and compromise is the norm? What would it mean to abandon this arena of struggle? What is possible within it, and what isn’t? What is the principled relationship between movements and progressive elected officials, ballot initiatives, etc.? Why do organizers distinguish between local and national elections and campaigns? Why is it important to differentiate between governing power and electoral victories? What does accountability look like in systems not designed for it, and what systemic changes are needed for a real and robust democracy?