This week, we’re joined by professor of political science Adolph Reed Jr. to discuss the power of organizing versus mobilizing, how to address capitalism as a root problem, the task of getting money out of politics, and more.
On the topic of building power, the left can’t cede ground to the right due to petty infighting — our survival is at stake. Professor Reed points out one key strength of the right, one in which it outflanks the left: constructing durable and powerful alliances. “Scapegoating and resentment” are the tools that the right calls upon to shore up a strong base with plenty of supporters. Leftists must focus on addressing material issues faced by the working class, not conjuring up political boogeymen to win power, so we need other tools to build alliances.