Today I'm discussing the difference between corporate controlled campaigns and people-powered politics. It’s a slightly longer message than usual, but I hope you read it all. This is a complex, easily misunderstood subject that can’t just be reduced to sound bites. But the TLDR version is that it’s not just about the interests of money VS the interests of people. It’s about scarce resources driving candidates to avoid risk and become dependent on the safe bet.
In the lead up to the primary, we shared several posts about my opponent, incumbent Jake Fey, and how the overwhelming majority of his contributions come from corporations, and how this clearly impacts his voting record. We’ll have updated data leading up to the general election. But while Fey is a particularly obvious case, it’s not like he’s that different from many politicians, regardless of their party or level of government.
Campaigning is hard and expensive. It’s difficult motivating everyday people to vote, let alone donate or volunteer their time. And this is even more the case when trying to mobilize working class voters, tenants, communities of color, and folks confronting historical or ongoing oppression. The folks that most frequently contribute their time and money tend to be older, whiter and more financially secure. It’s just a basic function of living in a stratified society.
On the other hand, corporations and their PACs are reliable, frequent donors. Many of them are even ostensibly “progressive” and donate with no strings attached. This makes fundraising more predictable, frees up candidate and staff time for other activities, and even allows folks like Jake Fey to spread money around to help Democrats in swing or “purple” districts. This is, of course, not even counting massive corporate PAC independent expenditures.
It’s understandable that many people from both major parties – including many of my own authentically progressive candidate friends – rely so heavily on corporate contributions. It’s understandable that many of them say it will never influence their decisions, even as some of the more avowedly right-wing corporate PACs (such as the Aid to Israel Political Action Committee) are dominating this year’s elections and ripping apart progressives such as Jamal Bowman and Cori Busch. It’s even understandable that prominent political activists in Tacoma have told me I’m unlikely to ever win if I don’t take corporate money.
But dependency on corporate money inherently changes the political calculation, particularly when your opponents are accepting that money, or when a single political misstep could reveal the unspoken threat that you’ll lose it. It’s more about practical risks than shady backroom deals. This is just as true in states like Washington, where the Democrats control both chambers, as it is in purple or red states. It’s just as true in local races funded by hometown elites as it is in big national races funded by billionaire or corporate household names. I can’t guarantee I would be above such pressure myself. This is why I’m refusing corporate money.
The only real alternative is people power based in solidarity, community, and a belief that we can change society. But this has to channel into action. One-on-one voter contact is the single best way to win elections, and having mobilized, engaged constituents helps win transformational policies. This requires people willing to put their time and energy into talking to their communities and reaching out to strangers. It requires a meaningful base of individual volunteers and donors to counteract corporate influence, to hold candidates accountable, and even to mobilize when they or their platforms are under threat.
So, what sets a Democratic Socialist like me apart? It’s about coming out of and being accountable to social movements. It’s about believing in the power of everyday people. It’s about being willing to have big, bold dreams, but always back them up with strategy and tactics. It’s about combining the art, science and skill of organizing. We may not be excelling in all these ways all the time. But this is the orientation we’re bringing to the campaign and I intend to bring into office with me. And I want to bring all of you with me.
My Campaign Manager, Marco, recently said something to me like “lots of people have the heart of a Democratic Socialist. It’s another thing to have the spine of a Democratic Socialist.” I promise you our campaign is all about spine, and the single greatest way that spine is reinforced is when we have a committed base of volunteers and donors with us. The question, then, is how can YOU help our people-powered, non corporate, Democratic Socialist campaign win in November and beyond?
It's all about Corporate Control VS. People Power, y'all.
Please remember to vote, and preferably early. Please talk to your friends, family and neighbors about this race in the coming seven weeks. Please volunteer your time, talent and treasure today. Please join the fight for a future that works for all.
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