I think you are mistaking Lenin supporting the Bolshevik party with the position of liquidators. Lenin’s conception of the party was that participation was an endorsement, but that the party’s underground and illegal aspects need to be covered if possible. Essentially using the pretense of electoralism in order to actually strengthen the illegal party apparatus.
Essentially using the pretense of electoralism in order to actually strengthen the illegal party apparatus.
I thought that came across in my original comment?
My comments are pretty lazy and short here, so they won’t capture additional nuance, but he’s also saying (in the piece I linked) there are other benefits to participating in bourgeois elections that can help strengthen the party by helping fence-riders or those that haven’t been exposed to socialist rhetoric be convinced to join the party. This is in addition to other subversive actions.
If your sole political effort is participation in elections, that’s obviously endorsement of the existing system. Just in case, I was also not the person advocating for a vote for Democrats.
I think you are mistaking Lenin supporting the Bolshevik party with the position of liquidators. Lenin’s conception of the party was that participation was an endorsement, but that the party’s underground and illegal aspects need to be covered if possible. Essentially using the pretense of electoralism in order to actually strengthen the illegal party apparatus.
I thought that came across in my original comment?
My comments are pretty lazy and short here, so they won’t capture additional nuance, but he’s also saying (in the piece I linked) there are other benefits to participating in bourgeois elections that can help strengthen the party by helping fence-riders or those that haven’t been exposed to socialist rhetoric be convinced to join the party. This is in addition to other subversive actions.
If your sole political effort is participation in elections, that’s obviously endorsement of the existing system. Just in case, I was also not the person advocating for a vote for Democrats.
Nah you’re fine. I was just backing up what the other response was getting at.
Gotcha. Was hoping there wasn’t something I was missing. Can always improve your understanding of theory!
I think the best way to put it is how the great Seamus Costello did https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCldL_qukLQ
I found a YouTube link in your comment. Here are links to the same video on alternative frontends that protect your privacy: