The current situation allows individuals to focus on other activities and interests without the burden of following the presidential election closely.
The Bernie Sanders campaign aimed to mobilize people for future crises, but the desired level of organization was not achieved before the current crisis.
Deep dives
Lack of concern about the presidential election
In this podcast episode, the speaker highlights that one positive aspect of the current situation is that people no longer need to worry about the presidential election. With Bernie Sanders out of the race, there is no longer a requirement to care about or be invested in the election. This means individuals can focus on other activities and interests without the burden of following the election closely.
Reflections on the Bernie campaign
The speaker reflects on the Bernie Sanders campaign, stating that it was an opportunity to mobilize and organize people for a future crisis. However, the speaker expresses disappointment that the campaign did not achieve the desired level of organization and mobilization before the crisis hit. The speaker believes that Bernie's campaign aimed to create a movement and get people ready for potential crises in capitalism. And laments that the current crisis has arrived too soon and without the necessary level of organization.
Exploring the limitations of third-party politics
The speaker discusses the limitations of third-party politics, suggesting it is more of a pastime for a specific group of individuals rather than a viable alternative to the two-party system. The speaker explains that the focus should be on organizing and mobilizing people within the existing political structures rather than relying on third-party candidates. The possibility of a significant split within a major party is also explored, but the speaker raises doubts about its feasibility in the current political landscape.
The challenges of achieving significant change
The speaker raises questions about the feasibility of sudden strikes or seizing the means of production as potential tactics for achieving significant change. They highlight the need for a critical mass of radicals and coordinated action, which the current landscape lacks. The speaker emphasizes the importance of gathering more people who are willing to take action and the need to find a replacement for Bernie's mechanism of recruitment and mobilization. Ultimately, the speaker acknowledges the uncertainty and complexity of finding effective avenues for change.