Given the threat posed by Bush and the neoconservatives, it's understandable that many on the Left would be willing to compromise and back a Democratic candidate, any Democratic candidate, against Bush. That is a "Hail Mary" tactic. However, is it wise that the Left should enter electoral politics- the Democratic Party as Domhoff recommends- as a strategy for winning power?
Professor Domhoff makes a compelling case in favor of entering the Democratic Party, as opposed to joining an alternative electoral party like the Greens. He argues that the structure of the electoral system is such that the odds are really stacked against a Third Party; more than once there has been a 3rd party alternative and they have always been negative to the progressive cause, acting as "spoilers". He also estimates that thanks to Primaries there are now a number of places where Progressives could hope to gain power within the Democratic Party. Namely, he thinks the South, where the Democratic Party has been abandoned by its conservative wing, egalitarians- a word he prefers over "progressive" or "socialist"- have many openings for success.
However, there are two important issues that Domhoff doesn't consider in regards to this strategy. First of all, what has been the experience in the past of Leftists who have entered the Democratic Party? Have they had any success or have they been merely absorbed into the DP? There are even people on this list who have attempted working in the Democratic Party, in the Jesse Jackson presidential campaign, in the New Democratic Movement, etc. I would be interested in hearing their thoughts on this.
Second of all, Domhoff does not place national electoral politics within the context of a globalized world. It occurs to me that one point is important to bear in mind ESPECIALLY in the globalized world that we now live in: the State is only one node within a greater nexus of power. Sure, left-leaning elected officials could help protect and even expand some of the progressive legislation that we already have as regards such issues as abortion rights, homosexual rights, etc. However, can you imagine what would happen if legislation were passed that would seriously reduce "the bottom line" for corporations in the US? Capital flight, more "off-shoring" and the ensuing political backlash that would surely bring the Right to power.
Now maybe there is a good reason for implementing this strategy but the fact that he does not situate it within the contemporary context of globalism and consider the prospects from that vantage point puzzles me. I would like to give Domhoff the benefit of the doubt and believe that he left out any discussion of this, because he wanted to keep the book short. However, the omission would certainly lead many to find this work to be naive. I am always making fun of the dusty old Bolshevik R. Palme Dutt, but maybe just this once, I could recommend that Professor Domhoff read him.
There would be much more to say about this book, but I am hoping that others have read it and would give their comments.
-Thomas
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