https://www.reddit.com/r/LateStageCapitalism/comments/1hj54jh/over_166000_people_cast_their_ballots_for_the/

  • RedWizard [he/him, comrade/them]
    hexagon
    ·
    edit-2
    13 hours ago

    As a non member I can't speak to "what even is the point" but I'll direct you to these comments: https://hexbear.net/comment/5758536 and https://hexbear.net/comment/5758523. If the point is to increase party membership, and if we take these comments at face value, then it seems to be working for the PSLs goals.

    So again, I don't believe, based on what they say about their own election campaign, that the goal is to get "votes". Even using the commenters math above the dems had a hire cost per vote then the PSL. Draw your own conclusions there.

    But if party activity and membership is as those commenters say, then that is at least one byproduct of their efforts. You're asking questions of me that I can only speculate on. There are plenty of party members here and around here who can give you the parties insights.

    What I know is that the conversation during the election surrounding their campaigns, discussions about those issues of how to vote for them, if you can vote for them, if their ballot status was being challenged was definitely fomenting negative sentiment about the electoral process. I even learned some very stupid election rules for my state as a result (write-in lists are not allowed to be published online). If, as a party, you are primed to use that frustration to convert people into members, then I think I understand the goal.

    All I can do is speculate. I'm sure PSL members here can better articulate the goals of the party regarding the campaign.

    • impartial_fanboy [he/him]
      ·
      13 hours ago

      Yeah sorry, my frustration isn't with you. I understand the intent of the campaign. I just fundamentally disagree that it accomplishes those goals, or maybe more specifically, the price they pay for those members is too high. Now obviously their membership isn't public and them growing is a good thing, but I would like to see those numbers in a year or two. Do the people who join because of the campaign stick around? Do they only work on the campaign? Does the campaign cause people to burn out? etc. etc.

      They need to demonstrate competence to deserve the label 'vanguard' and using the same strategy as all the other third parties just doesn't cut it for me. But I wish them luck.

      • RedWizard [he/him, comrade/them]
        hexagon
        ·
        11 hours ago

        I agree with all of this honestly. I think the analysis by this redditer is deeply flawed especially since they seem under the impression the PSL cares about winning the national election instead of their stated goals. I know your frustration wasn't with me, and that's why I'm not really trying to refute your points.