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Meta: How do we create a Progressive Party in America? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by arotrios@lemmy.world to c/progressivepolitics@lemmy.world

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Creating the Progressive Party in America

Progressives have been largely abandoned by Democratic leadership, and don't have any voice in the GOP. I, and many others, have lost faith in the Democratic Party leadership, and after forty years of watching them betray progressive ideals, believe it's time for a real Progressive Party in America.

As such, I'd like to ask the community, how would a Progressive Party work? What are your goals for its platform? And would you be willing to volunteer your time and energy to get it off the ground?

All responses are welcome, but I'm looking for constructive criticism, because I absolutely believe this is possible in our current political environment. Here's why:

According to my recent research, it would take approximately 1,110,000 registered voters across the 50 states to qualify as a major political party.

That's just .0595% of our 186,500,000 registered voters in 2024. For comparison, there are 14.3 million union members in the US, so if just 5% of them vote Progressive, we've got ourselves a party.

I've detailed the totals and requirements by state below, because these are attainable numbers on a state by state basis (also so you can search and find out what the reqs are for your state). Additionally, the 1,110,000 number above is only to qualify as a major political party - many of these states have much lower ballot requirements.

I know the detail below is a wall of text, and I may break lemmy, but this is posted not with the intent to overwhelm, but with the purpose to point that on a state by state basis, these numbers are more than possible - the bar for getting on the ballot is pretty low in many states.

Ballot and Registration Requirements:

Ballot access signature requirements for each state:

Alabama: 50,000 signatures
Alaska: 3,000 signatures (1,500 from each congressional district)
Arizona: 36,647 valid signatures
Arkansas: 10,000 signatures
California: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Colorado: 10,500 signatures (or 1% of votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
Connecticut: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Delaware: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Florida: 76,834 valid signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
Georgia: 50,000 signatures
Hawaii: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
Idaho: 18,692 signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
Illinois: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Indiana: 50,000 signatures
Iowa: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Kansas: 38,947 valid signatures (or 5% of the votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election)
Kentucky: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
Louisiana: 54,689 signatures (or 1% of registered voters) from each congressional district
Maine: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Maryland: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
Massachusetts: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Michigan: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Minnesota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Mississippi: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 18% of the vote in a statewide election.
Missouri: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 20% of the vote in a statewide election.
Montana: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Nebraska: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Nevada: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
New Hampshire: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
New Jersey: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
New Mexico: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
New York: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
North Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
North Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Ohio: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Oklahoma: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Oregon: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Pennsylvania: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Rhode Island: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
South Carolina: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
South Dakota: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Tennessee: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Texas: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Utah: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Vermont: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.
Virginia: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 25% of the vote in a statewide election.
Washington: No ballot access requirement for political parties; however, to secure major party status, candidates must receive at least 10% of the vote in a statewide election.

Registration Requirements for new political party by state:

Alabama: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Alaska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Division of Elections. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, and a platform.
Arizona: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 3,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Arkansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
California: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 10,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least ten proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Colorado: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 2,000 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Connecticut: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Delaware: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Florida: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 125 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Georgia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Hawaii: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Idaho: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 50 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Illinois: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Indiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Iowa: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Kansas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Kentucky: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Louisiana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Maine: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Maryland: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Massachusetts: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Michigan: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Minnesota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Mississippi: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Missouri: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Montana: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
Nebraska: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Nevada: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
New Hampshire: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state executive committee, and a platform.
New Jersey: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
New Mexico: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
New York: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
North Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Ohio: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Oklahoma: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must include the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Oregon: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Pennsylvania: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Rhode Island: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
South Carolina: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
South Dakota: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Tennessee: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Texas: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Utah: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Vermont: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Washington: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
West Virginia: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.
Wyoming: To form a new political party, one must file an application with the Secretary of State. The application must contain the proposed name of the party, the names and addresses of at least 130 registered voters who support the formation of the party, the names and addresses of at least five proposed members of the state committee, and a platform.

Total registered voters to achieve major party status in each state (approximate):

Alabama 10,000
Alaska 3,000
Arizona 5,000
Arkansas 3,000
California 67,000
Colorado 1,500
Connecticut 2,500
Delaware 1,500
Washington DC 3,000
Florida 78,000
Georgia 15,000
Hawaii 3,000
Idaho 2,000
Illinois 25,000
Indiana 30,000
Iowa 10,000
Kansas 5,000
Kentucky 10,000
Louisiana 5,000
Maine 2,000
Maryland 25,000
Massachusetts 10,000
Michigan 50,000
Minnesota 8,500
Mississippi 3,000
Missouri 10,000
Montana 2,000
Nebraska 2,500
Nevada 6,000
New Hampshire 3,000
New Jersey 30,000
New Mexico 2,000
New York 100,000
North Carolina 75,000
North Dakota 1,500
Ohio 75,000
Oklahoma 3,000
Oregon 5,000
Pennsylvania 25,000
Rhode Island 2,500
South Carolina 15,000
South Dakota 1,500
Tennessee 30,000
Texas 100,000
Utah 10,000
Vermont 2,500
Virginia 75,000
Washington 50,000
West Virginia 3,000
Wisconsin 100,000
Wyoming 2,500

top 23 comments

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[–] enub22@50501.chat 0 points 4 hours ago

The only way to form a progressive party and win is to install progressive leaders in key DNC roles. Actually creating a new votable party in a country using first past the post would be political suicide, and grants Republicans the win.

[–] graycube@lemmy.world 31 points 2 days ago (1 children)

These rules are not static. They will change the rules and move the goalposts at whim. They don't play fair. In Ohio they moved the goalposts so far at one point the Democrats were going to lose major party status too. They had to back off a little so the Democrats wouldn't lose their identity altogether.

You say the Democrats have abandoned progressives. That implies at some point they actually supported progressives, which has never been true.

The system cannot be changed by using the system. It needs significant disruption to be possibly reset in more positive structures.

Ranked choice voting can open elections to more options at the ballot box and occasional breakthrough unorthodox candidates. It is the only modicum of hope I have for seeing any change without catastrophic world spanning events upending the current world order.

I have spent over half a century supporting progressive views, running as a candidate, advocating for friends, ciculating petitions, and observing the system in action. While I remain a humanist, that faith in my fellow humans has been severely shaken. I have no more hope that the current system can be nudged in the right direction.

[–] Kecessa@sh.itjust.works 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Ranked choice voting can open elections to more options at the ballot box and occasional breakthrough unorthodox candidates. It is the only modicum of hope I have for seeing any change without catastrophic world spanning events upending the current world order.

It's also not happening.

The most realistic thing that can happen in the US at the moment and that can change things for progressives is a "Democrat tea party".

[–] MelodiousFunk@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 days ago

The most realistic thing that can happen in the US at the moment and that can change things for progressives is a "Democrat tea party".

I hear Roger Stone is free these days.

[–] chemical_cutthroat@lemmy.world 33 points 2 days ago (2 children)

You are looking at this from the top down instead of the bottom up. You have to start local, and I don't mean "grass roots". I mean getting progressive leaders into place in your city and state elected positions. Then, you work up from there. It isn't a quick and easy thing that you can just do with some signatures. There has to be a foundation in place, or it's just a waste of time and effort. It takes decades to do this, not one election cycle. That's why I really dislike this mindset of "I feel abandoned by X," because maybe you have been, but there isn't anything you can do about it aside from hold them accountable. The effort you put into starting a whole new party is better spent getting your local progressives together on letter writing, protests, and other acts that will draw attention at the local level.

If you think the GOP just "got big" all of the sudden, you haven't been paying attention to the last 50 years of politics. They've been playing the long game, and now the are reaping the rewards. You won't win anything with short term goals and nothing to back them up. You have to do what they did, and start now. Then, maybe when your kids or grandkids can vote, they'll have a progressive leader to vote for. There is no easy road. The only ways out of this now are through long term strategy or short term violence, and both of those come at a cost that most aren't willing to pay. Anything else is wishful thinking.

[–] BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

There never was a literal Tea Party or MAGA Party, certain groups simply co-opted or took majority control.

[–] arotrios@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (2 children)

Nothing constructive about this criticism, but I'll respond to your points.

First, the breakdown by state is to provide attainable targets for action at the state and local level. As you can see, the thresholds for getting on the ballot are low with a bit of community organizing. The reason people don't get involved at the local and state level is because they don't see a path for real national change through their action there.

This is my attempt to start charting that path. I agree with your overall point here, but tactical state and local targets need a national strategy to work together to create real change.

Secondly, I have worked with the Democratic party (since the 90s) and seen how progressive ideas get sidelined and lip-service at best, even in supposedly left wing states like California. The primary effect of the Democratic party as it exists in 2025 is to dilute revolutionary energy into the service of the corporate agenda where it can (Obamacare instead of universal health care, for instance), and render it impotent where it can't.

Real action that threatens corporate interests simply isn't possible within the democratic party apparatus, because there are plenty of special interests willing to sink progressive candidates in the primary (AIPAC, I'm looking at you). Citizens United hollowed out the Dems just as much as it did the GOP, and they're completely captured by their donor class. The fact we haven't had a real primary since Obama in 2008 has made it clear that there is no voice for the people when it comes to platform or policy.

In regards to:

There has to be a foundation in place, or it’s just a waste of time and effort. It takes decades to do this, not one election cycle.

The best time to grow a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time to grow a tree is now. I have no illusions that the process would be quick nor easy. But it is attainable. And since the other alternatives are either been proven ineffective or would involve potential violence, this seems to be the only legal path forward for Americans to regain control of our political system.

I mean, I'm open to alternatives, but just giving a list of reasons why it won't work isn't helpful, and does nothing but discourage people from getting involved.

[–] limer@lemmy.dbzer0.com 9 points 2 days ago

The only way to grow political parties is with local offices first. Thousands of dog catchers being networked together is a powerful thing indeed.

No harm in petitions and top down efforts if it gets the idea off the ground. Then the idea had to take root in the ground.

It’s that grassroots which powers what you want. It’s broke. Any efforts at political reform has to use it. Anything that does not attempt fixing it becomes a money maker only, at best, for a few people who know how to grift.

[–] Awkwardly_Frank@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Just because you don’t agree with criticism doesn’t mean It’s not constructive. You asked how a progressive party would work, the type of local grassroots activism and organizing cutthroat describes is exactly how many nascent parties form. You grow your influence where you can when you can as a bloc that others have to win the support of if they want to win. Once your movement is big enough you either capture the party that has become dependent on you or take your base of power and start your own.

[–] AlexisFR@jlai.lu 24 points 2 days ago

The first step should be pushing to get rid of First Past the Post voting at all level of elections. Even just a 2 round system without super electors would be a massive positive change.

[–] bufalo1973@lemm.ee 19 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I'm not an US citizen, first of all.

The main point should be getting rid of the FPTP system. After that, everything you want.

[–] arotrios@lemmy.world 13 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

Agreed. This is why I believe that Alaska is ripe territory for a Progressive Party - they already have ranked choice voting. This should be a key part of the party platform.

I'd also like to ask you, as a non-American, which parties in your country would you point to as being Progressive success stories? I'd like to look at their platforms, strategy and tactics.

[–] bleistift2@sopuli.xyz 8 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The Greens in Germany were new in the 1980s. They focused on one thing (environmental protection) while still having opinions on everything else.

They were especially popular after the Fukushima reactor incident and when Fridays for Future took off. Otherwise, they suffer from a more right/conservative temperament in the population (currently due to immigration politics).

[–] arotrios@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (2 children)

We've seen the American Greens completely co-opted by Russian interests over here. Jill Stein is an absolute disgrace. I'm certain the Russians are working overtime on the German Greens as well. This is actually a real concern of mine when thinking about a potential political party - how to keep it from getting co-opted by adverse actors (foreign or otherwise).

[–] THB@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Genuinely curious because I'm maybe not fully informed, but apart from being seated (assigned according to her) at the same table as Putin at some event, what has Stein done that shows she's a Russian asset?

From someone who just casually follows the news from Lemmy and previously Reddit, it seems obvious Trump is simping for Russia, but as far as Stein, I've only seen that one photo at the event touted as evidence.

[–] jj4211@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

Part of her platform was that we should just let Russia have Ukraine in the name of peace.

But apart from that, trying to go from zero congressional presence to holding the office of president isn't a vaguely productive strategy, which without ranked voting can only dilute the attention of those that are ostensibly aligned with your platform.

[–] manucode@infosec.pub 5 points 2 days ago

The German Greens are arguably one of the most pro-Ukranian parties in Germany at the moment.

[–] Zier@fedia.io 9 points 2 days ago

Rule #1 Branding, don't choose a dumb ass name (tea party? libertarian? WTF!) And don't use acronyms. Make it short and simple. And look up the damn word to make sure it doesn't mean something horrid, embarrassing, childish, etc. Choose something new that no other party on Earth has done. Simplicity, that is successful branding.

If you actually intend to have a progressive, liberal party that propels the US forward and cares for it's citizens, you need to make sure you create a dialogue, a proper relationship where candidates actually listen, and DO what they said they were going to do. Not a bunch of liars who get elected and just get rich.

And the last thing I'd like to add is policy. You need people who will fight for the real needs of Americans. And not constantly settle for a faint shadow of what was expected. Public Healthcare for all citizens, Medicare for all. Affordable medical expenses, with price caps and public lists of costs before you get treated. (No one walks into a restaurant, orders food, and leaves with an $80,000 tab. Wow, denny's sure got expensive!) Tax corporations, the wealthy and churches. They need to pay their fair share. This is the welfare fraud that is happening, not taking away food benefits from SNAP recipients. Social Security should be a requirement for everyone to pay into, no income cap, no exceptions. Properly staff & fund the CFPB. Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment Pass a non-discrimination and hate-speech bill for all citizens. Everyone deserves the same Human Rights. Never back down on this. Require our Educational system to teach civics again, as well as more science. We need less dumb people. Pass laws preventing criminals from becoming President, or the head of any Federal Agency.

I could go on and on, but the point is, a progressive party needs to actually hold the values of progress. Settling for less is what the Democrats have done. And the GOP is just dead set on making America be run by a bunch of christian nationalists. Stop pandering to religions and start screaming Science. You need reliable information outlets that report facts, not the media monopoly we have now. We need a BBC (UK) or an ABC (AU) so we can actually enjoy normal things. Make PBS or a new network funded by taxes so the news is actually neutral and factual, and required to be that way by law.

That's my 2 cents for now.

[–] BananaTrifleViolin@lemmy.world 9 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Not a US citizen.

But from European experience, new parties build from the base upwards. Local politics is where the opportunity us. So first aim is winning seats on town and city councils, then once established in peoples minds as a viable party, target state assemblies, and later aim for national government.

Its in large part about making best use of resources. Big parties put all their money into national politics, so they're weak at the local level. New parties can focus their more limited resources locally and out compete the big parties, winning seats.

The only way to reform the US system ispribably to go state by state winning power and forcing through reform to that states districting and rules on splitting electoral college votes. No one has succeeded so far but its feasible - 1/3 of voters dont vote, and there are plenty of Dem and Rep voters who only vote their way due to refusing to vote for the opponent rather positively voting for the party.

Starting locally also neuters the nonsense you see around elections that you "have to vote dem and criticising dems is supporting reps". The dems and reps have the system sewnnup between them as its a completely binary choice. Biden was a terrible candidate for this election but voices against him were shot down until it was too late because of the mad group think that develops in a 2 party state.

The alternative route is fine a huge personality and buuld a national party around them. However from European politics weve seen that basically means populist domineering politicians, and the parties are unstable - they build fragment and rebuild. Look at UKIP, Brexit Party and now Reform Partyin the UK, or the numerous parties Berlesconi led in Italy. It can work and be disruptive but I think such parties are very risky. Its a bit like taking a punt on another Trump like personality rather than fixing the actual problem with politics of unrepresentative parties.

I'd target local politics in progressive leaning areas in any states. That basically means the big cities and towns across the US - and it doesn't matter of the state is "republican" or "democrat". Breakthroughs could happen in either state - the big parties are taking their voters and holds on the system for granted. If you find issues that resonate with voters that can trump old party loyalties.

I'd also say for me there is a clear area to be campaigning on: the threat of automation and AI, and it all being in the hands of billionaires. The future is that technology replacing people in work - so the threat to peoples income, well being and freedom only to benefit the wealthy should be a message that would cut through. If a party were focused and only talked about that issue (and tried to stay out of contentious social issues like abortion) it could cut through. Elon Musk and theother tech Bros are offering plenty of opportunities to be a focus for voter anger.

Its like how jobs were "outsourced" overseas at the expense of American workers. Well now jobs are going to be outsourced to machines and where does that leave american workers? The big parties are not talking about this, and I don't think mainstream politicians even grasp that this is a huge looming threat to voters globally.

[–] arotrios@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago

Thanks for your detailed response - this is excellent advice. My purpose in providing the top down summary came when I realized how low the threshold could be to create action on the state level - my intention with the wall of text was to provide local thresholds for exactly this purpose. One of the problems we've seen with the Libertarian, Peace and Freedom, and Green Party is that they have only a brief local presence if at all, and they're extremely disorganized on a national level.

Regarding automation, I agree with you that this will become a political issue in the near future. I think the platform should definitely include worker protections, and possible even a UBI financed through a tax on AI productivity could be a winner if properly articulated.

One thing about your comment really caught my eye:

The alternative route is fine a huge personality and buuld a national party around them. However from European politics weve seen that basically means populist domineering politicians, and the parties are unstable - they build fragment and rebuild. Look at UKIP, Brexit Party and now Reform Partyin the UK, or the numerous parties Berlesconi led in Italy. It can work and be disruptive but I think such parties are very risky. Its a bit like taking a punt on another Trump like personality rather than fixing the actual problem with politics of unrepresentative parties.

This struck me as its the route both parties in the US have been taking, and because I think creating an internal democratic governance structure is the only way to keep a potential Progressive Party from going the way of the Dems as the organization grows. I've got some ideas on how to do this (party members can vote on policy between elections to inform elected reps, something not really done in the US), but they go beyond the scope of this initial discussion. However, ensuring that personality doesn't trump policy would need to be a cornerstone in any internal governance to prevent demagogues from hijacking the party.

[–] QuantumSparkles@sh.itjust.works 4 points 1 day ago

Are there any well known legit progressives in US politics besides Bernie? I’ve heard mixed stuff on AOC but don’t know enough to comment, and I definitely can’t name anyone else

[–] NoneOfUrBusiness@fedia.io 6 points 2 days ago

Non-American here. Your first (and probably biggest) hurdle to clear would be to get leftists and progressives to stop carrying water for the DNC's controlled opposition. Over the past few months I've started to doubt it's even possible, but that should probably be you and your hypothetical new party's first goal. It might also be a good idea to link up with local progressive third parties if you can sell them on the idea of contesting elections.

[–] surph_ninja@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago

Progressive parties already exist. The question is how do you prevent Democrats from suing them off of the ballot?