Podcast Summary: The Jimmy Dore Show Episode: Abandon Harris Movement Punishes Kamala! w/ Kshama Sawant
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Host: Jimmy Dore
Guests: Shama Sawant, Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Jimmy Dore Show, host Jimmy Dore is temporarily absent, leaving co-hosts Russell Dobular and Keaton Weiss to steer the conversation. They welcome two prominent guests: Shama Sawant, a seasoned socialist politician and economist, and Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam, a distinguished sociologist and co-founder of the Abandoned Harris Movement and Workers Strike Back. The episode delves deep into the motivations, strategies, and challenges of the Abandon Harris Movement, which seeks to disrupt the traditional two-party system in the United States by endorsing third-party candidates.

The Genesis of the Abandon Harris Movement

Shama Sawant and Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam trace the origins of the Abandon Harris Movement to their shared frustrations with the current political landscape. The movement initially began as Abandon Biden before pivoting to focus on Kamala Harris as the Democratic vice-presidential candidate.

[06:51] Shama Sawant: "It was very clear that they were looking for a real alternative to the Democrats and Republicans. Both are warmongering parties, and Harris and Trump are both committed to continuing destructive policies."

Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam recounts a pivotal moment at a DNC organizing meeting in Chicago where the need for an independent protest vote against the Democratic ticket became evident.

[07:35] Hassan Abdel Salaam: "I'm talking to you now from our headquarters here in Michigan, Dearborn. We are preparing our campaign to say that history will recall this moment when people of conscience ensured that an administration was held accountable for their despicable acts."

Endorsing Jill Stein: Strategy and Implications

A significant focus of the episode is the movement's endorsement of Jill Stein, the Green Party nominee, as a strategic move to prevent Kamala Harris from winning the election. This decision sparked backlash within liberal circles, highlighted by social media reactions and internal disagreements.

[26:19] Shama Sawant: "Our goal is to punish the Vice President because of her genocide, then take the blame for her defeat by power, to send a signal that you should never have ignored us."

The endorsement is not viewed as an outright bid to win the presidency but rather as a tactical maneuver to influence the election outcome by siphoning votes away from the Democratic candidate.

[22:33] Shama Sawant: "We endorse them primarily because they're a strategic vehicle to ensure the defeat in the name of genocide, in the name of ending genocide."

Confronting Careerism and Establishment Co-optation

The movement faces internal challenges, particularly regarding careerism within activist groups. Shama Sawant criticizes other organizations like the Uncommitted Movement for their perceived alignment with the Democratic Party and accusations of receiving financial incentives to stay silent on issues like genocide.

[15:47] Shama Sawant: "Careerism comes in different forms, both through pet projects and being promised plum positions in Harris's cabinet."

Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam emphasizes the importance of maintaining independence from establishment politics to preserve the movement's integrity and effectiveness.

[19:47] Hassan Abdel Salaam: "If you're the leader of a movement independent of the establishment, you become an adversary of the ruling class."

Mobilizing Voters in Swing States

A critical aspect of the movement's strategy involves mobilizing voters in key swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Wisconsin. The goal is not necessarily to win these states outright but to reduce the Democratic candidate's chances by presenting a viable third-party option.

[45:15] Shama Sawant: "Michigan and Gaza are one. Arizona and the rest of the world are one. Each of us interconnected. We are Brother Faris."

The movement emphasizes the moral imperative of voting against what they perceive as genocidal policies upheld by both major parties, advocating for Jill Stein as a symbol of resistance.

[25:12] Shama Sawant: "Our country has committed a carnage. Its exceptionalism must come to an end."

Addressing Criticisms and Defending the Movement's Stance

The movement confronts skepticism and accusations of acting as "spoilers" in the election. Shama Sawant and Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam argue that their actions are a form of protest against systemic issues rather than an attempt to undermine the election's integrity.

[29:00] Shama Sawant: "It's important to clarify that we are not in a position to win, but influencing the outcome in a way that hurts Kamala Harris is a victory in itself."

They also address concerns that supporting Jill Stein might inadvertently empower Republican candidates by keeping the Democratic Party candidates from gaining decisive support.

[48:32] Shama Sawant: "Fascism isn't coming on November 5th. The real danger is allowing both parties to continue their relentless drive to the right."

The Role of Third Parties in Changing the Political Landscape

Both guests advocate for the necessity of third parties in destabilizing the established two-party system, arguing that true change requires breaking away from traditional political alignments that they believe perpetuate ongoing issues like militarism and economic inequality.

[26:21] Hassan Abdel Salaam: "We need to maximize the vote for Jill Stein, but not stop there. Building an independent movement is crucial."

They draw parallels to historical third-party movements, such as Ross Perot's campaign, to illustrate how third parties can shift political discourse and policy priorities.

[28:19] Shama Sawant: "History is filled with examples of third parties transforming both political parties through deception and propaganda."

Call to Action and Future Plans

As the election nears, the movement urges listeners to vote strategically, emphasizing the long-term goal of dismantling what they view as a corrupt political system. They highlight upcoming events, such as organizing conferences and national conventions, aimed at strengthening the anti-war and working-class movements.

[55:00] Keaton Weiss: "Workers Strike Back has called for an organizing conference in February. It's really important that everyone who wants to build this anti-war and working people's movement should be there."

The episode concludes with a reinforced commitment to opposing both major parties and fostering a unified front aimed at systemic change.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shama Sawant [06:51]: "It was very clear that they were looking for a real alternative to the Democrats and Republicans. Both are warmongering parties, and Harris and Trump are both committed to continuing destructive policies."

• Hassan Abdel Salaam [07:35]: "We are preparing our campaign to say that history will recall this moment when people of conscience ensured that an administration was held accountable for their despicable acts."

• Shama Sawant [15:47]: "Careerism comes in different forms, both through pet projects and being promised plum positions in Harris's cabinet."

• Shama Sawant [22:33]: "We endorse them primarily because they're a strategic vehicle to ensure the defeat in the name of genocide, in the name of ending genocide."

• Shama Sawant [26:19]: "Our goal is to punish the Vice President because of her genocide, then take the blame for her defeat by power."

• Shama Sawant [45:35]: "Fascism isn't coming on November 5th. The real danger is allowing both parties to continue their relentless drive to the right."

Conclusion

This episode of The Jimmy Dore Show offers a deep dive into the strategic objectives of the Abandon Harris Movement, shedding light on their unconventional approach to disrupting the American political system. Through the insights of Shama Sawant and Dr. Hassan Abdel Salaam, listeners gain an understanding of the movement's motivations, challenges, and aspirations for a transformative political landscape. The episode underscores the importance of independent activism and the potential impact of third-party engagements in shaping future elections and policies.

Note: The transcript included humorous and satirical segments featuring impersonations of public figures, which were omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the substantive discussions regarding the Abandon Harris Movement.