John Bachtell

John Bachtell
Chairman of the Communist Party USA
Assumed office
June 15, 2014
Preceded by Sam Webb
Personal details
Born (1956-03-26) March 26, 1956
Yellow Springs, Ohio, U.S.
Political party Communist USA
Residence Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Alma mater Antioch College
Website www.cpusa.org

John Bachtell (born March 26, 1956) is an American activist, trade unionist, and community organizer who has served as the Chairman of the National Committee of the Communist Party USA since its 30th National Convention in 2014.[1]

Career

Bachtell was previously an organizer for the Communist Party in Illinois and a member of the party's National Committee [2] He was earlier the leader of the New York party.[3][4]

In his article published in "Political Affairs" magazine right after his election, Bachtell laid out his analysis of the contemporary political situation in the United States and how Communists should conduct themselves within it.[5] He emphasized that the Communist Party will seek a peaceful transition to socialism so long as it is possible, saying "Given the development of democratic institutions and traditions in the U.S., involvement in the electoral arena and political action is essential and grows in importance. It entails building broad anti-ultra right, reform and anti-monopoly coalitions that win majorities and thus power in every democratic institution e.g., school boards, planning boards, city council, county boards, state legislature, federal office, in 'red' and 'blue' states." He also said that the experiences in countries like Venezuela are useful examples.

References

  1. ↑ Communist Party web site
  2. ↑ People's World People's World
  3. ↑ C-Span
  4. ↑ Klehr, Harvey. The Communist Experience in America: A Political and Social History. New Brunswick, N.J: Transaction Publishers, 2010 p. 152
  5. ↑ Bachtell, John (2014-06-23). "Elections, the state, reform and revolution". Political Affairs Magazine. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Sam Webb		 Chair of Communist Party USA
2014 – present 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
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