Revisiting the 2004 Election: A Stolen Future, A Renewed Fight

The results of the November 2004 election are a devastating blow to the people who have been working tirelessly to create a world free from corporate domination, systemic oppression, and environmental collapse. With Donald Trump securing a second non-consecutive term, it’s clear that the forces of reactionary populism, fueled by a corporate media machine and oligarchic interests, have once again stifled progress toward a just and equitable society.

This moment is sobering for the left, but it is also an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and recommit to the revolutionary struggle. The stakes have never been higher, and the fight for a better future has never been more urgent.

A Manufactured Win in a Manufactured Crisis

Trump’s return to the presidency wasn’t a mandate of the people but a carefully orchestrated coup by the corporate elite. His campaign leaned heavily on the culture wars, scapegoating marginalized communities while offering no substantive solutions to the crises we face—crises exacerbated by his first term.

The voter suppression tactics in key swing states were blatant. Long lines in predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods, restrictive voter ID laws, and purges of voter rolls all played a part in shaping the outcome. These acts of disenfranchisement reveal the fragility of a system that claims to be a democracy but functions as an oligarchy.

How can we call this a free and fair election when billionaires pour limitless funds into campaigns, media conglomerates shape the narrative, and the voices of working-class people are systematically silenced?

The Left’s Missteps: Unity, Strategy, and Vision

While the corporate machine deserves much of the blame, the left must also take accountability for its inability to mount a cohesive challenge. Splits between progressives and radicals, between electoral politics and direct action, have left us divided at a time when unity is our greatest weapon.

We cannot afford to relegate ourselves to infighting or purity politics. The stakes—ranging from climate collapse to an unchecked surveillance state—demand that we build coalitions without compromising our core principles.

The Democratic Party’s failure to offer a bold, transformative vision was a gift to Trump. Instead of presenting an alternative that inspired hope and mobilized people to action, they clung to centrist policies that failed to address the systemic issues plaguing our society.

The Robber Barons Rejoice

Trump’s presidency represents the triumph of the corporatized state. His administration has consistently prioritized the interests of the wealthy elite over those of ordinary people. From massive tax cuts for billionaires to the deregulation of industries responsible for poisoning our air and water, his policies have created a dystopian reality where the rich grow richer while the rest of us struggle to survive.

Healthcare remains a luxury instead of a right. Wages stagnate while productivity increases, and workers are forced to toil in gig jobs with no protections. The prison-industrial complex continues to ravage communities of color, and the militarization of police forces ensures that dissent is met with brutal repression.

The oligarchs have consolidated their power, but they are not invincible. Their wealth is built on the labor and suffering of the masses, and their empire can crumble if we organize effectively.

Revolutionary Hope: The Path Forward

The left must now turn its focus to grassroots organizing. We cannot depend on the ballot box alone to bring about the change we need. Trump’s re-election is a stark reminder that the system is rigged against us. Electoral politics may have a role, but it cannot be our only strategy.

Here are a few steps we must take moving forward:

1. Build Local Power: Organize at the community level to create alternatives to the capitalist system. Worker cooperatives, mutual aid networks, and autonomous spaces are vital building blocks of a revolutionary society.

2. Strengthen Solidarity: The ruling class thrives on our division. We must dismantle barriers between movements—whether they focus on climate justice, racial equity, labor rights, or LGBTQ+ liberation—and recognize that our struggles are interconnected.

3. Educate and Agitate: Political education is essential for building a movement that is informed, strategic, and resilient. We must challenge the corporate media narrative and create spaces for critical thought and discussion.

4. Direct Action: From strikes to occupations, we must make it clear that business as usual is no longer an option. Direct action disrupts the systems of power and demonstrates the strength of collective resistance.

5. Prepare for Repression: As the state becomes more authoritarian, it will use every tool at its disposal to crush dissent. We must equip ourselves with the knowledge and resources to protect our communities.

Conclusion: A Revolution Deferred, Not Defeated

Trump’s return to power is a bitter reminder of the challenges we face, but it is not the end of the story. History shows that oppressive systems crumble when people unite in resistance. This moment requires courage, creativity, and relentless determination.

The fight for liberation is not easy, but it is necessary. The left has suffered a setback, but we are not defeated. In the words of the abolitionist Frederick Douglass: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” Let this be our rallying cry as we move forward. Together, we can—and will—build a future rooted in justice, equity, and freedom for all.