Within a cozy church in deep East Oakland, a diverse anti-recall coalition was forming on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. Since then, a movement has matured over the months, countering the recall narrative against Alameda Country District Attorney Pamela Price and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who faced calls for a recall immediately after taking office.
Born from a shared concern for the future of democracy, this eclectic group united against a rising tide of political recalls targeting progressive leaders. They saw these recalls as a threat to the very fabric of their community, a blatant attempt to undermine the progressive votes as if they did not qualify in a democratic society.
Fueled by a sense of urgency, the coalition rallied under the banner of “Respect Our Vote.” They framed their struggle as a battle against the influence of billionaires who profited from poverty and sought to control the political landscape. This was not just about individual politicians but about protecting the fundamental right to vote and ensuring that every voice was heard.
The coalition drew strength from its diversity. It encompassed people of all races, origins, religions, and political affiliations. This was an authentic grassroots movement, a testament to the power of unity in the face of adversity. A recognition that their strength lay in their numbers and ability to mobilize voters.
The coalition’s message was clear: be informed, inform others, and register everyone to vote. They understood the importance of education and outreach, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future. They were to hold rallies, organize community events, and engage in a tireless campaign to spread their message.
Since then, that is precisely what they have done, and the energy across Oakland and Alameda County spread even to San Francisco progressives who have shared in their learned wisdom and research from the recalls they experienced in 2022.
Their efforts are not in vain. As the recall elections approach, the coalition’s momentum grows. People are tied to petty identity reductionism, populism, and the mean popular high school kid’s energy level being thrown into the political arena. Attack ads and misleading information are all red flags. Cop-a-ganda and fear tactics are old propaganda still being pushed by legacy media, which is losing public trust.
They exposed their opponents’ tactics, highlighting the use of fear and misinformation to manipulate public opinion. They reminded voters of the progress made under progressive leadership and warned of the dangers of returning to the past.
On election day, the coalition hopes its hard work will pay off. The recall efforts should be defeated, and elected progressive leaders should remain in office. There is no going back. The recallers claim we need new leadership for change, but progressives are the change. What they fear is that change.
The coalition’s success will send a powerful message: the people cannot be silenced, and the fight for a just and equitable society will continue. But, even if the anti-recall vote does win, it is likely only a win for the battle, not the war.
