Who would we vote for in the American election? 

What do we think of the American election? 

Why is the Common Good needed? 

YUK! What an awful choice. To vote for a person with a flawed character who is a threat to democracy, or to vote for a person determined to undo recent progress in protecting the unborn and limiting abortions. Luckily, we have a solution. Vote for a third party candidate!  

Our pick of the alternatives is the American Solidarity Party, who are promoting values that resonate with ours such as communal welfare, social justice, and moral responsibility. Their vision offers lessons for us and everyone who is seeking to prioritise collective well-being over divisive partisanship. 

Core Values of the American Solidarity Party

Like the Common Good Party the American Solidarity Party is relatively new, formed in 2011. The American Solidarity Party’s foundation is in Roman Catholic social justice teaching, which emphasizes human dignity, the sanctity of life, and the importance of community. While we do not have this sort of explicit Christian foundation at the Common Good, their values and political aims overlap with ours: advocating for policies that promote social justice, environmental stewardship, and economic equity. Their platform focuses on the common good, seeking to reconcile individual rights with the needs of the community. 

Key issues for the ASP include protecting vulnerable populations including the unborn, advocating for humane immigration policies, and promoting a living wage. Their stance on healthcare reflects a commitment to universal access, viewing it not merely as a commodity but as a fundamental human right. This principled approach underscores a belief that the well-being of individuals is intertwined with the health of the community at large.

Achievements and Successes

While the American Solidarity Party operates in a political environment dominated by two major parties, it has made notable progress since its formation in 2011. In that time the party has put forward candidates on a national, state and federal level, with several ASP members now serving on local councils. The ASP also claims to be the fastest growing political party in America, and saw a significant increase in votes between the 2016 and 2020 presidential election, from 6000 votes for their candidate in 2016 to 40 000 in 2020. In 2024 presidential candidate Peter Sonski is looking to increase vote numbers once more with the platform of “Pro-Life. Pro-Family. Pro-Worker.”. When asked recently in an interview why campaign for an election he won’t win, Sonski reflected on the incredible opportunities the presidential election brings for visibility and new membership. Their grassroots campaigns have attracted a dedicated base from both the left and right, particularly among voters seeking an alternative to the prevailing political dichotomy.

Lessons for the Common Good Party

For the Common Good Party in Australia, there are several key lessons to draw from the American Solidarity Party's journey. 

1. There is a need for the Common Good and messages similar to ours have resonated in other countries. We are needed to be the voice of Common Good in Australia and we certainly can have success in growing our party and making an impact. 
   
   
2. Think big, act local: The ASP has demonstrated a commitment to advocate for the common good at every level of government. They take on presidential elections whilst encouraging active participation in local decision making. This has allowed the movement to grow nationally, but is driven by vibrant local chapters that can cultivate a sense of ownership and empowerment among constituents. Their relative success at a municipal level highlights the importance of addressing immediate community concerns.
   
   
3. Know your audience: The ASP has found much of its support in Catholic media and community organisations that align with their values. The Common Good Party could benefit from seeking partnerships with environmental groups, social justice organisations, and faith-based communities to amplify their message and reach a wider audience.
   
   
4. Clear, Compassionate Messaging: The ASP has effectively communicated its values in a way that resonates with diverse audiences. A clear, compassionate narrative around the importance of the common good can attract support from those who may feel disillusioned by traditional politics.
   
   
5. Play the Long Game: Like the Common Good Party, the ASP still has a long way to go to make the impact they desire. But what they do have is a clear vision and values, and relentless optimism that they can create the positive change they long for in the US political landscape. We also need to keep our eyes on the prize, and not be discouraged by the long road ahead. Who knows where we might be in another 5 or 10 years?

In conclusion, the American Solidarity Party serves as a compelling example of how a political movement can prioritise the common good. By reflecting on their values, successes, and strategies, the Common Good Party in Australia can strengthen its own mission, and become a beacon of hope and a champion for collective welfare in the political arena.