CPUSA on TV: millions watched, hundreds called

by Joe Sims

This article was reprinted from the January 13, 1996 issue of the People's Weekly World. For subscription information see below. All rights reserved - may be used with PWW credits.

"I'm just calling to let you know I'm interested in your cause and God Bless the Communist Party," said one caller from Kansas, after hearing CPUSA National Chairman Gus Hall give his New Year's predictions at the annual CPUSA holiday party on C-SPAN Saturday night. He was one of several hundred who after seeing the televised speech Jan. 6 called the Party's 800 number to ask about joining or for more information.

Another caller from Texas said, "I was just so happy to see Gus Hall on C-SPAN. I've been a Communist since I was in high school. I didn't know there was a Communist Party. I want to join." Still another from Mississippi, a retired trade unionist said, "It was thrilling to see Gus Saturday night. I've been following you for years. Send me the People's Weekly World."

"I heard the Communist Party on television last night and I like what I heard. Send me more information about your Party," said yet another excited caller from Massachusetts after viewing Hall's New Years predictions.

For the past few days the CPUSA's switchboards were flooded with calls from interested viewers from all over the country. Calls came from Idaho, Indiana, Alabama, North Carolina, Texas, Iowa, California, Georgia and literally dozens of other states. The volume was so high that office workers were unable handle it. Many were unable to get through and complained about a constant busy signal. "I called yesterday, but only got the machine" said one worker from Detroit, "but I called back because I want to be sure you got my message."

"I saw Gus on TV Saturday night, said one woman from a small town in Missouri, "I remember my father and my ex-husband talking about him a long time ago. Send me an application and information."

"The ideas and program of the Communist Party has struck a deep chord among the American people," remarked CPUSA National Board member Jarvis Tyner after answering one call. "The time for a mass Communist Party has come."

Rrrring. "I want to join the Communist Party," shouted a young enthusiast from Minnesota." "How much are your dues?" queried another from Kentucky. And the phones keep ringing.