American communists are very excited over the progressive shift happening within the Democratic party.

Kicking off its 100th anniversary celebration on Friday at the university of Illinois Chicago student center, Communist Party USA (CPUSA) vice-chair Jarvis Tyner "set the record straight" - telling a Chicago audience who greeted each other as "comrade" that "The truth is the communist party isn’t out to hurt you," adding "It will set you free," according to The Guardian.

Jarvis Tyner

Of note, Tyner was the Vice Presidential candidate when CPUSA chairman Gus Hall ran for president in the 1970s - who former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey voted for.

Members of the Chicago chapter and Illinois District at the 31st National Convention of the CPUSA! #CPUSA100 #Socialism pic.twitter.com/xbUXMV27tW — Communist Party USA (@communistsusa) June 22, 2019

The remarks, met with applause, came on the first day of CPUSA’s 31st national convention – and at a moment in American politics in which democratic socialism and progressive ideas are increasingly finding a home in the mainstream of the Democratic party. Communists from across the US, along with international delegates from Germany, Canada, Venezuela and elsewhere, sought to send the message that their party has been the most consistent champion of those ideas, has been on the right side of some of the most consequential ideological battles of the last hundred years, and is ready to continue the fight into its second century. -The Guardian

Tyner suggested that while the party has differences between some Democratic Socialists such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the surge of progressivism has emboldened the Communist Party and attracted new members. As an example, the CPUSA-affiliated news outlet People's World claims its readership has increased this year according to its editor-in-chief John Wojcik and managing editor CJ Atkins - both of whom spoke at the convention.

"We are a party of action," said Chicago communist Pepe Lozano, who added "We are united... we are determined. We are raring to fight."

#CPUSA100 Music during our dinner break, featuring traditional music of Mexico pic.twitter.com/pqRfea1ntD — Norcal CPUSA (@NorcalCPUSA) June 22, 2019

"The story of our communist party is inextricably intertwined with the development of the American working class and building its labor movement," Lozano continued, citing the Communist Party's support for the civil rights and anti-war movements. "Our roots are in the profound American struggles for democracy."

Attendees were animated by issues that 2020 presidential hopefuls have pushed to make part of the Democratic platform, including plans to address climate change, inequality and hawkish foreign policy – as well as opposition to Donald Trump, who has sought to “divide working people”, attendees said. “Our job as communists is to unite people,” Ismael Parra, from Los Angeles, told the Guardian. “We’re talking about people being joined together,” said Tere Gonzalez, also from LA. -The Guardian

"Our victory is inevitable" said Lozano in conclusion. "Viva the Communist Party USA!"