The Surge of Socialism

The writer for the Catholic publication "First Things" says, "As a proud 'Reagan Democrat,' I felt blessed to be in Berlin a few days after the Wall fell in November 1989. I will never forget the sight of the Wall’s death strip or the blight and stench of decrepit East Berlin. The joy on the faces of those finally able to escape the East’s socialist police state is etched in my memory. It seemed this failed ideology was fully discredited and dead."

I too was in Berlin in November of 1989. I, too, will never forget the sights and sounds of freedom as people rushed across "the wall" from East to West, and the blight and stench of 1940's East Berlin. 

There were none rushing into East Berlin, except to help family and friends move to the West.  

It did indeed seem that a failed ideology had been fully discredited and dead.

It seems the dead ideology has been resurrected in America. 

Some are even calling it a "surge."

Be informed, not misled.

The "First Things" article says, "But here we are in 2026, and socialist-aligned candidates have won a string of victories in Democratic primary elections. Why is this happening?"

I am confident that only a small number of Democrats are fully committed to the radical platform of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Most voters have no idea what it says. However, a significant minority in the party has been swept up, to one degree or another, in a movement that is embracing aspects of socialism and rejecting key facets of our constitutional system. This is dangerous for the party and, more importantly, for our country. 

The surge of socialist candidates has largely been fueled by young people. A just-released CNBC Generation Lab poll indicates that almost half of eighteen- to thirty-four-year-olds have a favorable or very favorable view of democratic socialism. Similarly, a Pew Research Center poll this summer found that almost two-in-five Democrats under fifty years of age say they “like a political leader who identifies as a democratic socialist.” This contrasts with only one-in-four Democrats over fifty having positive feelings toward such politicians, suggesting the lasting impact of Cold War memories. 

The Pew poll, from earlier this year, found that Many Americans – including a 56% majority of Democrats – say they neither like nor dislike political leaders who call themselves democratic socialists. 

About a third of Democrats (32%) say they like leaders who describe themselves this way, while 11% say they dislike these leaders.

The poll found that Democrats who are White, younger, or college-educated are more likely to view democratic socialists positively.

First Things says, "Socialism can be particularly attractive because it promises its adherents even more than a normal political party, organization, or candidate. Its principal claim is pseudo-religious and fundamentalist. The DSA website declares that anyone who joins the 'multiracial working class united in solidarity' can take part in defeating the enemy—the 'capitalist class'—and in creating an earthly utopia. Food, education, energy, medicine, transportation, and retirement will all be provided for free; the Department of War will eventually be defunded; and steps will be taken 'towards fully abolishing the police and prison system.' The DSA even talks about how this new system will provide 'answers' to 'fundamental questions of our lives'."

The Catholics are concerned.

So are some Protestants.

David Brody, writing for the Christian Broadcasting Network, sees it as a "surge" that could completely change the Democrat Party. And America if the surge is ignored.

He says, "Throughout modern American political history, socialism has almost always been considered taboo." But as Bob Dylan wrote, "The times, they are a changin'." 

Longtime socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders keeps high-profile company like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who once called capitalism "irredeemable." And New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has talked of the ultimate goal when he said in the past that the end goal is "seizing the means of production…" 

These days, the trio is joined by a growing collection of candidates hoping to turn democratic socialism from a sideshow into political power. The movement has momentum. 

"Obviously socialism has been seen as a dirty word for many decades in this country, the product of McCarthyism and many other things," says Micah Uetricht, the editor of Jacobin, which is one of the country's most popular socialist magazines. "Increasingly, it doesn't seem like such a bad word for so many people."

In the past, the Democrat Socialists of America had claimed about 6000 members.

After Donald Trump won the White House — thousands of young, upset activists poured into the organization. Today, DSA claims more than 120,000 members — the largest socialist organization in American history. 

Brody says, "We're seeing the result from that at the ballot box. DSA's current election tracker shows 49 wins this cycle, with 8 of its supported candidates winning federal primaries. While two other major progressives — Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota aren't considered formal DSA victories, they ran on many of the same themes. 

"Bottom line: more socialists could soon be walking the halls of Congress," he says.

"What is happening in the Democratic Party is that a group of people, democratic socialists, see the party leadership not advancing an agenda that is particularly compelling for much of the country," Uetricht tells CBN News. "The Democratic Party brand is really in the toilet right now and throughout much of the United States."

The problem for Democrats is this movement is catching on. In 2010, 50 percent viewed socialism favorably. By 2018, it reached 57 percent. Now it stands at 66 percent. Add to this, 75 percent of Democrats say they would be open to voting for a democratic socialist for president compared to 42 percent of all registered voters. 

Moderate Democrat Jon Cowan, president of the centrist Third Way organization, sees trouble ahead. 

"We think the DSA is toxic crazy, has horrible ideas for America, and will ultimately make it impossible for Democrats to win majorities and get the White House back," Cowan tells CBN News. "If we cede the party to the far left, they'll take it over, they'll destroy it, and Democrats will hold only the bluest seats in the deepest blue places and be locked out of the White House for a generation."

At this point, socialist wins have typically come in deep blue areas, not statewide. So the resonating message may be more selective at this point. "I think that it's going to depend on where you are in the country, what kind of appeal, and what kind of pitch that you're making, to voters, certainly," Uetricht says. "But so far, it seems like the democratic socialist pitch to Democratic voters and other kinds of voters all around the country is actually quite a compelling one."

Brody says, "The consequences so far are an organized, energetic socialist movement scoring more victories at the polls than at any point in modern American politics."

Takeaway

Psalm 11 says:

In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

These words were written by David while he was facing a crisis, and people were advising him to run away to safety. Instead of fleeing, David answers his own doubt in the following verses by remembering that God is still on His throne in heaven, watching over humanity and upholding justice.

Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be Bold. Be Engaged. Be Prayerful.