Midterms may be a golden moment for US socialists
Arab News · Dalia Al-Aqidi ·
Midterms may be a golden moment for US socialists
Nov. 3 could mark a turning point in American politics and the biggest surprise may come not from Republicans or traditional Democrats but from the socialist left. As Americans head to the polls for the midterm elections to choose members of Congress and state and local officials, the Democratic Socialists of America could be approaching its biggest political breakthrough yet. Riding a wave of primary victories, growing frustration with capitalism and increasing interest among younger voters, the movement could gain enough influence to reshape the Democratic Party and challenge the economic principles that have helped make America prosperous.
The Democratic Socialists of America’s growing influence deserves more attention than it has received. Its electoral successes are not simply victories for politicians promising cheaper housing or better healthcare. They are part of a broader effort to replace capitalism with a system based on social and democratic ownership of the economy.
According to a study published by the Brookings Institution in August, the group’s chapters endorsed or recommended 282 candidates during the election cycle. They included 64 congressional candidates, 15 seeking statewide office, 104 running for state legislatures and 99 competing for local positions. Several lost their primaries but the scale of the effort reveals a movement working to establish influence at every level of government.
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