Democratic socialists have long been seen as the fringe of the American political spectrum. But in recent years, they have become increasingly mainstream.
It was Bernie Sanders and his run for President in 2016 that brought the DSA into modern political discussion. In 2016, Sanders got a bigger percentage of the vote from Americans under 30 than both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. But Democrat Socialists like Bernie Sanders are not going away. In fact, it is a movement that is gaining momentum. So much so, that if there is such a thing as a “moderate” Democrat still around, their numbers are being dwarfed by the Democratic Socialists who are giving the Democrat Party as a whole a giant shove to the left. In 2014, the DSA claimed around 6,500 members. By election day 2016, that number had risen to 8,500 members. By July 2017, membership had ballooned to 24,000. Today, according to DSA Communications Director Chris Kutalik Cauthern, membership in the DSA is roughly 80,000.
Among the 435 members of the House of Representatives, five identify as Democratic Socialists. In addition to Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Cori Bush (D-MO), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Greg Casar (D-TX).
This is due in part to the rise of progressive politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. These politicians have helped to popularize democratic socialist ideas, such as Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
The growing popularity of democratic socialism is a cause for concern for conservatives. They worry that these ideas will lead to higher taxes, more government control, and a less prosperous economy.
Democratic socialism is a threat to American prosperity because it stifles economic growth. When the government controls the economy, it makes it more difficult for businesses to start and grow. This can lead to a decrease in jobs and innovation, and it can make it harder for people to get ahead.
In addition, democratic socialism can lead to higher taxes. When the government needs to raise money to fund its social programs, it often has to raise taxes on businesses and individuals. This can lead to a decrease in economic activity, and it can make it harder for people to save and invest.
There's no such thing as "Democratic Socialists". They're socialists attempting to soften and make themselves sound better to real Americans with the term. But in the end, they'll tax you into oblivion and eventually regulate you out of existence if given the chance.
— ★ John Jordan (@erjohnjordan) August 7, 2023
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The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist organization in the United States, with over 92,000 members and chapters in all 50 states. pic.twitter.com/jtEHBLtD59— LadyD1955 🐾 🔥🚀🇺🇸🦅 (@d1955_lady) August 4, 2023
