Commentary
“Feeling their oats,” a phrase used to describe individuals showing confidence, boldness and even arrogance, has been evident among those promoting Democratic socialism, but of late several Democrat strategists have come out in opposition to that ideology.
You may recall my noting the change in the opinion of two Democrat strategists – straight-shooters Julian Epstein and Doug Shoen – in my October 12, 2025, blog, “Listening: Fortunately, the radical left is deaf,” in which they oppose the party’s move to the far-left.
Writing in the New York Post this week, Epstein said, “After decades of giving my all for Democrat House and Senate candidates, this fall I will support, and contribute to, Mike Rogers, Michigan’s GOP Senate nominee, instead.
“And I will do everything I can to make sure other Democrats follow. My party’s leaders have sought to appease the dangerous faction in our midst.”
Longtime Democrat strategist James Carville said he would not remain in the party if far left figures like Hasan Piker become a larger force. Commenting on the selection of Francesca Hong for governor in Wisconsin, Carville referred to her as a candidate by AI random generator.
Meghan Hays, once an advisor to Barack Obana and Joe Biden, demanded Democrat leaders stand up to prevent a far-left takeover of the party. “These people, claiming to be Democrat socialists, are not Democrats.”
Former press secretary to Jill Biden, Michael LaRosa is publicly backing Republican Mike Rogers over DSA candidate Abdul El-Sayed, making it deeply personal on social media.
With an emphasis on the candidacy of Hong, former Obama advisor David Axelrod referred to her as a “zany liberal, faculty lounge exotica” in a social media post, view her as a “political liability.”
Former West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin refused to offer support for any self-described socialist candidates ahead of the midterm elections during an appearance on Sunday’s broadcast of CBS’ “Face the Nation.”
“No way,” Manchin said when asked if he would ever support a socialist. “My God, no.”
Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman, the lone defiant Democrat currently serving in the Senate, referred to the “lefties” in his party who are warming to socialism or communism as “morons.”
Comedian and talk show host Bill Maher is, as far as I can determine, the only television personality to come out against the radical socialism views, expressed discontent and suggested his “vote is in play.”
Former West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin refused to offer support for any self-described socialist candidates ahead of the midterm elections on Sunday’s broadcast of CBS’s “Face the Nation.”
“No way,” Manchin said when asked if he would ever support a socialist. “My God, no.”
What has caused so many Democrats to look to socialism? Some say it’s Trump derangement syndrome, while others say it’s a dissatisfaction in the lack of leadership in the Democrat party. A Fox News poll revealed that 69 percent ofvoters disapprove in the job Democrats are doing Congress.
Is it the economy, stupid? While the Wall Street Journal reports that the “GOP is losing its edge with voters on the economy,” polling shows only limited signs that the discontent is turning votes to Democrat candidates.”
“Can Democrats Resist Socialism? asked Wall Street Journal columnist Kimberly A. Strassel in her latest column? Responding to her own question, she wrote, “If Democrat leaders hope to save their party from a socialist takeover, they have to find a backbone to do it themselves. No one is coming to save them.
May God save us from the misguided socialists who would rather remake America than simply maintain its greatness.
