Guess who scares the piss out of Trump more than anyone?

[orangecrush]

Hint -

It's not centrists.



"Speaking beneath the granite monument at Mount Rushmore on the eve of Independence Day on July 4, Trump invoked national identity and ideology ahead of the November midterm elections.



........


A larger chunk of Trump’s address was focused on what he considers ideological threats at home.

“There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life,” the president said, calling communism “the enemy of the Constitution”.

.....

He labelled the rise of democratic socialists the “greatest threat to our country since its founding”, comparing the movement’s potential impact with World War II and the September 11 attacks."


https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2026/7/4/trump-praises-army-rails-against-communism-in-us-250th-anniversary-speech

He considers Democratic Socialists the greatest threat to his crime syndicate.

Interesting.

[yardwork]

1. This is the GOP strategy for November elections.

It's all they have.

Expect a LOT of yapping about communism over the next few months, reaching a crescendo in the days before the election.

Expect to see an uptick in efforts to divide Democrats, too.

[ananda]

36. That's already happening here.

I've seen a few suspicious posts.

[Janbdwl72]

133. And as Bill Clinton would say so appropriately,

THAT OLD DOG WON'T HUNT!

[rampartd]

2. he considers all democrats to be commies.

and he clearly means to incentivize our self deportation.

[AZ8theist]

96. If we're all"commies", then how does he explain HE WAS ONE for most of his adult life??

[rampartd]

97. as with so much about this freak, no one seems to care.

[calimary]

135. At this point. I'm just doggone tired of him.

Sick and tired.

The Trump era is a blight on America’s reputation AND history of achievement. It can’t end soon enough for me.

[Callie1979]

3. This is not a surprise. Because it works.

We're playing a dangerous game with 2028 if we continue to celebrate a "Democratic Socialist" label.
As I say EVERY time; look at why 2024 was lost; the Biden voters who switched or stayed home.; The Independents. WHY did they pick Trump?
Responding to those answers will win 2028. Ignoring them gives us President Rubio.

[RandomNumbers]

7. Progressive policies are, for the most part, Democratic policies.

Attaching "socialist" to "Democratic" is an unnecessary risk. It's a huge turnoff to a wide swath of voters. Promote the policies that help everyday, non-billionaire people, whether those policies lean socialist or not, without the toxic label.

If we need something spicy to appeal to younger voters, find another term. (What is wrong with "progressive" anyway?)

Note that I said "progressive" - but without quotes in my subject line - and "for the most part".

Some people on the internet are trying to brand some radical policies as "progressive". This is not helpful, if we are going to take our country back. And why I usually refer to those policies and their pushers as "progressives", not progressives.

Anyone confused about the difference between "radical" and "progressive" should set politics aside for a moment and consult a dictionary.

Also to be clear, I don't object to using "Democratic socialist" in local contexts where it works. Just keep it local and don't try to nationalize it.

[oasis]

24. "Progressive" works for me. An argument with

anyone who’s against progress isn’t worth my time.

[betsuni]

41. Progressive and liberal Democratic policy goals are same, but I see (like in this thread) supposed

Last edited Sat Jul 4, 2026, 01:52 PM - Edit history (1)

democratic socialist policies that are also the same.

In that case, "democratic socialist" is just replacing "progressive" as a way to identify as anti-establishment (the establishment being the Democratic Party, although "centrist" is replacing "establishment" ), in order to label Democrats as having no progressive economic policies, same as Republicans. This is why they keeping insisting Democratic policies aren't Democratic policies and say they want change. Easy to say you want change when you have no idea what actual policies are.

It's confusing. Hard to know if people are using the terms correctly or using the revised anti-Democratic versions.

[haele]

46. I come from a family of New Deal Democrats.

The core tenant being a safe, stable, healthy economy with opportunities and equality under the law for everyone.
It's not Paradise, but at least there's a stable floor that no one should fall from - unless they're inclined to jump.


And we all know there's those folks who don't believe in a fair society or safety nets for others who just can't keep up or have problems that keep them down.

[orangecrush]

64. Wow

[orangecrush]

66. The DS are kicking centrist ass in primaries everywhere

The actual voters are done with excuses.

[creeksneakers2]

77. 3 isn't everywhere

[slightlv]

98. And this is where our pitiful education system comes around to bite us.

Ask people on the street to explain the difference between facism, socialism, capitalism, and communism. Ask them to explain which are philosophical theories and which are economic systems. They can't do it.... not even our representatives, "for the most part", can do it! Until people can understand these differences, throwing in radical and progressive is only going to muddy the waters even more. It's been one of my main complaints for decades.

Just as an FYI, I'm for regulated capitalism as an economic system for the U.S. and democratic socialism as a philosophical basis for the country. Can I explain it all right now? No... and I'll even admit to that right now. I'll even admit that I do a lot of that based on emotion, which is what all this ball of wax ends up as, IMO. Short way of saying, I think if I dig deep enough into what you say, and I agree with you, and I think you and I could have some really good discussions. I just hate we only know each other via digits, and too far apart not to sit down with a glass of wine and go to it!

[Callie1979]

116. You're right; they cant. And WE have to understand that.

Just like we have to understand WHY people who voted for Biden then voted for trump.

[slightlv]

121. That one calls for a deep discussion... with a lot of listening, not just talking...

Other than agism, I just can't wrap my head around that. Had to put it in a ball in the back of my mind and let it stay there as just "one of those things." When life, itself, starts throwing more at you than you can handle, some things have to take backstage. Husbands with dementia, flying mailboxes, and exploding bathrooms happening all in the space of two weeks have me so discombobulated that there's a lot that's been put in that "let's do that a little later" box. And I'm not doing well with all these "booms" right now, truth be told.

[Cosmocat]

137. Generally this is taught in high school

There is a lot we are taught that we forget.

I couldn't help our daughters do remedial algebra after having advanced way past that in HS, and now couldn't name most state capitals after having to remember all 50 in middle school.

Now most of us here are 1) truly concerned about our country 2) somehow are immune to right wing bullship brainwashing, so we are readily aware of these things.

But the issue isn't "education." The issue is there has long been a purposeful right wing propaganda campaign to demagogue "the left" that somehow about half the country is succepeptabe to buying into.

The "red scare" isn't anything new, it was all the rage in 50s and 60s. The problem is despite how clearly apparent it is that this is put out to manipulate people, way to many of our family, friends and neighbors build their entire world view and identity around it.

[paleotn]

15. Like Democratic centrist has gotten us anywhere?

Please. We lost 2024 because the Dem brand was about as energetic as a camp fire in a monsoon. If we continue the mealymouthed bullshit (centrism), we'll get the same. People want real change. We can provide that. But not if we continue the same failed, boring, out of touch Dem politics of the last couple decades.

[creeksneakers2]

49. I disagree

Here's some of the things centrists accomplished:

Under Carter: 3. Department of Energy and Energy Policy
In response to the 1970s energy crisis, Carter created the Department of Energy to centralize and address energy-related challenges. His administration implemented policies encouraging energy conservation and the development of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
Carter also pushed for the development of fuel-efficient technologies and issued tax incentives for energy-saving measures, laying the groundwork for future advancements in energy independence.
4. Environmental Protection
Carter’s commitment to environmental conservation was evident in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980. This legislation protected over 100 million acres of Alaskan wilderness by designating new national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests.

It remains one of the largest land conservation efforts in U.S. history. Carter also expanded other environmental programs and supported measures to limit pollution and protect endangered species.
8. Urban Policy Initiatives
Carter introduced programs to support urban development, focusing on improving public transportation, affordable housing, and job creation in economically struggling cities.

His administration worked to reduce poverty and unemployment in urban areas, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. These efforts demonstrated Carter’s commitment to addressing domestic challenges alongside his foreign policy achievements.

Under Clinton: Longest economic expansion in American history
The President's strategy of fiscal discipline, open foreign markets and investments in the American people helped create the conditions for a record 115 months of economic expansion. Our economy has grown at an average of 4 percent per year since 1993.
More than 22 million new jobs
More than 22 million jobs were created in less than eight years -- the most ever under a single administration, and more than were created in the previous twelve years.
Highest homeownership in American history
A strong economy and fiscal discipline kept interest rates low, making it possible for more families to buy homes. The homeownership rate increased from 64.2 percent in 1992 to 67. 7 percent, the highest rate ever.
Lowest unemployment in 30 years
Unemployment dropped from more than 7 percent in 1993 to just 4.0 percent in November 2000. Unemployment for African Americans and Hispanics fell to the lowest rates on record, and the rate for women is the lowest in more than 40 years.
Raised education standards, increased school choice, and doubled education and training investment
Since 1992, reading and math scores have increased for 4th, 8th, and 12th graders, math SAT scores are at a 30-year high, the number of charter schools has grown from 1 to more than 2,000, forty-nine states have put in place standards in core subjects and federal investment in education and training has doubled.
Largest expansion of college opportunity since the GI Bill
President Clinton and Vice President Gore have nearly doubled financial aid for students by increasing Pell Grants to the largest award ever, expanding Federal Work-Study to allow 1 million students to work their way through college, and by creating new tax credits and scholarships such as Lifetime Learning tax credits and the HOPE scholarship. At the same time, taxpayers have saved $18 billion due to the decline in student loan defaults, increased collections and savings from the direct student loan program.
Connected 95 percent of schools to the Internet
President Clinton and Vice President Gore's new commitment to education technology, including the E-Rate and a 3,000 percent increase in educational technology funding, increased the percentage of schools connected to the Internet from 35 percent in 1994 to 95 percent in 1999.
Lowest crime rate in 26 years
Because of President Clinton's comprehensive anti-crime strategy of tough penalties, more police, and smart prevention, as well as common sense gun safety laws, the overall crime rate declined for 8 consecutive years, the longest continuous drop on record, and is at the lowest level since 1973.
100,000 more police for our streets
As part of the 1994 Crime Bill, President Clinton enacted a new initiative to fund 100,000 community police officers. To date more than 11,000 law enforcement agencies have received COPS funding.
Enacted most sweeping gun safety legislation in a generation
Since the President signed the Brady bill in 1993, more than 600,000 felons, fugitives, and other prohibited persons have been stopped from buying guns. Gun crime has declined 40 percent since 1992.
Family and Medical Leave Act for 20 million Americans
To help parents succeed at work and at home, President Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993. Over 20 million Americans have taken unpaid leave to care for a newborn child or sick family member.
Smallest welfare rolls in 32 years
The President pledged to end welfare as we know it and signed landmark bipartisan welfare reform legislation in 1996. Since then, caseloads have been cut in half, to the lowest level since 1968, and millions of parents have joined the workforce. People on welfare today are five times more likely to be working than in 1992.
Higher incomes at all levels
After falling by nearly $2,000 between 1988 and 1992, the median family's income rose by $6,338, after adjusting for inflation, since 1993. African American family income increased even more, rising by nearly $7,000 since 1993. After years of stagnant income growth among average and lower income families, all income brackets experienced double-digit growth since 1993. The bottom 20 percent saw the largest income growth at 16.3 percent.
Lowest poverty rate in 20 years
Since Congress passed President Clinton's Economic Plan in 1993, the poverty rate declined from 15.1 percent to 11.8 percent last year — the largest six-year drop in poverty in nearly 30 years. There are now 7 million fewer people in poverty than in 1993. The child poverty rate declined more than 25 percent, the poverty rates for single mothers, African Americans and the elderly have dropped to their lowest levels on record, and Hispanic poverty dropped to its lowest level since 1979.
Lowest teen birth rate in 60 years
In his 1995 State of the Union Address, President Clinton challenged Americans to join together in a national campaign against teen pregnancy. The birth rate for teens aged 15-19 declined every year of the Clinton Presidency, from 60.7 per 1,000 teens in 1992 to a record low of 49.6 in 1999.
Lowest infant mortality rate in American history
The Clinton Administration expanded efforts to provide mothers and newborn children with health care. Today, a record high 82 percent of all mothers receive prenatal care. The infant mortality rate has dropped from 8.5 deaths per 1,000 in 1992 to 7.2 deaths per 1,000 in 1998, the lowest rate ever recorded.
Deactivated more than 1,700 nuclear warheads from the former Soviet Union
Efforts of the Clinton-Gore Administration led to the dismantling of more than 1,700 nuclear warheads, 300 launchers and 425 land and submarine based missiles from the former Soviet Union.
Protected millions of acres of American land
President Clinton has protected more land in the lower 48 states than any other president. He has protected 5 new national parks, designated 11 new national monuments and expanded two others and proposed protections for 60 million acres of roadless areas in America's national forests.
Paid off $360 billion of the national debt
Between 1998-2000, the national debt was reduced by $363 billion — the largest three-year debt pay-down in American history. We are now on track to pay off the entire debt by 2009.
Converted the largest budget deficit in American history to the largest surplus
Thanks in large part to the 1993 Deficit Reduction Act, the 1997 Balanced Budget Act, and President Clinton's call to save the surplus for debt reduction, Social Security, and Medicare solvency, America has put its fiscal house in order. The deficit was $290 billion in 1993 and expected to grow to $455 billion by this year. Instead, we have a projected surplus of $237 billion.
Lowest government spending in three decades
Under President Clinton federal government spending as a share of the economy has decreased from 22.2 percent in 1992 to a projected 18.5 percent in 2000, the lowest since 1966.
Lowest federal income tax burden in 35 years
President Clinton enacted targeted tax cuts such as the Earned Income Tax Credit expansion, $500 child tax credit, and the HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits. Federal income taxes as a percentage of income for the typical American family have dropped to their lowest level in 35 years.
More families own stock than ever before
The number of families owning stock in the United States increased by 40 percent since 1992.
Most diverse cabinet in American history
The President has appointed more African Americans, women and Hispanics to the Cabinet than any other President in history. He appointed the first female Attorney General, the first female Secretary of State and the first Asian American cabinet secretary ever.

Under Obama: 1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) – “Obamacare”
The Affordable Care Act, often referred to as “Obamacare,” was a transformative piece of legislation aimed at overhauling the U.S.
healthcare system.
2. Economic Recovery
When Obama took office in 2009, the United States was in the midst of the Great Recession, the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

His administration passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion stimulus package that funded infrastructure projects, extended unemployment benefits, and provided tax cuts.

The stimulus helped stabilize the economy, leading to a recovery that saw job growth, a declining unemployment rate, and a rebound in GDP by the end of his presidency.

3. Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform
In response to the financial crisis of 2008, Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act into law in 2010. This legislation aimed to prevent future economic crises by increasing regulation of the financial sector.
Barack Obama was the first sitting president to publicly support same-sex marriage. His administration championed LGBTQ+ rights, and in 2015, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized marriage equality nationwide.

This historic ruling ensured that same-sex couples had the right to marry and receive equal treatment under the law, marking a major step forward for civil rights in the United States.

6. Paris Climate Agreement



It expanded healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, provided subsidies to low- and middle-income families, and made Medicaid expansion possible in participating states.
Key provisions included preventing insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ insurance plans until age 26. By the end of Obama’s presidency, the ACA had significantly reduced the uninsured rate and made healthcare more accessible and affordable for millions.
As part of his commitment to addressing climate change, Obama played a key role in securing the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. Nearly 200 countries pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and take action to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The agreement represented a significant global effort to combat climate change, with the United States taking a leadership role under Obama’s administration.
8. Auto Industry Rescue
During the Great Recession, the American auto industry faced potential collapse. Obama’s administration provided financial assistance to General Motors and Chrysler through a controversial bailout program.

The intervention saved hundreds of thousands of jobs, stabilized the auto industry, and eventually led to a resurgence in U.S. car manufacturing. By the end of Obama’s presidency, the auto industry was profitable again and had repaid much of the bailout money.

9. Advancing Renewable Energy
Obama prioritized clean energy initiatives and invested heavily in renewable energy during his presidency. Through programs like the Recovery Act, his administration funded research and development for solar and wind power, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles.

10. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
In 2012, Obama announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided temporary protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, often referred to as “Dreamers.”

Under Biden: 10. Passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package to increase investment in the national network of bridges and roads, airports, public transport and national broadband internet, as well as waterways and energy systems.

2. Helped get more than 500 million life-saving COVID-19 vaccinations in the arms of Americans through the American Rescue Plan.

3. Stopped a 30-year streak of federal inaction on gun violence by signing the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that created enhanced background checks, closed the “boyfriend” loophole and provided funds for youth mental health.

4. Made a $369 billion investment in climate change, the largest in American history, through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

5. Ended the longest war in American history by pulling the troops out of Afghanistan.

6. Provided $10,000 to $20,000 in college debt relief to Americans with loans who make under $125,000 a year.

7. Cut child poverty in half through the American Rescue Plan.

8. Capped prescription drug prices at $2,000 per year for seniors on Medicare through the Inflation Reduction Act.

9. Passed the COVID-19 relief deal that provided payments of up to $1,400 to many struggling U.S. citizens while supporting renters and increasing unemployment benefits.

10. Achieved historically low unemployment rates after the pandemic caused them to skyrocket.

11. Imposed a 15% minimum corporate tax on some of the largest corporations in the country, ensuring that they pay their fair share,

15. Gave Medicare the power to negotiate prescription drug prices through the Inflation Reduction Act while also reducing government health spending.

19. Reduced healthcare premiums under the Affordable Care Act by $800 a year as part of the American Rescue Plan.

2. Reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act through 2027.

And we would have done much more if Progressive had not made us lose the White House in 2000 and 2016,

[paleotn]

56. You do realize the bulk of that isn't centrist.

And a blind regurgitation of past legislation doesn't prove your point. What is centrist is Clinton's Sec Treasury, Robert Rubin, and the Gramm–Leach–Bliley Act Clinton signed. Both, particularly the later, led to the 2008 crash. No one went to jail for perpetuating perhaps the greatest financial fraud in American history except one poor sap, Kareem Serageldin. And now we have shadow banking which may prove even worse. Nice job, centrists. Plus, Dodd Frank was watered down the point of being ineffectual, by eliminating the bank tax to pay for it all, plus dropping the Volker Rule. See shadow banking and whole heap of other abuses.

The ACA originally had a public option. That got ditched as much due to milquetoast centrist Dems as Republicans. The final product was better than nothing, but it in no way addressed the structural problems in our healthcare system that have only gotten worse. By the way, Obama didn't run as a centrist. He ran to the left in 2008 with a message that resonated with Americans. That's how he won in places Dems haven't won since 2008. Since then, we've run on "Trump is a horrible person" and little else. No shit. What else have we got? A lot, but we don't advertise it much. Why is that? Afraid of being called "Commies" perhaps?

But history is just that. History. And past performance isn't necessarily indicative of future returns. Is the centrist Dem message catching fire with Americans right now? Perhaps you should ask Janet Mills about that. And feel free to continue the Gish Gallop / puke through your computer.

[creeksneakers2]

58. Nothing blind about the list

Those are actual accomplishments.

[paleotn]

92. Most are not centrist positions. Is that difficult to understand?

At least I didn't get another Gish Gallop.

[creeksneakers2]

95. That's what the people here call them. And Joe Lieberman killed the public option.

That's what the people here called us, when they weren't calling is DLC. And Joe Lieberman killed the public option. The rest did their best.
Mm

[paleotn]

102. Oh really. And that makes it so.

There were a lot more Dems than Liberman who balked at the public option. Blaming it entirely on him is a falsehood. Also funny you haven't even touched the 2008 meltdown. Oh, we love to blame that on W but the seeds were planted, watered and nurtured by Rubin on Clinton's watch. And Clinton signed the Republican / Wall Street wet dream that blew up Glass–Steagall. But hey! If folks want to be Republican Lite all the way to the dust bin of history, go for it. That schtick hasn't played since 1996.

[creeksneakers2]

123. https://legalclarity.org/aca-vote-in-the-senate-deals-repeal-and-subsidies/

[creeksneakers2]

124. We are not GOP lite

And we won in 2008, 2012, and 2020. As far as Gish Gallop, I'm proud of my party accomplishing those things. What have the Dem haters accomplished?

[paleotn]

139. You really don't quite understand what I try to convey, do you?

Just can't seem to grasp it and I feel as though I'm discussing this with a fence post, so I'll leave it at that.

But you vote for Dems. I'll take that as a win.

[creeksneakers2]

146. I don't think you are listening to me either.

[paleotn]

104. Forgot to ask. What did Janet Mills say?

Did she confirm that mealymouthed, Dem politics as usual super powered her campaign for senate? Oh, wait.....

[mr715]

114. With respect to Governor Mills, she isn't really a part of the conversation.

Which, with respect to you, is your point.

[Stacey Grove]

147. Obamacare enabled more middle man insurance

insurance is not healthcare.

[creeksneakers2]

59. Was this on the list?

https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/childrens-health-insurance-program/

[Festivito]

136. I am seeing liberal progressive ideas labelled as centrist.

That dog does run on and on... but he don't hunt!

[creeksneakers2]

145. No, mainstream supported and passed.

[Nixie]

143. Thank you! This is fantastic. All these accomplishments under

Democratic administrations. President Clinton raised taxes on the rich, and left office with a balanced budget. I’ve always admired our party’s platforms. This is a keeper if you don’t mind. You should start a separate thread with your post.

[orangecrush]

67. Democratic Socialists are winning primaries

The blue voters are done with excuses.

[Callie1979]

117. If you think "lack of energy" is why we lost we're still in trouble.

I pray I'm wrong but I wasnt two yrs ago.

[thought crime]

30. We lost in 2024 because Biden ran for re-election and his campaign collapsed.

[Callie1979]

37. True, but there were a few other reasons as well.

THe border probably being the biggest of them.

[angrychair]

39. Nope, that's not it N/T

...

[modrepub]

33. And Milquetoast/Establishment Democrats

are a better alternative? If so, don't expect black women, an important Democratic Party pillar to turn out and vote. In all honesty, this block is still hurting after Harris lost.

Yea, expect the Republicans to hurl insults and scare monger. That's all they have. But do you expect them to fix anything they've broken up to this point? I think not. It's one thing to identify and complain about what's ailing this country, it's another thing to actually do something that fixes things. If DSs can fix problems on a state and local level then that 's all the better in demonstrating that what we have works.

In the end, Trump focused on problems of prices and inflation tacking it onto Biden & Harris. It's economic perception that will win or loose us the election, not name calling and fear mongering.

[Cha]

65. Division is getting Democracy NOWHERE.

We can't do anything about new Laws to Stop the Fascists If we don't Win The Midterms.

There are moderates all over the country in swing districts fighting for their seats in Congress.

That is the Goal of those who want the PEDO without the enabling of the House and the Senate.

[orangecrush]

63. Ummm

No.

[TVguyCards]

101. It worked once upon a time

It no longer does. Times have changed a lot and drastically. The people whining about "Communism!" and "Democratic Socialism" would never vote for any Democrat to begin with. It's time we stop giving a shit what Republicans think especially since they don't give a flying frack what we think.

Go left and get all those voters just sitting there. Any people who are Republicans at this late in the game aren't changing their stripes any time soon.

[orangecrush]

129. Great post

[TVguyCards]

140. Hi, thank you very much :)

[orangecrush]

141. Most welcome

[Haggard Celine]

134. To me, there's not much difference, economically speaking,

between a Democrat and a Democratic Socialist. I think the the two are closer than MAGA and libertarians. Dems and D.S. have similar goals, I think. If the Democrats want to chase out the Democratic Socialists, they're going to shut out a generation of new lefties, and this country can't survive that. I think some compromises need to be struck, if possible. Whatever they have to do, they need to work it out. They can fight on down the road.

[TVguyCards]

138. That's an interesting take

I wouldn't say "Democrats" but rather "progressives" specifically.
There's intersectionality for sure when it comes to some policies without question. Democratic Socialism does go further as it advocates for things like reparations, replacing Capitalism with Socialism, and workers owning the means of production.

DSA is the fastest growing political entity in the country. I think what people on our side who are apprehensive need to remember that ideologies within political parties do in fact change. Look at the era of Bill Clinton as example which ushered in Neoliberalism and Third Way ideology, both of which are still very much around today. Democratic Socialism needs to be thought of in the same manner. Yes it's left of the current party but I personally see that as a great thing because it centers people who are poor and working class, something which hasn't really happened in this country outside of FDR and even that's debatable due to the restrictions placed on people of color when it comes to The New Deal.

Imagine having people in DC who's focus is not only ending poverty but eradicating it entirely? We have both the means and ability to do that but sadly we need the people who believe in doing that and who don't own stocks in corporations who profit off the misery of the lower classes like real estate companies, property management companies, credit reporting agencies, on and on because right now a whole lot of people in Washington own stock in such companies while at the same time saying they can and will make life better for poor and working class people. Really? Seriously? You'd go to bat for people struggling while padding your wallet with money made off entities who oppress others in order to make a profit? Come on now lol

Better things are possible and DSA is going to show everyone that reality.

[Haggard Celine]

144. I hope we can have a stronger safety net for people.

Being poor is stressful as hell. And now we have people not buying health insurance because it's out of their reach. They can't afford food, shelter, clothing, and health insurance. Democrats and Democratic Socialists want to change that, and I think they could get a lot done if they work together on common goals.

People are anxious as hell right now. They don't know what's happening with AI and their jobs and the future. They see people getting extremely wealthy and their own futures becoming less certain. People my age are looking at retirement in the next 10-15 years and aren't nearly prepared. It's daunting.

For the good of the people, I hope that the Democrats and the Democratic Socialists will not only work together but listen to each other. Both factions have good ideas on how best to serve the interests of the people and how to get the progress we need accomplished.

And it's important to stress action and results. Americans want to see concrete change, and if we work together, we can deliver that. I think the economic and regulatory issues are most important right now, although those aren't particularly the most thrilling issues. We need to reduce dependence on oil as well. There are just so many things we can do if we forget about personalities and get to work on the people's business.

Also important are women's rights and the Supreme Court. I think The Democrats and Democratic Socialists have similar views on those very important issues as well. I think there's enough will to expand the Court and protect women's reproductive freedom. I could go on and on. It could be a new era of much-needed reforms for a new century. The Democratic Socialists could be a gift to the Democratic Party. They have a lot of energy, and we can't get anything done without that. And right now we're lacking it.

[Norrrm]

4. Trump manages to use both scare words - communist and socialist.

Trump manages to use both scare words - communist and socialist.

What is the difference between socialism and communism?

Socialism is a keyword/buzzword used to incite fear that the other party will control/ruin your personal economy/lifestyle.
.
Communism is a buzzword/keyword used to incite fear that the other party will ruin/control your personal lifestyle/economy.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Alas! The meanings are meaningless. The names are used purely as an emotional trigger.

Does anyone think Donald actually knows (or cares) the meanings and differences?

[RandomNumbers]

8. Most of the national electorate doesn't make a meaningful distinction

between communism and socialism, and much less between "socialism" and "Democratic Socialism".

Something liberal and progressive political strategists should keep in mind.

[paleotn]

17. We labeled Trump correctly as a fascist.

Didn't work and many Americans voted for a neo-nazi anyway. Given the struggles of regular Americans, I think you and others are putting too much emphasis on words that may not have the same effect they once did. This isn't 1980 after all. Millennial's and Gen Z's don't carry the cultural baggage you and I have that's wrapped around those words. Give them a vision that overrides those less meaningful words. That's what they want. The left of the party is trying to do exactly that. The rest seems stuck with the failed politics that got us into this mess.

[The Madcap]

32. We didn't go strong enough.

Nazi is more appropriate.

[Karasu]

110. Frankly, most Americans don't know what a fascist is any more than they know what a communist or a socialist are, even

with fascism breathing down their necks, their pocketbooks, terrorizing their neighbors, destroying all regulations, and effectively punching them in the fucking face every damn day.

It doesn't help that Republicans use these words interchangeably, because they're dumbfucks who don't know the difference (including that fascism is specifically right-wing) and only benefit from ignorance.

[Callie1979]

38. Exactly

[orangecrush]

69. Too late

The battle to save America and end the criminal syndicate of Trump has begun.

[walkingman]

5. This is where out education system in America fails us. The GOP has used "Communism"

for decades to scare people because everyone growing up in America over the last century was told that the ultimate evil is "Communism" (Red Scare).

Not many Dems had a problem with Bernie or even AOC but since NYC (imo, the greatest city in the US) has elected several, now you would think it is the end times.

Nope, only if Democrats make it so...more than likely led by the DNC who views them as a threat.

For this old timer....we need party reform if we expect to win and part of that reform is to unite around the goal of winning at all costs.

[Grim Chieftain]

6. Cheers to Bernie, AOC and all the Democratic Socialists

If you are scaring the orange felon, you are doing something right.

[orangecrush]

70. THIS

And he's scared because they will not "look forward" and forget the crimes. And he knows it

[kwolf68]

9. Old move, roots in the 1930s

You know who got stuck into camps by the German Nazis back in the 1930s? Other than Jewish people, COMMUNISTS, even people who were not communists.

The red boogeyman has its roots there and of course red baiting is old hat for the Republic Party.

So now that their twisted mind-fuck "ideology" is inspiring a further left movement, it's time to dust off the old hits.

Not unlike the further right movement (Tea) spurred on by the election of Obama (not because he was a communist, but because he was black). However, this new left movement is a legitimate movement, not manufactured, rather organic as people see that not only have we seen the rising tide of Fascism take over, but some failures by establishment Democrats as well.

These people won't be deterred by being called communist. Shit, Bill Clinton was called a Marxist back in the day. These are hollow words in 2026. What the American people want is less corruption, idiocy, hubris and waste and a government that works FOR THEM and not for the aristocracy.

[underpants]

10. Great points. I was going to say they really are going back to the 50's

with all red baiting.

[paleotn]

20. Exactly!

The words just don't have the same effect across generations, or when average Americans are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. It's vision that matters. Not some dusty old words spewed by a demented old man yesterday.

[creeksneakers2]

82. I'm worried about the GOP base

Democrats won lots of off year elections, even in red areas, because the GOP wasn't motivated. Trump is using communism to motivate his base. And they don't know the difference between communism and democratic socialism.

[the_liberal_grandpa]

11. He's afraid of Democratic Socialists because

Besides stopping him and investigating him and his cronies and hopefully putting them away for good,
Democratic Socialists will work to pass popular legislation like:

Medicare for all
Free or low college education
sensible gun control
popular environmental policies
affordable housing
taxing the rich
voting rights
Womens rights
Sensible immigration laws
Expand the supreme court.

and many many other things that Americans have wanted their government to do for many years.

Corporate Democrats are afraid of them too.

No more paddy cake between Ds&Rs
We want change!

[bdamomma]

53. We want change!!!!!!

and we are not going back either!!!!!

[orangecrush]

71. The battle has begun

Let the centrists and corporatists stand aside and stay out of the way if they won't help.

[dem4decades]

12. No, he thinks Democratic Socialists will save him.

He's making then the boogeyman.

[oasis]

29. 100% that!

[orangecrush]

81. Not

[oasis]

84. Please provide me a list of Dems who describe

themselves as “Corporate Democrats” so that I can avoid supporting them.
Thanking you in advance.

[orangecrush]

86. Thanks for baiting me

But I'm not biting today.

See ya.

[betsuni]

54. Commies are the new immigrants.

[orangecrush]

80. Sure

[dem4decades]

83. Yeah, I'm sure.

[orangecrush]

85. I'm sure I'm saying bye.

[Baitball Blogger]

13. How many of the MAGAs are ready to surrender social security, food programs

and health care for Trump?

That's how the Democrats should frame Trump's Red scare tactic.

[Karasu]

109. They did all that the instant Elon's DOGE became a thing.

[Igel]

14. He's married and has daughters, so that's a trick question.

Not falling for it.

[orthoclad]

16. Laying the groundwork for terrorizing the people

by calling them terrorists. Nash'nul sacurity, ya know? Why else do we have an FBI and a DHS?

[OGBuzz]

43. especially Trumps private taxpayer paid militia, ICE and CBP.

[orthoclad]

74. Yep. Make us pay the bill for our own oppression,

like a good capitalist.

Normalized!

[Martin68]

18. It's just a tired old scare tactic that went out of vogue in the late 50s. He's not afraid of communists, he's afraid of

Democrats.

[OGBuzz]

44. Trump has no idea what true "communism" is or how it functions. Even China is far from "communist".

[Karasu]

108. No Republicans know the damn difference anymore, if they ever did. Now they openly celebrate ignorance.

[OGBuzz]

111. My all time favourite was when he made this comment about Kamala Harris:

"This is a radical-left, Marxist, communist, fascist ."

Ignorance for a MAGAt is a badge of honour.

[Karasu]

112. Man...I had somehow forgotten about that. Only idiots who don't know the difference would be dumb enough to think that

it's even possible for someone to be all of those things at once.

[TVguyCards]

142. He's scared of many things

and he should be too! He knows his life as a billionaire is over if we elect Socialists and Communists because one of the first things that will be done is seizing his assets and redistributing his wealth to the poor and working class who have busted their asses since day 1 and have absolutely nothing to show for it except student loan debt, a $2200/mo bill for rent, and dying because they can't afford healthcare.

Oh he should be scared. And I'll be here sipping my tea the entire time ☕

[milestogo]

19. Send Bernie Sanders to yell at him.

[kentuck]

61. Yes, Bernie Sanders is the poster child of the Democratic Socialists...

...and a lot Republicans admire him. They do not consider him a "communist".

[spanone]

21. He knows shit about the Constitution.

[orangecrush]

79. He shits ON the Constitution.

[spanone]

88. That too!

[Joinfortmill]

22. He brought this on with his policies.

The country is moving 'Left'. Good, I say.

[EdmondDantes_]

23. What makes you think they scare him?

Republicans have been red baiting for decades because it's worked. Trump has railed against immigrants for years. You're reading into it what you want to believe. He needs an "enemy" because otherwise he'd be at risk of having to take responsibility and losing his cult.

[IcyPeas]

25. Trump nor his maga klan could define the word "socialist"

I wish a female reporter would ask him to define it on camera.

"What a dumb question"
"You're a stupid person"
"Who are you with? ... "Fake news"
"What a stupid corrupt reporter you are"
"Shut up piggy"

[DemocracyForever]

26. Trump/GOP are Nazis

and it's time for dems to point this out. The Trump/GOP agenda is taken straight from Hitler's playbook, hatred of immigrasnt, superiority of white anglos, forcing women to breed against their will, hatred of LGBTQ+, government control of everything, no right to dissent or hold the government accountable and the list goes on.

[Dave Bowman]

27. Comuniwhat? What year does he think it is?

Sounds like a braindead McCarthy.

[orangecrush]

78. OP coming soon

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roy-Cohn

[Karasu]

107. It amazes me how the GQP still gets traction out of the exact same bullshit they've been saying since the fucking '40s.

[no_hypocrisy]

28. Because Democrat Socialists are antithetical and a threat to fascism and

authoritarianism.

[Karasu]

106. This. They're the only real threat to it in a country where the Overton window skews so ridiculously far to the right.

[orangecrush]

131. Good observation

Thank you.

[2na fisherman]

31. Like A Zombie Corpse Of Joe McCarthy

How soon will Trump revive the House Un-American Activities Committee to provide him a list of known Communists to investigate? He's so clueless to not know this old trope makes him look foolish to think it has credibility in today's multi-media environment with many more ways to discredit it as the hackneyed Big Lie it was already judged by history to be. And it must be taken for granted that most people know by now his answer to the question, "Have you no decency?"

[orangecrush]

76. Doubly ridiculous to the majority of voters

Struggling to live to support the crime syndicate, while he devotes resources to this bullshit.

[Probatim]

34. Let's just mention how much he likes Putin.

Not that Russia is a good practitioner of communism, but the rubes don't know the difference any more.

[LisaL]

35. I don't think it scares him one bit.

What he is trying to do is to scare voters.

[angrychair]

42. Not all voters

But specifically Democratic voters. As is very evident in this thread as the majority in it immediately threw Democratic Socialist and progressives in general, straight under the bus and backed up and went forward twice.

[flashman13]

40. For every action there is a reaction. The MAGAts are terrified because they know that the Democratic Socialists

are a populist reaction against Trump's far right-wing agenda and the power of the ultra rich oligarchs. We the People have decided, at the grass roots level, that in return for our hard work we deserve nice things too.

The 2026 and 2028 elections are going to be a major realignment of politics on the order of FDR and the New Deal.

[orangecrush]

75. THIS

[Wednesdays]

100. Let's hope history repeats itself, then.

Once the Democrats won both the House and Senate in 1932, they never lost either in consecutive sessions for nearly 50 years.

[flashman13]

105. The recent special elections and Democratic primaries all tell me that people are done with business as usual.

People are tired of "moderate" politicians that deliver platitudes, but then vote for programs that benefit heir donors rather than their constituents.

The internet has made it possible for candidates to fund their campaigns by small donations from large numbers of voters. That new system is undermining the power of the PACs, corporations, and oligarchs.

We now have fresh new candidates that are putting the needs of the many ahead of the wants of the few.

[orangecrush]

128. ...

[orangecrush]

126. Great post

[BobTheSubgenius]

45. MAGA....

....fighting imaginary communism with real fascism.

[Buddyzbuddy]

47. Democratic Socialists and progressive Democrats are a direct result of

the current administration, the MAGA/Republican cult and the billionaire class.

Our Constitution, our Democracy and the American way of life has never since the Civil War faced a bigger threat to it's existence than now. The enemy/threat has infiltrated our government with the help of seditious, treasonous bastards and lazy ignorant non voters.

At this point to slow the growth of this disease and begin the long methodical eradication we must "VOTE BLUE, NO MATTER WHO" in November.

[Initech]

48. Hey Donny, you're gonna lose! Get used to it!

[RandomNumbers]

52. Are you saying that there are a lot of elected Democrats

who are "corporate political slugs licking the boots of oligarchs and fascists"?

Care to name names, and give evidence?

[orangecrush]

73. Bye

[bdamomma]

51. Just completely

delusional, project much DJT????? Take a look in the mirror, you are the greatest threat!!!!!

[betsuni]

55. If I received a dollar every time "centrist" is used as an insult for Democrats, by 2028 I'll be a billionaire.

[everyonematters]

57. He sees them as a foil that can be easily labeled as communists.

His biggest threat is economic populism, but it needs to be messaged carefully.

[KS Toronado]

60. I thought it was going to be women of color.

[Tbear]

90. My thought was Jack Smith

But I like women of color better for whom thedonald is most afraid of.

[thebigidea]

62. Don't flatter yourselves. Fearmongering and manipulating the GOP base isn't being scared.

the heck does he have to be scared about other than death?

[orangecrush]

72. His henchmen and family going to prison

[Kid Berwyn]

68. IRS Agents with Integrity

All tax dodgers fear paying their fair share.

[orangecrush]

87. True

[The Blue Flower]

89. We've always been at war with Emmanuel Goldstein

What's to worry about, Donny?

[orangecrush]

91. Nailed it

[LudwigPastorius]

93. As they get rid of the immigrants,...

they have to shift to different scapegoats.

They’re flipping the Nazi script. They started with communists then immigrants.

[orangecrush]

130. It's what they do. Nt

[Evolve Dammit]

94. McCarthyism 2.0? Roy Cohn Esq. was Fred and Don's lawyer and also McCarthy's, as well as mob bosses in NY.

[orangecrush]

132. History repeating itself

[OldBaldy1701E]

99. That is the thing.

A true Democratic Socialist is a threat to his crime syndicate.

His, and the rest of them as well. (They know who they are...)

[TVguyCards]

103. A friendly reminder (and a serious one)

Friendly reminder: There are still anti-communist laws on the books from the McCarthy era that usually aren't enforced. Be prepared for the fascists to dust them off now that they feel threatened. You best believe Trump and his bootlicking white power goons are going to be using them too.

[struggle4progress]

113. It's the familiar patriotism of worried gangsters

[FakeNoose]

115. How many remember that Chump used to be a D, and he voted D

... he contributed to the Democratic Party?

I mean he was friends with Bill and Hillary Clinton for heaven's sake! I think he invited them to one of his weddings.

But then he figured out that the Democratic Party would never, ever want HIM for a candidate, and no D's would ever vote for him. So he quit our Party and joined up with the R's, not that anyone noticed.

My point is that this guy has no political convictions whatsoever. I'm sure if he were to be asked what's the difference between a socialist, a communist and a liberal progressive Democrat, he couldn't tell you. He has no idea.

He just talks in generalities and throws around political terms that mean nothing to him, because he thinks it makes him sound "smart" I guess. I don't really know.

[Zelda_Orchid]

118. He thinks Gavin Newsom is a communist.

It's the same shit the fascists have always tried.

[Cha]

119. Don't leave out Sen Jon Ossoff, and Hakeem

Last edited Sat Jul 4, 2026, 11:37 PM - Edit history (1)

Jeffries.

Trump compares Jon Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman as he leads in the polls

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100221349753

Hakeem Jeffries Hurls This Go-To Trump Insult Right Back At Him

ETA~ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hakeem-jeffries-trump-iran-war-obama-derangement-syndrome_n_6a2ebe4ce4b08741f51b39e7

PEDO is desperate to win the Midterms.. he's "scared "of All the Dems across the country winning. Moderates in Swing Districts and States, too.

[Emile]

120. Power to "We the People" will be demonized

endlessly by centrists, and Republicans.

[Bluetus]

122. We need to grab the frame

When Trump says "communist", he is talking about starving meals on wheels. He is talking about turning Social Security over to hedge funds. He is talking about killing Medicaid outright. He is talking about shutting down food for low income WIC (Women, Infants, Children). He is talking about charging student loans an interest rate double what corporations get. He is talking about closing rural hospitals. He is talking about neglecting VA hospitals.

This is what he means by "communism". We need to take it straight to him.

[orangecrush]

125. Thank you

Great post

[SSJVegeta]

127. It doesnt work on voters

Last edited Sat Jul 4, 2026, 11:50 PM - Edit history (1)

The opposite was factually correct with maga. Voters voted on what they felt were their interests. They will do it in double the force when their interests actually apply.

[Stacey Grove]

148. The majority of people

outside of a small website in the backwaters of the internet don't really care.

They've always called Democrats communists. Big fucking deal.