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Episode length: 40m
Socialism is gaining ground in America, particularly among younger voters. But what’s driving its rise, and what could it mean at the ballot box? On this episode of "Midterm Report," Rob Bluey examines the political and economic forces behind the socialist movement with Brooke Medina of State Policy Network and Dr. Charles Steele of Hillsdale College. Medina reveals the dramatic expansion of the Democratic Socialists of America, from just 21 chapters in 2013 to 204 today, including growth in states such as Florida, Texas, and Kansas. She explains how affordability concerns, community organizing, and younger voters are helping fuel the movement and why DSA influence increasingly extends into state and local politics. Steele explains why he believes socialist policies would fail to solve Americans’ economic concerns. He makes the case for free markets and entrepreneurship, tackling health care costs, government spending, inflation, and even the dramatic decline in the cost of reaching space under more market-oriented approaches. He also offers an optimistic message to young Americans who question whether the American dream is still within reach.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Rise of the DSA
1:23 Mapping DSA influence
3:28 Ideology and recruitment
5:23 Appeal to younger voters
7:01 Free market alternatives
9:37 Countering with federalism
12:11 Organizational strategy
15:23 Shifting political norms
17:17 Defending liberty
18:56 Immigration and the West
20:08 The dangers of socialism
22:24 Economic reality of socialism
24:10 Price signals and efficiency
26:31 A vision for the future
28:52 Free market space development
31:52 Healthcare market reforms
33:56 The American dream
Rob Bluey
