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  1. Podcasts/
  2. Daily Signal/
  3. Why Socialism Could Backfire on Democrats | Emily Seidel
October 31, 2026
Daily Signal•October 31, 2026

•Episode length: 22m

The Heritage Foundation

Why Socialism Could Backfire on Democrats | Emily Seidel

Episode length: 22m

Subscribe to Daily SignalSubscribe

Socialism is gaining ground on the American left, but what do voters actually think about it?

Emily Seidel, president and CEO of Americans for Prosperity and senior adviser to AFP Action, joins the Daily Signal’s Rob Bluey on this episode of “Midterm Report” to reveal what AFP has learned from conversations with roughly 10,000 Americans in competitive Senate states.

Seidel says 56% of those surveyed have an unfavorable opinion of socialism, while 59% see the Democratic Party as controlled by its extreme left wing. Yet Democrats have gained an advantage on an issue Republicans once dominated: the economy.

Seidel explains that apparent contradiction, why the cost of living remains voters’ overriding concern, and how the choice between what she describes as government control and economic freedom could shape the midterms. She also explains why AFP believes its grassroots outreach is dramatically increasing enthusiasm among Republican-base voters.

FAQ

What do voters think about socialism? Seidel says 56% of the roughly 10,000 people AFP spoke with have an unfavorable opinion of socialism.

How do voters view the Democratic Party? According to Seidel, 59% of those AFP spoke with see the Democratic Party as essentially controlled by its extreme left wing.

What issue is most important to voters? Seidel calls this a “cost of living election,” pointing specifically to concerns about housing, gasoline, and groceries.

Why does Seidel believe Republicans have an opening? She argues that candidates can contrast policies intended to address affordability with democratic socialist proposals, including rent control and government-run grocery stores and health care.

What is Americans for Prosperity hearing from voters on the ground? Seidel says AFP is having face-to-face conversations with tens of thousands of Americans each week and based its socialism findings on conversations with about 10,000 people in competitive Senate states.

LINKS

Americans for Prosperity

https://americansforprosperity.org/

AFP Action

https://afpaction.com/

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