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Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 01:57 PM 18 hrs ago

13 centrist Democrats sign "Promise to America" - capitalism, fiscal discipline, strong borders and pride in US

Thirteen Democratic House members and candidates announced their support Thursday for a centrist initiative aimed at pushing back against the party’s tilt toward democratic socialism.


Suozzi and Adam Gray (California), who are the only Democrats to flip red districts in 2024 that President Donald Trump won that year, helped debut the group during the centrist gathering WelcomeFest this month.
The other signatories who announced their support Thursday include candidates and incumbents running in competitive races, including several districts that Trump won. Reps. Kristen McDonald Rivet (Michigan), Susie Lee (Nevada), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), Josh Gottheimer (New Jersey), Laura Gillen (New York), Don Davis (North Carolina), Janelle Bynum (Oregon) and Vicente Gonzalez (Texas) are all supporters. Candidates Marlene Galán-Woods in Arizona, Jamie Ager and Paul Barringer in North Carolina and Bobby Pulido in Texas also signed on.

“We disagree with MAGA. We disagree with socialists,” Suozzi said. “We don’t want this extremism. We want mainstream.”

Link to archive.is (from Wash Post) https://archive.is/cFxXH#selection-601.0-617.118]

text of Promise To America https://www.thepromisetoamerica.com/]

Growth, Competition, and Broad Prosperity
We are capitalist, not socialist.

We believe in a growing, fair, and competitive economy that rewards hard work, innovation, entrepreneurship, and ownership. Full-time work should make it possible to own a home, raise a family, afford healthcare, and retire with dignity. Economic, permitting, and tax policy should expand opportunity and lower costs for workers, families, entrepreneurs, and those striving to join the middle class, not disproportionately favor those already at the top.

Safety, Security, and Human Dignity
We want safety, not lawlessness.

We believe Americans deserve secure borders, safe communities, honest government, and an orderly immigration system that protects the country, strengthens the economy, and treats people with dignity. We believe America remains indispensable to global stability, democratic values, international security, and strong alliances. In a dangerous and uncertain world, America must lead with strength, purpose, and partnership.

Fiscal Discipline
We are responsible, not reckless.

A generation has passed since our party balanced the budget. We will prioritize tackling the national debt honestly. We must pay our bills, and not leave our children in debt.

Government That Works
We believe government should solve problems, not create them.

Government matters, but it must work. Public institutions should be competent, accountable, easier to navigate, and capable of building, innovating, and delivering results people experience in everyday life. Government should make life easier.

Free Speech, Respect, AND Common Purpose
We are mainstream, not extreme.

We believe Americans can disagree without division. We stand for moderation, acceptance, respect, free expression, and democratic pluralism. We embrace a politics of persuasion over purity, contempt, and cultural division.

Confident Patriotism and National Renewal
We are proud, not ashamed of America.

We believe America’s story is one of extraordinary achievement and unfinished work. We honor America’s strengths and exceptional character while striving to build a freer, stronger, more prosperous, and more perfect union.


I guess all those who don't feel the same way are extreme and hate the US . . .

I'd say what I think of Suozzi (Problem Solver Caucus, censurer of Al Green etc) and Gray (Problem Solver Caucus, Blue Dog, joining w/Rs to open government etc.) . . . but I think it's against the rules of DU . . . cause, after all, they have a D next to their names.

97 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
13 centrist Democrats sign "Promise to America" - capitalism, fiscal discipline, strong borders and pride in US (Original Post) Nanjeanne 18 hrs ago OP
My Dog.... NewHendoLib 18 hrs ago #1
We are definitetly going to need to take the house by more than 13. LuvLoogie 18 hrs ago #2
We definitely have a centrist problem. Emile 15 hrs ago #41
Without centrists Boo1 14 hrs ago #44
We have a centrist problem!! Emile 14 hrs ago #45
Seriously. What a bunch of drivel from these CivicGrief 13 hrs ago #55
You get to define what Boo1 11 hrs ago #67
See post 36 Emile 11 hrs ago #71
we know what it ISN'T Skittles 8 hrs ago #95
And "Centrists" are just Bettie 13 hrs ago #58
Bullshit Boo1 11 hrs ago #69
Post removed Post removed 18 hrs ago #3
"Contract on America" orthoclad 17 hrs ago #5
Right? AStern 17 hrs ago #16
This "promise" is an agreement to orthoclad 17 hrs ago #19
Exactly Blue Full Moon 11 hrs ago #76
Shades of Newt Gingrich orthoclad 10 hrs ago #77
I'm good with most of that stuff. What are they against? mymomwasright 18 hrs ago #4
Y'know, all those things that "socialist" countries have. orthoclad 17 hrs ago #6
It's bad enough that the R's are trying to divide us Deuxcents 17 hrs ago #7
They seem to believe that everything happening today is fine and is mainstream and normal Quiet Em 17 hrs ago #8
They don't believe everything is fine. yardwork 17 hrs ago #10
They aren't offering anything Quiet Em 17 hrs ago #11
Tom Suozzi is in NY Quiet Em 17 hrs ago #13
Then they should have some respect for the Dems who won in their districts. Why put out this Nanjeanne 16 hrs ago #25
What? I don't understand what you're saying. yardwork 13 hrs ago #49
How about you just read the free link to the Wash Post or maybe even Suozzi's own statement Nanjeanne 9 hrs ago #83
Are you suggesting that people should vote against them? yardwork 9 hrs ago #84
What are you talking about? Where did I say that? Voters get to choose. Im flummoxed. Nanjeanne 9 hrs ago #86
North Carolina's primaries are over. yardwork 9 hrs ago #87
My OP made no comment at all. I posted a Wash Post article and the actual Promise To America. Nanjeanne 9 hrs ago #88
These are your exact words in this thread: yardwork 9 hrs ago #89
Read my lips. I NEVER SUGGESTED ANYTHING ABOUT HOW SOMEONE SHOULD VOTE. Nanjeanne 8 hrs ago #91
Bashing Democratic candidates depresses the vote for them. yardwork 8 hrs ago #92
All of us at DU want to take back the House and we want all of our Democratic nominees to win Quiet Em 8 hrs ago #94
I'm not surprised to see the two from North Carolina. yardwork 17 hrs ago #9
I am mixed on this issue. Matthew28 17 hrs ago #12
My goal is to get a Democratic majority in Congress. yardwork 17 hrs ago #18
But they are attacking other Democrats in a not so subtle way. CivicGrief 13 hrs ago #59
How are they attacking other Democrats? yardwork 12 hrs ago #60
They said it was. Read the articles. Nanjeanne 12 hrs ago #65
We're all aware how civics works. CivicGrief 8 hrs ago #90
And are the progressives who have won their primaries against "strong" borders and against some level Nanjeanne 16 hrs ago #23
We aren't in a big tent, I guess. aocommunalpunch 16 hrs ago #26
I personally think the Dems MustLoveBeagles 15 hrs ago #33
Which 'socialist' policies do they disagree with? NeoTrajan 17 hrs ago #14
I suspect they're appeasing their corporate donors LearnedHand 15 hrs ago #30
Here is my first stab at a list. yellow dahlia 13 hrs ago #53
Post removed Post removed 17 hrs ago #15
Me too politics doesn't work MustLoveBeagles 15 hrs ago #34
they all need to be primaried hookaleft 17 hrs ago #17
Many of them should be on the top of the primary list for 2028 Renew Deal 17 hrs ago #20
Yeah, Europe is so extreme. However, I agree that "Socialist" is a loser in the .... ColoringFool 17 hrs ago #21
Socialism is the bogeyman pushed by the pukes LearnedHand 15 hrs ago #31
And they still will be labeled as Socialists from the right. CivicGrief 13 hrs ago #57
If it's a choice between a genuine Republican, Emile 17 hrs ago #22
What a completely pointless clump of words. Oneironaut 16 hrs ago #24
Post removed Post removed 16 hrs ago #27
So corruption and neoliberalism are totally okay LearnedHand 15 hrs ago #28
First of all Karma13612 15 hrs ago #29
They aren't trying to put forth any new ideas. They merely want to imply that these damn progressive Nanjeanne 15 hrs ago #36
What this usually means is Bettie 12 hrs ago #63
You got it. Nanjeanne 12 hrs ago #64
They're really Eisenhower Republicans. The GOP doesn't want them. haele 15 hrs ago #32
Eisenhower doesn't want them either. Nanjeanne 15 hrs ago #37
Not one F***ng word in the Promise to America about (for profit) HMO HealthCare. Ars Longa 15 hrs ago #35
That would impact the bottom line of Bettie 11 hrs ago #72
13 out of 200? SocialDemocrat61 15 hrs ago #38
Rule: If even one Democrat can be used to suppress support for the whole party, we're off to the races. betsuni 8 hrs ago #93
What's the point of this.... Etherealoc1 15 hrs ago #39
More Fettermans. Emile 15 hrs ago #40
Democratic Socialism is now mainstream AZProgressive 14 hrs ago #42
Oh alright ...OK, from now on.... you get TWO bread crusts a day-- instead of ONE. Ars Longa 14 hrs ago #43
Post removed Post removed 14 hrs ago #46
My thoughts too! Emile 14 hrs ago #47
Every one of these candidates is the Democratic candidate in their district. yardwork 12 hrs ago #61
This is likely going to be a theme durablend 13 hrs ago #48
I'm for socialism, taxing the billionaires into nonexistence, labor's freedom of movement equals capital's Prairie Gates 13 hrs ago #50
What's wrong with socialism? Violet_Crumble 13 hrs ago #51
"We disagree with socialists," Suozzi said". yellow dahlia 13 hrs ago #52
Democratic Socialists aren't socialists. They are the real centrists. pat_k 13 hrs ago #54
Please corect tthe headline. These people are not at the "center" of anything. Bluetus 13 hrs ago #56
It was the Wash Post description. Nanjeanne 11 hrs ago #73
I suggest putting it in quotes then, because it is an opinion of theirs, certainly not a fact. Bluetus 11 hrs ago #75
Got any details to go with that rhetoric? Raven123 12 hrs ago #62
Oh goodie. mr715 12 hrs ago #66
Not just tepid dishwater - sour sink water that's been sitting there for three days with grease and soap in it . . . hatrack 11 hrs ago #68
PTA is Vague Classic "No Labels" stuff : Zero mention of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid-- Ars Longa 11 hrs ago #70
"Fiscal discipline?" ... TAX THE RICH, and ... Martin Eden 11 hrs ago #74
A good start for the creation of a new Republican Deminpenn 10 hrs ago #78
The question is what are we going to do make difference in peoples lives. everyonematters 10 hrs ago #79
I'm glad my rep didn't sign that. 50 Shades Of Blue 10 hrs ago #80
Lol, gab13by13 10 hrs ago #81
I was almost convinced to vote for candidate Marlene Galn-Woods in Arizona but her decision to sign on to this in2herbs 10 hrs ago #82
Post removed Post removed 9 hrs ago #85
Aw, hell... duckworth969 7 hrs ago #96
Flipping a red district that Donald Trump won is an actual Nixie 6 hrs ago #97

LuvLoogie

(9,057 posts)
2. We are definitetly going to need to take the house by more than 13.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:06 PM
18 hrs ago

Probably by at least 40. All new progressives. Democrats.. The Fettermans and Sinemas are open for business.

Yeah, It's a duck.

Boo1

(608 posts)
44. Without centrists
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 05:39 PM
14 hrs ago

Democrats won't win the house or senate at all.

All progressives are doing is winning already blue districts.

Emile

(44,130 posts)
45. We have a centrist problem!!
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 05:40 PM
14 hrs ago

Democrats cannot steal Republican voters by moving to the center. Republicans vote for Republicans because they are Republican.

Democrats vote for Democrats because they are Democrats.

We need to stop chasing for the mythical republican cross over voters.

CivicGrief

(407 posts)
55. Seriously. What a bunch of drivel from these
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:58 PM
13 hrs ago

centrists. I hate when Democrats are afraid to be Democrats.

Bettie

(20,003 posts)
58. And "Centrists" are just
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:09 PM
13 hrs ago

trying to be "Republican lite".

It never works, but they do manage to gum up the works enough to keep any change from happening so that we are defeated in the next election. They are great for corporations, not so much for non-wealthy humans.

Response to Nanjeanne (Original post)

orthoclad

(5,149 posts)
19. This "promise" is an agreement to
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:09 PM
17 hrs ago

throw the peasants a crust of bread, to keep the fiefdom in place.

mymomwasright

(455 posts)
4. I'm good with most of that stuff. What are they against?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:11 PM
18 hrs ago

Is it national healthcare, paid education, paid childcare, affordable housing, fair taxing the rich, equal rights, voting rights, and renewable energy? WTF is wrong with these people?

Deuxcents

(28,237 posts)
7. It's bad enough that the R's are trying to divide us
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:22 PM
17 hrs ago

Why are these mainstreamers drawing a line in the sand? We need change but not this kind of crap

Quiet Em

(3,241 posts)
8. They seem to believe that everything happening today is fine and is mainstream and normal
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:22 PM
17 hrs ago

There is zero mention on how to make lives better for the American people or how to stop the violations of our Contitution, our rules of law, our Civil rights, violations against humanity itself.

Wow.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
10. They don't believe everything is fine.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:33 PM
17 hrs ago

They're Democrats trying to get elected in red districts. They're not evil people. They deserve our support for trying to get elected in deep red districts.

In 2024 there were districts in NC where Republicans ran unopposed. You wouldn't believe what voters think in those rural areas. It's shocking how misinformed they are.

Quiet Em

(3,241 posts)
11. They aren't offering anything
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:37 PM
17 hrs ago

I don't understand why they would release this. They need to campaign on a lot more than what this memo offers if they want to win.

They don't have to talk about the NYC elections at all. Just talk about their districts and the needs of their districts.

Quiet Em

(3,241 posts)
13. Tom Suozzi is in NY
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:49 PM
17 hrs ago

He primaried Kathy Hochul in '22 and he was pretty awful. NY Democratic voters did not buy what he was selling and he was handily defeated.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
25. Then they should have some respect for the Dems who won in their districts. Why put out this
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:44 PM
16 hrs ago

PROMISE as if only they know what’s good for the party? Why say anything other than we welcome the Democrats who won their primaries and will support the Democrats who will join us in Congress to make this country the best it can be.

What they have done is disrespectful to the Dem voters who chose their candidates in their primaries.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
49. What? I don't understand what you're saying.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:32 PM
13 hrs ago

This statement doesn't say anything about Democrats who won other primaries. Unless I'm missing something?

I live in NC. I'm familiar with Don Davis's district. It's a remote, isolated, rural area. Since the latest gerrymander it will be a struggle for the Democratic Party to hold onto this seat.

The people in NC District 1 aren't thinking about NYC primaries. NYC might as well be Mars for all the attention they pay it. They watch Fox News.

This statement is a direct response to the GOP's daily accusation that "socialists are trying to kill you." It is no way an effort to pick a fight or disrespect anybody, especially Democrats who just won primaries.

As I said before, I don't think this approach will work. I think people are hungry for a more radical approach. I think that being on the defensive and constantly responding to GOP lies is a losing approach.

But I feel compelled to defend these Democrats from some silly things that are being said about them.

Also, the primary in NC was months ago. The two Democrats who signed this statement are our party's official nominees. Last I heard it's against DU TOS to criticize nominees.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
83. How about you just read the free link to the Wash Post or maybe even Suozzi's own statement
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:29 PM
9 hrs ago

about “socialists”

Or Google more articles if you prefer.

You keep wanting to make this about them being in a red district. Fine. I still believe they could go out and campaign in their districts for what they believe is going to make their constituents lives better. There’s no need to put out this “Promise” and ask for others to sign this Promise - with all its very obvious implications about other Democrats who won on platforms they don’t like (and considering Suozzi lives in Family living at C Street I tend to think it’s not “just” saying what he thinks will help him get elected). Buy you can believe anything you want. That’s what makes a democracy - oops sorry, Suozzi.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
84. Are you suggesting that people should vote against them?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:38 PM
9 hrs ago

Are you asking voters to choose the Republican candidates in these races?

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
86. What are you talking about? Where did I say that? Voters get to choose. Im flummoxed.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:48 PM
9 hrs ago

If a candidate wins his or her primary the voters will make their choice. I may prefer a different candidate in a primary and I certainly would in each of their cases. But you are simply making shit up about me ever saying anything of the kind. Please stop.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
87. North Carolina's primaries are over.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:56 PM
9 hrs ago

Your thread here is bashing two Democratic candidates who will compete with Republicans in the GE.

I repeat. The NC primaries are over. The people in their districts chose these candidates.

Now you want "voters to choose?" The only choice is these or the Republicans.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
88. My OP made no comment at all. I posted a Wash Post article and the actual Promise To America.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:06 PM
9 hrs ago

Now please if it is too difficult for you to simply stop making up invisible posts where I have somehow encouraged anyone to vote for a Republican. If simply posting what these Reps have said themselves causes you to believe that perhaps the issue is their own words. Not mine. Frankly, this is it. I am too tired to keep responding to nonsense you seem to want to ascribe to me. Ignore. Trash Can. Block. Alert. All those are options you can choose.

Enjoy the rest of your evening.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
89. These are your exact words in this thread:
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:13 PM
9 hrs ago
Nanjeanne
36. They aren't trying to put forth any new ideas. They merely want to imply that these damn progressive
4:33 PM
Democrats aren’t sufficiently pro American to be members of the party. The implication is dear since they specify

Capitalism (they want to confuse the public by implying that things like universal healthcare and tuition free college would dismantle capitalism - shades the typical scare over anything that is for the betterment of citizens and not corporations)

Strong borders whatever that means (these progressives must be against border control which is insane. Being for a real immigration policy and a compassion for people is not the same as let’s open all borders and have a big party)

Confident Patriotism and National Renewal We are proud, not ashamed of America. Again an implication that what? Ds that want America to be better are not patriotic?

Every point in their “promise” is an implication that the other Ds who are in the party that they don’t like are somehow not interested in good government, being fiscally responsible, etc.


Are you telling the few progressive voters in the districts of these candidates not to support them in the GE? The elections could hinge on one vote in each district. Control of Congress is at stake. Democracy is at stake.

The time for this kind of criticism is before the primaries.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
91. Read my lips. I NEVER SUGGESTED ANYTHING ABOUT HOW SOMEONE SHOULD VOTE.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:24 PM
8 hrs ago

The Promise in the words of these 13 per the Washington Post are necessary to couner the wins of the progressive “socialists” who won their primaries. The words you reposted I stand by. Nowhere did I tell anyone to vote for a Republican but you seem to want to believe that very badly. Im sorry to disappoint you and I truly don’t want to be rude but this is getting silly.

Don’t take it personally but I can’t keep responding to this without losing my own mind. So if you must respond again to me, dont take offense but I truly am done.

I honestly wish you a good nights sleep.

Quiet Em

(3,241 posts)
94. All of us at DU want to take back the House and we want all of our Democratic nominees to win
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:38 PM
8 hrs ago

The rules we all abide by means that includes our Democratic nominee Tom Suozzi, but Tom Suozzi doesn't have to abide by our rules.

Tom is the originator of this memo and Tom talked others into signing it. Tom released this memo after Tuesdays primaries. Tom is not happy with all of our Democratic nominees. Tom is not doing his best to ensure that all of our Democratic nominees get elected. Tom has a problem with some of them even though the primaries are over and the voters have made their decision. Here in NY we want to make sure our Democratic Governor is re-elected. We want to elect all of our House Democratic nominees. Our nominees are doing a great job and are winning. It would be great if Tom could be on the same page.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
9. I'm not surprised to see the two from North Carolina.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:30 PM
17 hrs ago

This state is gerrymandered to death by the Republican state legislature. Their latest annihilstion of democracy happened with new district maps in 2025. The U.S. Supreme Court allowed it.

Don Davis is fighting a very tough reelection and Paul Barringer is fighting to be elected in what is now a red district.

I don't know that this strategy will work. People in these rural areas are brainwashed to believe that all Democrats are evil. I see what this group is doing but I'm not sure it will be enough.

I think a better strategy might be to lean into radical left promises. They're going to get called communists either way so they might as well run with it.

Frankly, I don't know that anything will get a Democrat elected in these gerrymandered districts.

Matthew28

(1,940 posts)
12. I am mixed on this issue.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:43 PM
17 hrs ago

I want higher taxes on the rich, a stronger safetynet, but am ok with stronger borders and being ok with some level of capitlism.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
18. My goal is to get a Democratic majority in Congress.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:04 PM
17 hrs ago

The party that holds the majority in the Senate and House controls everything. They decide which bills get out of committee and to the floor for a vote. And the majority party controls the committees too. They have a majority vote in every committee.

As long as the Democrats are in the minority in Congress we have almost no power.

And with gerrymandering in so many states, it's increasingly difficult to get elected as a Democrat.

So yeah. If a Democrat has to say stuff to get elected, go for it. We're powerless until we hold the majority.

CivicGrief

(407 posts)
59. But they are attacking other Democrats in a not so subtle way.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:12 PM
13 hrs ago

It is clear as day actually.

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
60. How are they attacking other Democrats?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:20 PM
12 hrs ago

If you think this is in response to this week's primaries, I almost have to laugh.

The people living in isolated rural districts in NC aren't paying any attention to the NYC primaries. The Democratic candidates in these districts just want to get elected in the fall. They are responding to accusations from the GOP.

CivicGrief

(407 posts)
90. We're all aware how civics works.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:22 PM
8 hrs ago

But reactionary comments in response to attacks by Republicans make them look like a bunch of dweebs. It’s a damn Chevrolet commercial for Christ’s sakes.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
23. And are the progressives who have won their primaries against "strong" borders and against some level
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:31 PM
16 hrs ago

of capitalism? Because they have done this bs to “counter” the progressive movement. What is the implication? Do these Democrats that won their primaries and that were supported by their constituents hate America? The implication is they must if the need to address that is in this promise.

MustLoveBeagles

(18,332 posts)
33. I personally think the Dems
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:25 PM
15 hrs ago

Should be a big tent party. Being divided amongst ourselves is not a winning strategy.

NeoTrajan

(92 posts)
14. Which 'socialist' policies do they disagree with?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 02:50 PM
17 hrs ago

While those who declare themselves 'centrist' rail against 'socialism', they neglect to note that American appeals for socialist policies aren't collectivist farms or 5 year plans, or other historical aspects of the hard core communist 'socialism' of Russia, North Korea or China

A decent wage
Universal health care
Low cost access to college/university
Low cost child care
Clean Air and Clean Water
Voting Rights and Civil Rights

This is Democratic Socialism in America, not the establishment of gulags, not an affront to American values

yellow dahlia

(6,906 posts)
53. Here is my first stab at a list.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:51 PM
13 hrs ago

Get off the highway!

If your house is on fire - grab the hose. Don't call the fire department.

You hear a burglar breaking into your house - no 911 for you.

Response to Nanjeanne (Original post)

ColoringFool

(1,385 posts)
21. Yeah, Europe is so extreme. However, I agree that "Socialist" is a loser in the ....
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:12 PM
17 hrs ago

US, so maybe "Progressive" could be the term.

LearnedHand

(5,685 posts)
31. Socialism is the bogeyman pushed by the pukes
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:23 PM
15 hrs ago

Why are these dems buying into that framework?

CivicGrief

(407 posts)
57. And they still will be labeled as Socialists from the right.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:06 PM
13 hrs ago

They are actually helping build the narrative against Democrats by agreeing with Republicans. (Those darn Socialists are bad.)

Emile

(44,130 posts)
22. If it's a choice between a genuine Republican,
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:13 PM
17 hrs ago

and a Republican in Democratic clothing, the people will choose the genuine article, every time; that is, they will take a Republican before they will a phony Democrat.

Harry Truman

Oneironaut

(6,375 posts)
24. What a completely pointless clump of words.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 03:42 PM
16 hrs ago

I love meaningless corpo-slop like this, because, I feel like it actually pushes people TOWARDS Democratic Socialism. Compare to this statement to one by Bernie Sanders, or Mamdani.

Also, "Full-time work should make it possible to own a home, raise a family, afford healthcare, and retire with dignity"

lol - Good joke! They're doing the Republican thing of pretending we are in an episode of Leave it to Beaver while most people under the age of 35 are barely scraping by, will never buy a house, will never retire (until they're dead), and, are one hospital visit away from bankruptcy.

Response to Nanjeanne (Original post)

Karma13612

(5,052 posts)
29. First of all
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:18 PM
15 hrs ago

What is their definition of ‘mainstream’?

And secondly, it sounds like they are full of platitude phrases.

I still will vote for any of them OVER A REPUBLICAN. But, they are not talking about very specific policies, just generalizations.
The American people have been hearing platitudes for decades. From both sides. Now is the time for actual policy.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
36. They aren't trying to put forth any new ideas. They merely want to imply that these damn progressive
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:33 PM
15 hrs ago

Democrats aren’t sufficiently pro American to be members of the party. The implication is dear since they specify

Capitalism (they want to confuse the public by implying that things like universal healthcare and tuition free college would dismantle capitalism - shades the typical scare over anything that is for the betterment of citizens and not corporations)

Strong borders whatever that means (these progressives must be against border control which is insane. Being for a real immigration policy and a compassion for people is not the same as let’s open all borders and have a big party)

Confident Patriotism and National Renewal We are proud, not ashamed of America. Again an implication that what? Ds that want America to be better are not patriotic?

Every point in their “promise” is an implication that the other Ds who are in the party that they don’t like are somehow not interested in good government, being fiscally responsible, etc.

Bettie

(20,003 posts)
63. What this usually means is
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:38 PM
12 hrs ago

"we will vote against anything that might cause a corporation or one of our extremely wealthy donors to make even a penny less profit or pay even a penny more in taxes".

Oh and it's usually paired with "bootstraps" solutions for the poorest among us.

haele

(15,711 posts)
32. They're really Eisenhower Republicans. The GOP doesn't want them.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:24 PM
15 hrs ago

So they run as Democrats. Not necessarily bad, but definitely the old middle manager/union shop leader centerist types you'd find in the 50's and 60's. Comfortable enough they're not hungry for change, Centerist enough they're generally fair and accepting if not faced with unpleasantness or Radical pushback, and amenable enough that they will step in if they see someone in need - if it won't inconvenience them too much or if there's attaboys when the problem is "fixed".
Allies of Convenience.

Nanjeanne

(6,840 posts)
37. Eisenhower doesn't want them either.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:38 PM
15 hrs ago

Eisenhower supported much higher taxes, he expanded SS, created the Dept of HEW, built that socialist thing we call highways, and spoke out against the military industrial complex.

Bettie

(20,003 posts)
72. That would impact the bottom line of
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 08:36 PM
11 hrs ago

the oligarchs.

Can't have that. Plus, people get to feeling like they matter if they are able to access health care without the danger of losing everything. Can't have that.

betsuni

(29,443 posts)
93. Rule: If even one Democrat can be used to suppress support for the whole party, we're off to the races.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 11:34 PM
8 hrs ago

Rule of never giving Democrats the benefit of the doubt and leap screaming to the worst possible motive.

Trying to demonize centrists -- the types Republicans need more of? The ones you can make deals with because they'll comprise, unlike radicals? The ones without strict purity tests and ideology?

And then there's the fake socialism. What a lot of people think are socialist policies are liberal Democratic, the Democratic Party platform. The policies Democrats have.

Etherealoc1

(277 posts)
39. What's the point of this....
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 04:41 PM
15 hrs ago

It's a state by state approach, what works in one state may not work in another. Ugh, finally there is some momentum and tangible results , why create an appearance of disunity just because the Repubs are trying to drive a narrative. Smarten up folks this not the time for this sh*t.

AZProgressive

(30,085 posts)
42. Democratic Socialism is now mainstream
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 05:25 PM
14 hrs ago

Last edited Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:08 PM - Edit history (1)

It is according to this poll from November last year and I don't think much has changed based on recent results.

8 Nov 2025
New Poll: Democratic Socialism Is Now Mainstream


A new national survey commissioned by DSA Fund and Jacobin, with support from the Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, New York Office, and fielded by Data for Progress (N=1,257 likely voters; MOE ±3) takes stock of where democratic socialism stands with the electorate — and what it would take to build stable, working-class majorities beyond deep-blue districts.

Among Democrats, democratic socialists enjoy significant popularity. The poll’s findings include:
Democrats prefer democratic socialism to capitalism by a 58-point margin. Socialism wins overall with likely voters under forty-five years old.
Democrats prefer left-wing political figures similar to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Bernie Sanders, and Zohran Mamdani over establishment politicians similar to Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, and Nancy Pelosi by a 20-point margin.

This was also true across party lines in critical voting blocs: non-college (+9), Latinos (+30). Candidates who identify as democratic socialists are viewed just as favorably (+69) among registered Democrats as candidates who identify only as Democrats (+67).

(snip)

70% of all respondents say that our economic system is “rigged in favor of corporations and the wealthy” and needs to be replaced; this includes 67% of independents and 58% of Republicans.
59% of respondents (and 58% of Republicans) blame landlords and banks more than government regulation for the high cost of housing.
83% of respondents agree that social work and mental health are necessary parts of a public safety budget; this includes 81% of independents and 80% of Republicans. This was true across all partisan, racial/ethnic, geographic, and class groups.
15% of Donald Trump voters prefer democratic socialism to capitalism. These voters tended to be younger and non-white.

https://rosalux.nyc/new-poll-democratic-socialism-is-now-mainstream/

I feel the party is committing self-sabotage by labeling Democratic Socialists who are also fellow Democrats as extremism.

3 of the 4 states that border Mexico are mostly blue states. In Arizona Republicans that go hard right on "the border" often lose statewide. Arizona mostly elects Democrats statewide in recent history and the Arpaio types are mostly in the past or no longer hold office. I agree it is an important issue but it isn't really among the top issues facing voters in this state.


Response to Nanjeanne (Original post)

yardwork

(69,955 posts)
61. Every one of these candidates is the Democratic candidate in their district.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:29 PM
12 hrs ago

Each of them is running against a Republican in the fall GE.

They are our party's candidates.

durablend

(9,453 posts)
48. This is likely going to be a theme
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:17 PM
13 hrs ago

Seeing it from them, seeing it from Trump, seeing LTTE's like it's all coordinated. "BOOGA BOOGA BOOGA SOCIALISM IS COMING OH NOES"

Prairie Gates

(8,670 posts)
50. I'm for socialism, taxing the billionaires into nonexistence, labor's freedom of movement equals capital's
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:35 PM
13 hrs ago

freedom of movement, and ethical comportment toward being-in-the-world.



Violet_Crumble

(36,468 posts)
51. What's wrong with socialism?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:40 PM
13 hrs ago

Who on earth talks about extremism by putting MAGA and democratic socialists in the same sentence?? What policies and stances do they think are extreme? I've seen some here at DU say that socialism is a dirty word in the US and democratic socialists should be discouraged from being Democrats, but pandering to politically ignorant people isn't the way to go. Education and showing people what can be done is the solution to that. The Mayor of New York is leading the way on that, and also AOC. I saw a really good documentary thing where she travelled to deep red parts of the US and talked with people about data centres being built close to their homes. I think she changed some hearts and minds doing that.

To be opposed to socialism is to be opposed to workers rights and trade unions, universal healthcare, free education etc. Which I guess is why the US is in the mess it's in right now....

yellow dahlia

(6,906 posts)
52. "We disagree with socialists," Suozzi said".
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:47 PM
13 hrs ago

Well then - get off the fucking highway!

If your house is on fire - grab the hose. Don't call the fire department.

You hear a burglar breaking into your house - no 911 for you.

pat_k

(14,520 posts)
54. Democratic Socialists aren't socialists. They are the real centrists.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 06:53 PM
13 hrs ago

In issuing this they are promoting radical right propaganda.

Democrats who move "right" aren't "moderate" or "centrist" -- they just moving toward the fascist corporatism of today's Republican Party.

Those defending the principles of liberal democracy against fascist corporatism, whether under the label Independent, Democrat, or Democratic Socialist, are advocating things that are squarely in the center of our politics.

In a nutshell (less than 3 minutes)




The entire video. We MUST challenge the propaganda and be crystal clear on what is really the center of our politics, and what principles have been a throughline across our history.




Bluetus

(3,312 posts)
75. I suggest putting it in quotes then, because it is an opinion of theirs, certainly not a fact.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 09:05 PM
11 hrs ago

We don't need to be repeating the gaslighting here.

It is like Jerry Falwell's old "Moral Majority", which was neither moral nor representing the majority. Words matter. We need to push back at every step.

Raven123

(8,045 posts)
62. Got any details to go with that rhetoric?
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 07:34 PM
12 hrs ago

Words don’t fill the fuel tank, pay for health care, and are not edible. How about some definitive proposals.

hatrack

(65,370 posts)
68. Not just tepid dishwater - sour sink water that's been sitting there for three days with grease and soap in it . . .
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 08:19 PM
11 hrs ago

Not enough change in this meaningless No Labels and Oh-So-Lieberman goo to use a payphone in 1955.

Ars Longa

(667 posts)
70. PTA is Vague Classic "No Labels" stuff : Zero mention of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid--
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 08:21 PM
11 hrs ago

No mention of wealth inequality. No mention of Tech Bro Billionaires,
Trillionaires.. and so on!

everyonematters

(4,313 posts)
79. The question is what are we going to do make difference in peoples lives.
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 09:30 PM
10 hrs ago

Are these centrists against raising the minimum wage?

gab13by13

(33,073 posts)
81. Lol,
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:05 PM
10 hrs ago

and I was silenced for pointing out the problem with moderate Dems fighting with progressive Dems.

Why are we even putting labels on Democrats?

in2herbs

(4,668 posts)
82. I was almost convinced to vote for candidate Marlene Galn-Woods in Arizona but her decision to sign on to this
Fri Jun 26, 2026, 10:05 PM
10 hrs ago

changed my mind. I don't want "more of the same." I will now vote for Jonathan Treble.

Response to Nanjeanne (Original post)

Nixie

(18,268 posts)
97. Flipping a red district that Donald Trump won is an actual
Sat Jun 27, 2026, 01:44 AM
6 hrs ago

achievement. You have to applaud that.

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