“Modern Day Red Scare”? Socialism & The Midterms

Are Socialists Rising in U.S. Politics? Key Midterm Races, Definitions, and What to Watch

Jenna from Smarter News looks at why “socialism” is back in U.S. political headlines, what it means, and why it matters for American leadership. She compares current Democratic Party faction questions to the Republican Party’s reckoning during Donald Trump’s rise, and explains definitions of democratic socialism and socialism using the Democratic Socialists of America website and Encyclopedia Britannica. Jenna highlights recent election results, including New York City’s election of mayor Zohran Mamdani and multiple DSA-linked primary wins, then focuses on Michigan swing-state Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, described as socialist-adjacent, whose close primary win could affect Senate control. She previews a Wisconsin governor primary featuring Francesca Hong and plays her response to a question about a past “cancel Thanksgiving” post.

00:00 Socialists Storming Gates
01:23 Why Leadership Matters
02:35 Trump Parallel and Pendulum
05:44 Why Socialism Now
06:50 Defining Democratic Socialism
08:57 Midterms and NYC Signal
11:06 Michigan Swing State Shock
12:35 El Sayed Victory Speech
14:22 What the Win Really Means
18:08 Wisconsin and Thanksgiving Clip
19:18 Big Questions and Wrap Up