Republicans have increasingly portrayed candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as indicative of a broader ideological shift, particularly as these candidates achieve victories in Democratic primaries. President Donald Trump has referred to New York socialist candidates as communists, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has warned of the growing influence of Marxist ideology within the Democratic Party. This trend has raised concerns across both major political parties, with terms like socialism, communism, and Marxism being frequently used in political discourse.
Modern socialism, Marxism, and communism trace their origins to the writings of 19th-century German philosopher Karl Marx and his collaborator, Friedrich Engels. Marx argued that capitalism concentrated wealth among owners while exploiting workers, predicting that capitalism would eventually transition to socialism and ultimately communism. Eric Patterson, president and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, describes Marxism as a comprehensive worldview that extends beyond economics to encompass politics and human existence.
Patterson explains that Marx envisioned socialism as a transitional phase leading to communism, which he defined as a classless, stateless society without private ownership of production. In contrast, modern socialist candidates typically advocate for policies such as expanding labor protections, strengthening unions, and increasing public spending on housing and healthcare through democratic means.
The distinction between socialism and communism is often debated among politicians. Socialists today generally reject the label of communism, asserting their support for constitutional democracy and competitive elections. Critics, however, argue that the policies supported by DSA-backed candidates reflect a Marxist intellectual tradition that seeks to replace capitalism.
Patterson emphasizes that the U.S. constitutional system is built around limited government and individual liberties, contrasting it with Marx’s vision of increasing government authority. While DSA candidates advocate for policies that align with Marxist philosophy, such as collective ownership of economic drivers and stronger labor rights, they do not advocate for a Soviet-style government.
The recent electoral success of socialist candidates has raised questions about the resurgence of socialism in American politics. Patterson attributes this trend to generational and cultural shifts, noting that younger voters are more receptive to calls for a larger government role in addressing economic issues. He suggests that rising housing costs, student debt, and inflation have made messages centered on economic inequality more appealing to younger generations.
As the DSA continues to gain traction in Democratic primaries, the debate over the intersection of socialism, communism, and Marxism is likely to remain a significant aspect of U.S. political discourse.