Democratic Primaries
Showing Original Post only (View all)The Word "Socialism" Is Toxic in This Country [View all]
It shouldn't be, but it is, thanks to a constant repetition of that equation by Republicans for over 50 years. So, it's not a good word for presidential primary candidates to use loosely.
Instead, by replacing it with "Democratic Policies" when describing things like universal healthcare, tuition relief, and other concepts, the psychology is different. There are Democratic voters who hear the word "Socialism" and are so put off by the word that they don't look closely at the policy being discussed. That's not good. We need every Democratic voter.
Candidates who continue to align with the word "Socialism," even with modifications like "Democratic Socialism," are cutting their own chances of winning in primary elections in many states in this country. Worse, they're tying Socialism to the Democratic Party and hurting our chances of winning in many states in the general election.
Psychology. You'd think we'd understand that by now. It's not like it's a new thing. But, we don't. While that word is attractive to some voters in the Democratic party or on the left, it is anathema to other Democratic voters. We need their votes, too.
I like socialism. In my heart, I have always been a socialist, but I sure as Hell would not run for office as one. I'm smarter than that.
primary today, I would vote for: Joe Biden