Diversity in viewpoints is essential for the robustness of American democracy. However, throughout history, some candidates for public office have promoted views that starkly oppose constitutional ideals and democratic values. This includes figures like David Duke, with his white supremacy and antisemitic views, George Lincoln Rockwell, a Nazi presidential hopeful, Lyndon LaRouche, known for antisemitism, and Earl Browder, who aligned with Soviet communism.
Recent Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates gaining traction in New York and Colorado have raised concerns due to their public records. The DSA platform advocates for replacing capitalism with social ownership, reducing policing, and minimizing military power. Their website criticizes capitalism as exploiting profit-driven systems and promotes significant reductions in military budgets and police funding. The DSA’s leadership has vocalized desires to dissolve America’s global influence due to its perceived imperialism.
The DSA’s strategy involves using the Democratic Party’s platform as a temporary measure while building the infrastructure for an independent working-class party. This approach mirrors Trump’s tactical use of racism to galvanize his base. Similarly, DSA candidates have stirred progressives through contentious rhetoric.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, nominated for New York’s 13th Congressional District, embraced anarchism in recent statements and attended rallies following contentious global events. Melat Kiros, victorious in Colorado’s Democratic primary, controversially linked attacks on Americans to policy consequences and exhibited alarming antisemitic dismissal.
As a former public office candidate and long-serving Democrat with broad governmental experience, I argue Democrats must adhere to the same standards expected of Republicans. Reflecting on recent Republican passivity, Democrats should actively oppose internal extremism. Welcoming these candidates, while it may aid in securing congressional seats, provides a foundation for future crises.
Ultimately, Democrats need to voice opposition against candidates whose platforms misalign with party values. Failure to act may lead to empowering anti-American factions within the party. To challenge this, I urge signing my Change.org petition targeting Democratic leaders to condemn extremist records and strategies.
Jamie Metzl is a futurist, author, and founder of OneShared.World. His experiences include roles in the US National Security Council and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.