A recent poll has unveiled a significant ideological shift within the Democratic Party, with many members increasingly embracing socialism while distancing themselves from capitalism.
This trend, highlighted in a survey released on Tuesday, suggests a growing divide within the party as it navigates its identity and future direction.
The poll's findings coincide with the rise of Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist who recently secured the Democratic primary in the New York City mayoral race. As reported by Breitbart, Mamdani's victory has sparked concern among centrist Democrats, who fear that his influence may steer the party further left, potentially alienating mainstream American voters.
The Gallup poll reveals that only 42 percent of Democrats now hold a favorable view of capitalism, whereas 66 percent express a positive opinion of socialism. According to the Associated Press, this marks a gradual yet persistent shift over the past 15 years, highlighting internal party tensions over whether openly supporting socialism could hinder efforts to attract moderate voters or, conversely, energize those focused on issues such as the cost of living.
The survey, conducted in August with a sample of 1,094 U.S. adults, indicates that Democrats of all ages have warmed to socialism since 2010. However, younger Democrats, particularly those under 50, are significantly less likely to view capitalism favorably. In contrast, the opinions of Democrats aged 50 and older have remained relatively stable, as per Gallup's findings.
Some Democrats, as noted by Breitbart News, are apprehensive about the influence of figures like Mamdani and suggest that socialist-leaning Democrats should consider forming their own party. During an interview with CBS New York's Marcia Kramer, Tom Suozzi expressed concern over House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries potentially endorsing Mamdani, suggesting it could harm the Democrats' prospects in the 2026 elections.
Suozzi emphasized the importance of capitalism, asserting that socialism has "failed" in the United States.
Mamdani has already proposed initiatives such as city-run grocery stores and faced criticism for remarks made during a July 2020 podcast, where he opposed deploying police officers to handle domestic violence incidents. Other Democrats, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and Representative Laura Gillen, have labeled Mamdani as "too extreme to lead" New York City.
This is not the first instance of Democrats showing an affinity for socialism. As Breitbart News highlighted in 2018, Gallup reported that Democrats had, for the first time in a decade, a more favorable view of socialism than capitalism.
This shift occurred despite the robust economic growth and record-low unemployment rates achieved under President Donald Trump's administration.
The evolving ideological landscape within the Democratic Party raises questions about its future trajectory and ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of voters. As the party grapples with these internal divisions, the challenge remains to balance progressive ideals with the pragmatic concerns of a diverse electorate.
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