A voters guide to democratic socialism: It isn’t what most people think

Despite what conservatives say, democratic socialism is not anti-capitalist and is certainly not communism, writes Kalman Hettleman, but is squarely within the politics of most left-of-center Democrats. It's only scary because we let Republicans paint it that way.

By: Kalman Hettleman

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: August 1, 2026

Words: 850

Last Updated: 2 days, 17 hours ago

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Democratic socialism is on the front burner of U.S politics today. But the heated debates usually involve false understandings of what it is and what it isn’t.

Here are the true facts.

Democratic socialism in U.S. politics today is largely the same as contemporary progressive liberalism.
A majority of Americans would buy the core principles of socialism if branded under a different name. (Why not call it democratic progressivism?)
Democratic socialists, me included, are …

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