Overview of Why Socialism Is Becoming Popular on The Left
This Dispatch Podcast roundtable examines the growing appeal of socialism and democratic socialism among younger Democrats, especially highly educated urban voters, and argues that much of the enthusiasm is less about literal socialism than about frustration with capitalism, status competition, and a desire for more egalitarian, college-like social conditions. The panel also discusses Anthony Fauci’s congressional testimony and closes with a light “not worth your time” conversation about whether anyone would actually want to live to 119.
Socialism: What People Say They Want vs. What They Mean
Kevin Williamson’s core distinction
- Kevin argues that most Americans, including many self-described progressives, do not mean true socialism when they use the term.
- In his view, what many people actually want is:
- a bigger welfare state,
- more public provision of services,
- a Nordic-style social democracy,
- and less economic strain in expensive cities.
- He emphasizes that real socialism means state control of production, central planning, and state-owned enterprises—not just higher taxes or more government benefits.
The “imaginary Scandinavia” problem
- The panel notes that Americans often romanticize Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and similar countries without understanding that these nations still depend on:
- robust market economies,
- entrepreneurship,
- trade,
- and strong expectations of work.
- The discussion frames this as a case of Americans “wish-casting” an idealized version of Europe.
Why Socialism Appeals to Young Urban Democrats
It feels like college
- Jonah Goldberg and Megan McArdle argue that socialism resonates because it resembles the extended dependency and comfort of elite college life:
- housing and food are provided,
- expectations are relatively light,
- identity is fluid and self-expressive,
- and money feels abstract.
- Once graduates enter the real world, they encounter:
- rents,
- taxes,
- scarcity,
- and competition.
- That produces nostalgia for the college environment, which socialism can symbolize.
It is driven by educated, dissatisfied elites
- The panel repeatedly stresses that the movement is not really a working-class uprising.
- It is more often associated with:
- college-educated,
- postgraduate,
- urban,
- lower-to-middle earning professionals,
- especially in expensive cities.
- These voters often want a world where they can live in places like New York or D.C. without being forced into intense economic competition.
Anti-establishment emotion matters more than ideology
- Kevin argues that, like the Tea Party on the right, democratic socialism often functions as:
- an anti-establishment identity,
- a confrontational political style,
- a way to reject compromise,
- and a source of emotional satisfaction.
- The ideology can be secondary to the temperament: it is about being more radical, more oppositional, and more “real” than the party establishment.
Why the Panel Thinks It’s Dangerous
Not because bread lines are imminent
- The panel does not think America is on the verge of Soviet-style socialism.
- Instead, the concern is that the movement can still do real damage by:
- pulling the Democratic Party leftward,
- rewarding political extremism,
- and normalizing bad economic ideas and institutional distrust.
Risks of mob-style majoritarian politics
- Kevin warns that the “democratic” part of democratic socialism may be more important than the socialist part.
- He sees a push to:
- weaken buffering institutions,
- increase majoritarian pressure,
- and empower a more confrontational, less pluralist politics.
- Jonah describes this as a drift toward Jacobin-style politics rather than Bolshevism: still destructive, even if not fully revolutionary.
The broader institutional effect
- Megan argues that the real damage is political and cultural:
- the Democratic Party becomes more extreme,
- Republicans get fresh material for anti-left messaging,
- and the broader political climate becomes more hysterical and dysfunctional.
- The panel repeatedly notes that both parties now reward their most agitated factions.
How the Polling Fits In
Why socialism polls well among Democrats under 50
- The panel discusses polling showing strong support for socialism or democratic socialist influence among younger Democrats.
- But they caution that polling language can be misleading:
- “socialism” may test differently than “free market economy,”
- and many respondents may actually oppose “capitalism” as a coded word for corporate power, cronyism, or impersonal institutions.
Corporations, not markets, are the real target
- Megan argues that many people who say they hate capitalism are really expressing anger at:
- corporations,
- health insurance companies,
- cable companies,
- credit card companies,
- and other frustrating institutions.
- People often like the idea of markets in the abstract, but hate the real-world corporate version of capitalism they experience.
Notable Side Discussion: Anthony Fauci on Capitol Hill
The panel’s take
- The conversation shifts briefly to Fauci’s congressional testimony, which they see as part of a larger post-pandemic reckoning.
- Key themes:
- public distrust of experts has intensified,
- Fauci’s handling of the pandemic still enrages people,
- and both supporters and critics are using him as a political symbol.
Main criticisms
- Megan argues that Fauci contributed to confusion by:
- saying contradictory things,
- making what she calls “noble lies,”
- and cultivating a self-important media persona.
- Kevin adds that the issue is also political:
- Republicans are eager to relitigate COVID-era controversies,
- partly because they want to avoid other difficult topics.
“Not Worth Your Time”: Would You Want to Live to 119?
The panel’s answer: not really, unless you’re healthy
- The discussion turns reflective and humorous.
- Megan says she would not want extreme longevity if it meant:
- cognitive decline,
- physical dependence,
- or a joyless, managed existence.
- Kevin and Jonah agree that extended life is only appealing if:
- health is preserved,
- mobility remains intact,
- and life still feels worth living.
The deeper point
- They argue that death, while unpleasant, is part of social and generational renewal.
- The goal is not maximum lifespan at all costs, but a good life for as long as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Much of the current “socialist” enthusiasm on the left is really about status, frustration, and anti-establishment emotion, not literal seizure of the means of production.
- The movement is strongest among young, highly educated urban voters who feel alienated by expensive cities and competitive labor markets.
- The real danger is not Soviet-style collapse, but policy extremism, institutional damage, and party polarization.
- Fauci’s testimony reflects how unresolved and politicized the pandemic still is.
- The longevity segment underscores a recurring theme: quality of life matters more than simply living longer.