Victor Davis Hanson, a distinguished fellow at the Center for American Greatness, argues that the rise of a new socialist faction within the Democratic Party is both fascinating and depressing. He describes these individuals as elite, ungrateful, and toxic, threatening to transform America into a statist redistribution machine.
The New Jacobins
Hanson observes that old-style Democrats are increasingly terrified of the new socialist mob, whom he likens to Robespierres. He points to the primary defeat of Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY), an arch-Trump hater, as an example of how even staunch anti-Trump Democrats can fall to the Jacobins. According to Hanson, Jewish American Democrats are particularly fearful that what happened to Goldman could befall them.
Socialist Agenda
Hanson outlines several key components of the socialist agenda, including open borders, dismantling the Electoral College, ending the filibuster, and defunding the police. He also highlights plans for massive new entitlements, free college, canceling student debt, and reparations. Hanson argues that these policies lack even 50% popular support and are often concealed until after elections.
Examples of Socialist Leaders
Hanson cites specific examples of socialist leaders, including New York's Zohran Mamdani, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, and Seattle Mayor Katie Willson. He claims that Mamdani confiscates rental properties and focuses on white neighborhoods, while Spanberger rammed through hard-left executive orders. Willson, he says, mocked billionaire entrepreneurs fleeing Washington state's new millionaire's tax.
Hatred of America
Hanson argues that the new socialists hate the United States, its foundation, and its middle class. He claims they despise the nation's prosperity and seek to destroy those who are more successful, such as Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos. Hanson notes that these socialists control institutions like K-12 education, academia, and the media, but lack majority support.
Trump's Counterrevolution
Hanson asserts that President Donald Trump is addressing the causes of the socialist project by cutting subsidies to NPR and PBS, deporting illegal immigrants, banning DEI from the federal bureaucracy, and slashing left-wing USAID funding. He concludes that Trump seeks to overturn the entire progressive project and ensure America's slouching toward socialism ends for good.
Hanson's analysis suggests that the socialist faction will continue to push its agenda, but Trump's counterrevolutionary efforts may prevent them from succeeding.
