The Stunning Rise of the Democratic Socialists of America

About this episode

<p>This summer, the Democratic Socialists of America have mounted their biggest and most successful attempt yet to redefine the Democratic Party. They have defeated its candidates in primary after primary from coast to coast.</p> <p>As its electoral success grows, the organization is confronting big, unresolved questions about what it stands for and what level of compromise is required to become a lasting political force.</p> <p>Charles Homans, who talked to more than 30 D.S.A. candidates, organizers, members and volunteers across the countries, discusses the rise and limitations of the D.S.A. </p> <p>Guest: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/by/charles-homans" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Charles Homans</strong></a> writes about national politics for The New York Times and The Times Magazine.</p> <p>Background reading: </p> <ul> <li>Moderates see socialists as a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/magazine/democratic-socialism-dsa-elections-primaries.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">threat to the Democratic Party</a>. Socialists agree.</li> </ul> <p>Photo: Dave Sanders and Jamie Kelter Davis for The New York Times; Joe Raedle/Getty Images</p> <p><p>For more information on today’s episode, visit <a href="http://nytimes.com/thedaily?smid=pc-thedaily"><strong>nytimes.com/thedaily</strong></a>. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. </p><p> </p><p>Subscribe today at <a href="http://nytimes.com/podcasts">nytimes.com/podcasts</a> or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher">https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher</a>. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.</p></p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>