A segment of the Democratic Party is initiating efforts to counter the increasing success of democratic socialist candidates in primaries, asserting that capitalism has historically been the most effective system for poverty reduction. Representative Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York, expressed concern over the organizational strength of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), stating that critics often lament the party's leftward shift without organized opposition.
This concern is amplified by recent primary victories, including one where Melat Kiros, a DSA member, defeated long-serving Representative Diana DeGette in Colorado. Suozzi stated, "We’re for capitalism, not socialism. Capitalism has lifted more people out of poverty than any system in the history of the world." He added that while capitalism has yielded positive outcomes, it does not preclude efforts to improve the existing system.
Kiros, who secured endorsements from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders, had previously characterized Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide" and referred to the September 11th attacks as "inevitable." Suozzi, who co-organized the "Promise to America" pledge with Representative Adam Gray of California, aims to re-center the party on what he describes as traditional Democratic values, emphasizing safety and national pride.
Suozzi's remarks follow criticism of "an orgy of socialism" within the party, voiced by Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent democratic socialist, has been actively supporting left-wing candidates, such as Abdul El-Sayed in his Michigan Senate race against a candidate favored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
Polling data indicates a potential shift in public perception, with a September Gallup poll showing a decline in support for capitalism. A recent poll also suggested that a third of Democrats favor having democratic socialists in office. Even former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has previously expressed reservations about how capitalism has served the U.S. economy, suggesting a need for improvement rather than abandonment of the system.
Despite these internal debates, President Joe Biden has previously affirmed the strength of capitalism, citing job growth during the post-COVID-19 recovery. Vice President Kamala Harris has also engaged with socialist figures, including outreach to Mayor Mamdani and a meeting with Representative Ocasio-Cortez, actions some interpret as signs of presidential ambition. Harris has publicly identified herself as a "capitalist" and pledged a pragmatic approach during her own presidential campaign.