A member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has drawn widespread criticism for her comments regarding political candidates and their potential past affiliations. Emma Vigeland, a podcaster and former correspondent for The Young Turks, stated on a Vox podcast that she would support a progressive or socialist candidate even if they harbored "Nazi" ties, provided they voted for policies she deemed beneficial.
Vigeland, who co-hosts The Majority Report With Sam Seder, elaborated on her views during a July podcast appearance. "I don’t really care if say like Bernie Sanders or AOC go home and they’re a secret Nazi, but they go out and they vote for the right things," she said, offering an extreme hypothetical example. She clarified that she prioritizes a candidate's platform, citing issues such as "taxing billionaires [and] bringing material differences to people’s lives," over their individual conduct.
"And that’s what I value more than anybody’s individual conduct because … how many horrible people are in Washington right now who are centrist or center-right," Vigeland added.
Her remarks drew immediate backlash online, with critics on social media platforms expressing outrage. One user posted an image referencing Vigeland in a SS uniform, while another criticized socialist and communist ideologies, citing proposals such as abolishing federal law enforcement and the U.S. Senate.
During the podcast discussion, Vox host Astead Herndon pointed out that some voters consider a candidate's moral character a qualification for office. Vigeland responded by referencing the public support for figures like former President Bill Clinton and ex-New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who have faced accusations of misconduct, which they have denied.
Vigeland's comments arrive amid a period where far-left groups have frequently labeled conservatives and Trump supporters as "fascists." Fascism is a political ideology that originated with Benito Mussolini in Italy and was closely allied with Adolf Hitler's Germany during World War II. The controversy also follows the political downfall of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, whose campaign reportedly ended after a tattoo associated with the Nazi SS, a "Totenkopf," was revealed. Vigeland's podcast program and Platner's campaign were contacted for comment by Fox News Digital.