The label "communist" has become a recurring theme on the campaign trail, particularly as President Donald Trump has wielded it as a perceived threat from the left. However, this tactic is not new to American politics.
US politicians, especially those on the right, have historically framed communism as a danger to the nation's way of life. This has led to periods where efforts to suppress communist ideology have been intense and, at times, violent. The clash between capitalism and communism as economic systems has often been accompanied by a distinction drawn between communist ideology and religious beliefs in America, particularly Christianity. In the 1950s, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's addition of "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance underscored an anti-communist America rooted in Christian values. Similarly, "In God We Trust" was adopted for U.S. currency around the same period. As evangelical Christians became a significant voting bloc for the Republican Party, accusations of communism against political opponents have periodically resurfaced as a strategy to mobilize the base.
A video series, "Kahlil Explains," hosted by Kahlil Greene, delves into the history of communism in America and its intersection with religious groups. This series explores why Democratic candidates are being labeled as communists and assesses the potential resonance of this strategy with contemporary voters. The exploration includes references to Andrew Hartman's book Karl Marx in America, Vox's podcast episode on "Trump's imaginary Red Scare," Politico's coverage of anti-communism rhetoric at a Republican midterm convention, and data from the Public Religion Research Institute's American values atlas.