Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has sharply criticized the influence of democratic socialists within the Democratic Party, urging them to stop using the party's name if they fundamentally disagree with its platform.
"I wish they’d take the word Democrat out of their name. I have no idea why the democratic socialists — if you hate the Democratic Party so much, well, then don’t use our goddamn name. Go think of your own name," Carville stated during a virtual news conference promoting the "Promise To America."
This initiative, co-developed by moderate House lawmakers Reps. Tom Suozzi of New York and Adam Gray of California, outlines a set of principles including "capitalism, safety, fiscal responsibility, effective government, common purpose, and patriotism." It represents a recent effort by pragmatic Democrats to differentiate themselves from the growing socialist wing, which has seen establishment-backed candidates lose in several races.
Carville asserted that the "Promise To America" reflects the views of "80% of Democrats" and criticized the far-left for overshadowing these moderate voices. He emphasized the importance of common-sense policies, such as lower crime rates, which he believes resonate with a broader electorate.
The "Promise To America" has garnered support from 10 House Democrats so far, a figure Republicans have pointed to as evidence of the far-left's increasing sway within the party. Five additional Democrats running for the House have also signed onto the pledge.
Representatives Suozzi and Gray, however, defended the pledge's current level of congressional support. Suozzi explained that their focus is not solely on Washington, stating, "We only want 10 members of Congress because we don’t want to make it only about Washington. That’s why we’re going out to the state and local officials."
Gray dismissed the notion that national political narratives, often amplified by cable news, accurately represent the diverse interests of congressional districts. "It’s a distraction, this idea that somehow some leader somewhere is supposed to win my district," Gray said, pushing back against the idea that party leaders in Washington dictate the success of local campaigns.
Carville's remarks come as the intraparty debate over the Democratic Party's identity and agenda intensifies, with Republicans frequently using the issue as a campaign talking point, arguing that a Democratic victory in the upcoming midterms would lead to the advancement of a far-left agenda.
