Conservatives have been saying for years that the only difference between Democrats and socialists is the name on the marquee. But even though anyone with half a brain can see the similarities, you would think that a Democrat could mount a coherent defense against this accusation. And you would think that a woman whose whole job it is to make the party look good would especially be able to speak on the differences.
Alas, not so.
Appearing on Hardball with Chris Matthews on Thursday, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz was asked to explain how a Democrat was different from a socialist. The context of the conversation was the rise of Senator Bernie Sanders, who has described himself as a socialist on numerous occasions. Matthews began by asking if Sanders would be welcome to speak at the Democratic National Convention. Wasserman-Schultz said that he would, praising his “progressive, populist message.”
That’s when Matthews asked the chairwoman the big question. “What’s the difference between a Democrat and a socialist? I used to think there was a big difference. What do you think it is?”
Caught completely off-guard, Wasserman-Schultz quickly changed the subject, hoping to illuminate the difference between Republicans and Democrats instead. Matthews, to his credit, didn’t let her off the hook so easily. “You’re the chairman of the Democratic Party. Tell me what’s the difference between you and a socialist.”
Once again, Wasserman-Schultz was unable to come up with an answer.
A Secret Truth
Sadly, Wasserman-Schultz could have prepped for this question for six straight weeks and she wouldn’t have been able to come up with anything resembling an honest answer. She might have come up with something that made the question go away, but anyone practicing the least bit of intellectual honesty knows that there really is no difference. Democrats claim to stand for capitalism right now because it’s not politically expedient to do otherwise. But make no mistake about it, the DNC’s vision for this country looks a lot more like Norway than the United States.
Unfortunately, this secret truth may not have to remain a secret for much longer. Recent polls show younger voters are much more likely to prefer socialism to capitalism than previous generations. After years of liberal propaganda aimed at making the free market out to be a source of injustice, inequality, and evil, young Americans are ready to scrap the whole system and start anew.
When that day comes, Democratic representatives like Wasserman-Schultz can quit hiding from the truth and embrace the true nature of their party. That will be a scary day for America, but it will be a great day for Democrats.
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