I have a theory about what is powering the anti-incumbent Democratic Socialist movement within the Democratic Party. I believe much of the blame rests on President Trump.
Not that he in any way favors what is happening. Rather the drive is powered by rank and file Democrats’ frustration with the inability of their incumbents to make much headway against Trump.
Trump and his Congressional majority act. Incumbent Democrats can only complain and file lawsuits against these acts, most of which suits Trump wins at the SCOTUS level, if not before.
To rank and file Ds, this feels like the system is broken. Against which impotence they are rebelling by voting for radical candidates. The less-radical incumbents have failed and the self-serving DSA candidates tell them the problem is a lack of radicalism.
The real issue is that Democrats haven’t found a leader with anything approaching the FDR-like combination of talent, energy, and hutzpah which Trump brings to politics. Democrats blame the system for their recruiting failure. They find the message of those who would effectively tear it down offers hope in an otherwise bleak political season.
