Establishment Democrats are increasingly concerned as socialists gain influence within the party, using it as a path to elected office.
Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York said this week that the Democratic Socialists of America are exploiting the Democratic Party to get on ballots, secure funding, and make connections, ultimately seeking to destroy the party.
York responded to a recent post from Jaime Harrison, a political strategist and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who cautioned that socialists who "hate" the Democratic Party should not run for its nomination.
Harrison's comments, which emphasized that socialists should not rely on Democratic resources, volunteers, or infrastructure, seem to have resonated with establishment Democrats, who can now see the rising influence of socialists within the party.
York argues that this kind of messaging proves that establishment Democrats are aware of the growing socialist presence within the party.
He also asserts that some individuals in the party are not socialists, but rather communists, and that their presence is causing headaches for Democrats.
York noted that Republicans are taking a hands-off approach, allowing the socialist movement to run its course, hoping that it will ultimately damage the Democratic Party and benefit the GOP in the midterm elections.
However, York emphasized that Republicans still need the leadership of President Donald Trump to succeed in the midterm elections, and cannot rely solely on the Democratic Party's internal struggles to carry them through.
The president's role will be crucial in the midterms, according to York, who believes that Trump's powerful voice will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the elections.
York also highlighted the presence of socialists in office, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who have become national figures but pose a problem for Democratic leadership in the House.
