Are The Democratic Socialists Winning or Losing?
Aug 13, 2026 · 29m
Summary
Chief Political Analyst Nate Cohn analyzes recent Democratic primaries in Michigan and Wisconsin, where progressive candidates narrowly won or lost against establishment rivals. He explains that the progressive left is gaining ground by mobilizing young voters and mainstream liberals, though they struggle with older, high-income, and Black voters. Cohn argues that while this coalition can win primaries, it faces significant hurdles in general elections without broadening its appeal beyond its current base.
Topics discussed
Intro: Mixed results for progressive left in MI and WI primaries
Defining the new progressive left and their recent competitiveness
Analysis of the Michigan and Wisconsin primary races
Demographic divides: Age, income, and race in primary voting
How the progressive coalition has shifted since 2016
Economic populism vs. culture war issues in messaging
Can the progressive coalition win a general election?
Future of the Democratic Party and potential socialist influence
Voter perspectives from Wisconsin on the primary results
Outro: Trump admin stun gloves and episode credits
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