Column Says DSA Poses Little Threat to Free Markets Despite 100,000-Member Growth
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 28
Column Says DSA Poses Little Threat to Free Markets Despite 100,000-Member Growth
2 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 28
Summary
A Los Angeles Times column argues democratic socialists are not a serious threat to U.S. free markets, even as Republicans elevate DSA rhetoric to warn of a broader socialist takeover.
Polling is the column’s main evidence: a 2026 Echelon survey found Democrats under 50 rate “capitalism” at minus 31, but support for a “free market economy” jumps 41 points to plus 22.
The piece says labels distort public sentiment more than ideology does, noting communism’s net favorability sits at minus 40 and citing a 2014 survey where free markets beat a government-managed economy 64%-32%.
It also argues socialist governance would stumble on math, pointing to Medicare for All’s estimated $32 trillion 10-year cost versus roughly $9 trillion in total U.S. billionaire net worth.
The broader conclusion is that DSA’s radical proposals generate political heat and campaign material for the GOP, but remain too unpopular, impractical and constitutionally constrained to upend America’s market system.