In this episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles explores the widening divide within the Democratic Party, focusing on the growing influence of Democratic Socialists and what that means for the future of American politics. As frustration with Donald Trump and right-wing policies continues, some Democrats are looking to the far left for solutions, but Dean argues this reaction risks fracturing the party altogether.

Dean breaks down the key differences between the Democratic Party’s official platform and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) agenda, highlighting why the two visions for the country are fundamentally at odds. He discusses the political risks of embracing extreme positions, the role of social media in shaping public opinion, and why he believes moderates must take a stand before the party loses its identity.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the internal dynamics reshaping U.S. politics, the policy distinctions that matter, and the potential consequences of failing to define clear boundaries within the Democratic Party.

In This Episode:

• [00:05] Dean on why socialism isn’t the answer to Trump

• [01:14] Comparing the Democratic and DSA platforms

• [02:18] Where’s the Democratic leadership pushback?

• [03:17] Dean’s warning: A Socialist Party will lose moderates to the GOP

• [04:08] Immigration: The 80/20 issues no one talks about

• [05:00] Patriotism, pledges, and why DSA rejects America

• [05:53] Is social media converting Democrats into socialists?

• [06:52] Jamaal Bowman, AOC, and the media's role in fueling the far left

• [07:45] Final call: It’s not too late to reclaim the Democratic Party

Notable Quotes

• [02:18] “Where’s our leadership saying, no, we’re not socialists? Where are you, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer?” — Dean Charles

• [02:45] “The socialists are not Democrats. Read their platform. Listen to them. AOC is not a Democrat. She's a Democratic socialist.” — Dean Charles

• [03:20] “if you call it the Socialist Party and you become socialist, guys like me, we're just going to go to the Republicans and take the fight there..” — Dean Charles

• [05:55] “Social media’s converting the Democratic Party into the Socialist Party. I don’t understand how.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode, host Dean Charles tackles the shocking results of the recent Democratic primary in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified Democratic Socialist, has won the party’s nomination for mayor. Dean calls this a wake-up call for moderates, arguing that capitalism and socialism cannot coexist in the same party, especially not in the financial capital of America.

He warns listeners about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform, urging everyone to read it and understand what policies like “defund the police,” “abolish prisons,” and massive tax hikes on millionaires could mean for New York City’s economy, jobs, and basic equality.

Dean connects these local developments to a larger vision he calls “AOC’s Project 2029,” predicting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence could push the Democratic Party even further left. He argues that the real danger is not just free healthcare or rent control, it’s a shift away from true equality toward a desire to “become the oppressor.”

If you want to understand what’s really at stake for moderates in America’s biggest city, and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

In This Episode:

• [00:10] Dean reacts to NYC’s Democratic primary results

• [01:01] Why the DSA platform is a “recipe for anarchy”

• [02:02] The economic fallout: millionaires, banks, and sports teams

• [02:53] Core DSA policies: defund police, abolish prisons, open borders

• [03:23] Why Democratic Socialists reject equality

• [03:59] How the GOP missed its chance and who could beat Zohran

• [05:28] Dean’s warning: AOC’s “Project 2029”

Notable Quotes

• [00:29] “I have maintained for a long time on my radio show and here on my podcast that the Democrats and the socialists do not belong in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:52] “I have no problem with the socialists having their own party, and I have no problem with the fact that Zohran is Muslim. I have a problem that he's a socialist. I have a problem with socialism.” — Dean Charles

• [03:23] “Most Democrats want equality. The Democratic Party, since JFK was president, was founded on equality. They backed equality, equality for all. The Democratic Socialists don’t want equality.” — Dean Charles

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In this timely and passionate episode, host Dean Charles responds to the turbulent political climate following the U.S. bombing of Iran, growing unrest at home, and the visible fracture within the Democratic Party. With a sense of urgency, Dean announces the launch of a powerful new series dedicated to defining what moderate, center-left Democrats truly stand for.

Dean delivers a fiery critique of the party’s current direction, warning that the increasing dominance of socialist ideology and DEI extremism is alienating the majority of Democrats who still identify as moderates. He challenges listeners to reflect on foundational Democratic values invoking Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, and the importance of true equality as he lays the groundwork for a new political vision.

If you've ever wondered where the center-left voice went, this episode marks its return.

In This Episode:

• [00:07] Dean’s reaction to the bombing of Iran and political uncertainty

• [01:08] Introducing the new “Core Principles” series for moderate Democrats

• [02:13] Concerns about socialists in the Democratic Party

• [03:00] Series structure and purpose

• [03:50] What happens if moderates are forced out of the party

• [05:15] First Episode: Focus on equality

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [01:20] “Our principles don’t jive with the socialists, and I don’t believe the socialists and capitalists can coexist in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [03:40] “If the socialists take over the Democratic Party, we're just going over to the Republicans. I'll take my fight to the Republicans. That's just the bottom line.” — Dean Charles

• [04:33] "People see billionaires and people with hundreds of billions. They feel left out because that's all they see on social media, and they don't feel equal” — Dean Charles

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