The article argues that candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) may face a conflict when swearing to support and defend the US Constitution. It says this matters because the constitutional oath is a prerequisite for public office, while the DSA’s proposed political programme seeks major changes to the existing constitutional order.

According to the article, the DSA platform advocates a new constitution, a single federal legislature, and changes to or replacement of the Senate, presidency and Supreme Court. The author contends that pursuing these objectives would make the oath insincere; this is presented as an opinion and constitutional interpretation rather than an established legal ruling.