Socialist Francesca Hong struggles to explain call to ‘Cancel Thanksgiving’ as post resurfaces
Francesca Hong, the democratic socialist leading in polls for Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial nomination, was pressed on CNN to explain past social media posts in which she called for Thanksgiving to be "cancelled." The resurfaced posts have become a flashpoint in the race, with critics using them to paint Hong as out of step with mainstream voters ahead of the primary.
During the Monday night interview, Hong attempted to defend or clarify her earlier comments but appeared to struggle to give a clear explanation when questioned directly. The controversy comes amid wider scrutiny of prominent democratic socialist figures in US politics, with other Democrats, including Joe Manchin and James Carville, separately voicing concerns about the party's leftward figures.
In short
- Francesca Hong pressed on CNN over old "Cancel Thanksgiving" posts.
- She struggled to clearly explain the resurfaced comments.
- Hong leads polls for Wisconsin's Democratic governor nomination.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Progressive advocates argue that traditional Thanksgiving narratives perpetuate a sanitised historical account that obscures the displacement and systematic suffering of Native Americans, and that challenging these narratives is essential to genuine reckoning with American history. They contend that calling for the holiday to be reimagined or reformulated reflects necessary cultural criticism aimed at building a more truthful national story that honestly centres the experiences of historically marginalised communities.
The case against
Mainstream critics argue that attacking a holiday most Americans experience as simply a time for family gratitude and togetherness alienates ordinary voters from progressive candidates and reflects misplaced political priorities. They contend that progressive politicians should direct energy toward practical governance concerns—such as healthcare and economic opportunity—rather than cultural criticism of beloved traditions, which suggests a fundamental disconnect between progressive leaders and what voters actually prioritise in their lives.
Explained simply
Wisconsin is a state in the American Midwest, and its governor leads the state government. The Democratic Party chooses its candidate in a primary election, where registered voters select who will represent the party in the later contest against other parties.
Francesca Hong is a Democratic state legislator and a democratic socialist, a label for people who favour a larger public role in providing services and reducing inequality. Thanksgiving is a major US holiday, traditionally marked with family meals and often linked to the history of European settlement and Indigenous peoples.
The dispute reflects wider arguments within the Democratic Party about how far left its candidates should be and what messages can appeal to voters. Social media posts from earlier in a campaign can draw renewed attention as candidates seek support beyond their existing base.