# Disillusioned by identity politics, the American left rediscovers socialism

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/disillusioned-by-identity-politics-the-american-left-rediscovers-socialism/
- Published: 2026-11-03T03:00:09+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T05:48:36+00:00
- Original publisher: Le Monde (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2026/11/03/disillusioned-by-identity-politics-the-american-left-rediscovers-socialism_6769765_23.html
- Topics: Americas, Art, Culture, Geopolitics, Politics, World

## Key points

- US left politics is placing renewed emphasis on class and economic inequality.
- DSA-backed candidates have made gains in Democratic primaries.
- Socialists still face hurdles in building a broad working-class coalition.

## Summary

The article describes a shift within the US left towards economic inequality and class politics, after years in which Democratic campaigning often focused on representation and minority rights. It argues that socialist ideas are gaining traction among voters and candidates, while critics on the left say identity-focused messaging failed to build a broad working-class coalition.

The shift has roots in the 2008 financial crisis, Occupy Wall Street and Bernie Sanders’s campaigns, and has been reinforced by Zohran Mamdani’s rise and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidates’ primary wins. A poll found 58% of Democratic voters viewed socialism positively, while 39% of Americans would consider a socialist presidential candidate; the DSA has 120,000 members. The article says proposals often centre on universal healthcare, housing and living costs, but socialists still face questions about electoral reach, weak unions and how to broaden their appeal.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.