Jul 23, 2025 3 min read

As I viewed the photos in this paper from the “No Kings” and “Good Trouble” assemblies, I noticed that the participants appeared to be an average of 70 years old. The Democratic Party of their youth is certainly not the party of today.

Over the past 50 years, the party has undergone a profound transformation in its ideology, priorities, and base of support. In 1975, its platform, while progressive for its time, was rooted in traditional liberal values – support for labor unions, civil rights, and government regulation to promote economic fairness. By contrast, in 2025, the party has embraced a more overtly progressive – and, in some corners, socialist-leaning – agenda. The poster child of the Democratic Party, John F. Kennedy, could never be elected today. Yet the self-proclaimed socialist/communist Zohran Mamdani, running for mayor of New York City, is the new candidate profile for the party.

In 1975, the Democratic Party was largely centered around a coalition of working-class white people, African Americans, and unionized labor. However, it was still cautious in its economic rhetoric. While supportive of welfare programs and labor protections, it operated firmly within a capitalist framework and maintained strong opposition to socialism or communism, which were politically toxic then.

By contrast, the party of 2025 reflects decades of political realignment and demographic change. It is now primarily supported by urban voters, young people, and racial minorities. The influence of traditional labor unions has waned, giving way to grassroots movements, radical advocacy organizations, and online mobilization. With this new coalition, the party has increasingly embraced policies that would have once been considered far left or even radical.

One of the most significant shifts has been the growing influence of democratic socialism and progressive populism from within. Politicians like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have helped normalize discussions of Medicare for All, tuition-free college, a Green New Deal, and expanded social safety nets. While not all Democrats identify as socialists, the policy goals of the progressive wing now shape much of the national conversation within the party. Polls increasingly show that millennials and Gen Z view socialism more favorably than previous generations, especially in terms of policies that provide universal services. I blame our university system for this shift, as it promotes leftist views in the classroom. Just look at the pro-Hamas protests around the country.

Today’s Democratic Party is not yet a socialist party in the traditional sense; it has, however, undeniably shifted leftward compared to its 1975 counterpart. The influence of socialist ideas – particularly around health care, education, and economic justice – has grown significantly.

My warning to the Democrats of the 70s is to reexamine your party’s platform and core beliefs and determine if you still believe your party represents your father’s Democratic beliefs.

Tom Flickinger

Washington