Can the Democratic Socialists of America win over voters?

Abolish ICE? Abolish borders, No prisons? The co-chair of the DSA speaks to us about what the party really stands for and whether they can persuade undecided Americans to vote for them.

The Democratic Socialists of America can count some of the country’s most high-profile politicians in its ranks, such as Bernie Sanders, Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Until recently, the organisation had only a few thousand members and sat on the fringes of US politics.

But since the rise of Donald Trump and opponents like Bernie Sanders, the DSA has grown into a nationwide force that’s turning the Democratic Party on its head as it prepares to choose a new leader for the party ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

In today’s episode, Justin speaks to the DSA’s national co-chair Ashik Siddique about their vision for the country, including on housing, healthcare as well as Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. What do they really stand for, and could they one day end up taking over the Democratic Party?

HOSTS:
• Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
• Sumi Somaskanda, BBC Chief Presenter

GUEST:
• Ashik Siddique, National co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America

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This episode was made by Emma Close, George Dabby and Nik Sindle. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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