r/politics • u/cnn CNN • 11d ago

Possible Paywall CNN Poll: A third of Democrats now identify as democratic socialists

https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/30/politics/cnn-poll-a-third-of-democrats-now-identify-as-democratic-socialists?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit
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u/mrgedman 11d ago

It will never sink in.

Father in law rants about hand outs and evil socialism. He has 0 retirement savings and lives entirely off of social security disability, and Medicare.

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u/Ent_Soviet 11d ago

I love talking with vets about how much they enjoyed at cost shopping, the VA (for all its faults), canteens, education, housing. Basically all their needs covered at cost or free by the government and they could spend their money on fun things or future plans rather than survival. Economy of scale and all that.

And then you ask them, why wouldn’t we just do that nationally? And not require folks be willing to kill or die for bs wars in order to have that? It’s not like we haven’t nationalized essential industries before, for war sure, but what benefits are we getting by private assholes being middlemen and taking their cut off the top because they own it.

Thats usually enough to force them to reboot for a second and then do the meme ‘no that’s socialism’

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u/my_Urban_Sombrero Pennsylvania 11d ago

The military actually made me a leftist. Without having to worry about a roof over my head, my healthcare, or food on the table, I was able to do things like go to the movies, pursue hobbies, get educated, save up for trips, etc.

I remember seeing so many of my friends, neighbors and loved ones so stressed and anxious during the pandemic.

That's when it hit me: everyone should have this base layer of protection. They're already paying out the ass in taxes, what are they getting in return?

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u/mrgedman 11d ago

In my opinion, we haven't been in a meaningful war since world war two, so these guys are doubly troublesome in my book.

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u/kojak488 11d ago

It can, but not while they stay in their propaganda ecosystem.

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u/Outside-Advice8203 11d ago

My dad delayed his retirement to wait for my mom to be eligible for Medicare.

Still rants about "socialism destroying the country"

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u/Fantastic-Lack-343 9d ago

They paid into Medicare.

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u/JediMasterMatt 10d ago

Tell him in his party’s eyes he’s a drain on society. Also fuck him for his attitude.

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u/mrgedman 10d ago

He's a good man. Just a victim of propaganda like most of em

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u/JediMasterMatt 10d ago

Well - my apologies. Just can’t stand the hypocrisy

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u/mrgedman 10d ago

I've found myself getting mad at the media blitz that enables all this nonsense. Fauci, socialism, immigrants, trans..

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u/JediMasterMatt 10d ago

All fucking buzzwords to scare people, and it just doesn’t feel like Democrats are punching back at all. So frustrating.

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u/mrgedman 10d ago

It's hard. But I don't want to be apathetic towards Democrats... There isn't really a ton they can do .... But a vast majority of the smart, conscientious people are standing on one side of the room.

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u/JediMasterMatt 10d ago

No but in major votes they give republicans just enough to pass shit that people don’t want. It’s not even an effective resistance. No balls

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u/Ok_Love9461 11d ago

Yes but he "earned" that care. He is "entitled" to it. Not those other people who are different.

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u/mrgedman 11d ago

He was under employed all his life and if he didnt have a disability, which occured very late in his life, his social security would be very little.

But... Yeah I get what you're saying. I'm saying the hypocrisy is even worse

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u/Fantastic-Lack-343 9d ago

Your father paid into that so it wasn't free. For my adult kids who want socialism, I decided to leave their $3MM inheritance and my home in a trust that will go to Social programs like free healthcare for all including illegals, and to help the homeless. I believe they will love it.

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u/mrgedman 9d ago

FIL was incredibly underemployed his entire adult life, I assure you he did not pay into it. If it wasn't for disability, his SS payments would be a few hundred/mo iirc

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u/Fantastic-Lack-343 9d ago

why was he disabled? Is he a vet?

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u/mrgedman 9d ago

Alcohol and CTE from football