Whenever I come across someone on the right labeling Joe Biden a socialist—which happens far too frequently—I can’t help but chuckle. Seriously? Anyone making this assertion reveals their ignorance of what socialism truly means, a lack of understanding of Biden’s voting history and policies, and a readiness to be swayed by alarmist right-wing narratives. While it’s not particularly amusing, I laugh anyway; otherwise, I might just cry.
Biden secured the nomination and the presidency as a progressive who doesn’t fit the socialist mold. He acted as a stabilizing force—essentially a way to staunch the bleeding and remove Trump from office. For many voters, he was viewed as a safe option for the Democratic ticket. There was widespread concern that someone more polarizing, like Bernie Sanders—who openly identifies as a democratic socialist—or any female candidate, regardless of qualifications, might not garner the votes necessary to oust Trump. Biden’s platform was sufficiently moderate to appeal to centrist Democrats while still demonstrating genuine concern for marginalized communities. He was like a plain cracker in a sea of spicy options—not everyone’s first pick but a welcome alternative to something far worse.
However, it’s crucial to clarify that President Biden is not, and has never been, a socialist. A glance at his voting record would quickly show any rabid Trump supporter that he is simply a typical moderate Democrat. Yes, he advocates for quality public education, believes women should make their own healthcare choices, and thinks no one should lose their home due to a cancer diagnosis—these are indeed progressive views (isn’t kindness a form of progress?). It’s fair to say his platform has leaned left since his nomination, categorizing him as a progressive Democrat.
Nevertheless, Biden supports private enterprise and a free market, where competition drives innovation. He has never suggested that the government should assume control of production—it’s laughable to even think he would. Yet, this is the narrative some on the right want to perpetuate.
So, What’s Socialism All About?
It comes in many forms. If you only rely on far-right think tanks like the Heritage Foundation, you might believe socialism refers to a state-controlled economy devoid of class distinctions, where everyone has the same amount of everything, ultimately leading to a lack of motivation and economic stagnation. They paint socialism as a “pseudo-religion” enforced by tyranny and equate it with bread lines.
In contrast, proponents of social democracy, such as Bernie Sanders, advocate for a government that ensures basic needs are met while also promoting entrepreneurship and private ownership of businesses. A social democracy encourages a regulated market that fosters competition and innovation. It imagines a society where individuals don’t have to worry about going bankrupt due to illness or draining their retirement accounts for exorbitant education costs.
Conservative commentators deliberately misrepresent social democracy, conflating it with communism to intensify their fear-mongering tactics. They often pose misleading questions, suggesting contradictions that simply don’t exist, like asking how someone could support both socialism and entrepreneurship.
Despite this, many still mistakenly believe Biden embodies socialism, or worse—communism. I once had a Trump supporter express her outrage over “socialists” taking over, all while fretting about her social security benefits. Ironically, social security is one of the most socialist programs we have in the U.S.
This fear-mongering often comes from those who would benefit most from social democracy. The same individuals who fret about socialism are often unaware that they already rely on systems that support their welfare. If they understood what social democracy entailed, they might actually support it.
Biden is not a socialist, but plenty of people in this country recognize the value of social democracy. Many feel it’s unjust for 1% of the population to control such a large share of the nation’s wealth. Many also believe that healthcare is a human right and that a free college education, funded by taxes, would ultimately enhance our nation’s prosperity. Numerous individuals envision a social democracy led by someone who isn’t just another white male.
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In summary, while Joe Biden is frequently mischaracterized as a socialist, his beliefs and policies are more aligned with those of a moderate Democrat. There’s a prevailing misunderstanding of socialism and social democracy, often fueled by fear-based narratives that overlook the benefits many Americans could gain from a more equitable system.
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