Why Won’t Bill Clinton Denounce The DSA?

One of the more mystifying aspects of the Democratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) rise to prominence has been the lack of pushback from prominent Democrat figures in "the establishment.” Although the milquetoast responses of Senate and House leaders Schumer and Jeffries have been depressingly predictable, the former president who once claimed the “centrist” mantle has not bothered to weigh in on this startling development. Except to say, with his usual optimism, that what the DSA is doing now will have little impact on the midterm elections this November.

Why is it important to get a more opinionated assessment from Bill Clinton than “They won’t hurt our chances”? There are at least two good reasons in my opinion.

First, most mainline Democrats, in parroting the ridiculous talking point about what a “big tent” they have to avoid denouncing the DSA, are guilty of the ancient human tendency to believe, “if we ignore the problem, it will just go away.” Thus, the situation is ripe for an enterprising journalist to at least try to get more from a former president who served during a time when his party still bore some semblance of sanity. As an elder statesman, Clinton’s public remarks still carry some weight, not only within his party but with the American public – at least for those who voted for and supported him.

Secondly, the Democrat Party, in allowing the DSA “invasion” to gain increasing momentum, is imploding before our eyes. While it may be tempting for us conservatives to grab some popcorn and enjoy the show, this is not at all a good development, at least not in the long run. As Senator Ted Cruz, R-TX, noted in a recent Newsmax interview, the two-party system, while certainly imperfect, is needed in the U.S. as an ultimate check and balance against a single party attaining too much political power. Although this goes against everything the father of our country, George Washington, believed about political parties (that is, they should not exist), in the real world that was just a pipe dream.

Added to these, it’s about time Democrats were challenged about why they are unwilling to openly criticize the DSA candidates despite their beyond-crazy, downright anti-American policy positions. After all, the legacy media never miss a chance to challenge Republican leaders about even a hint of supporting controversial political figures on the right. Remember David Duke? And how every leading Republican was practically ordered to denounce this admittedly racist person? Well, as bad as Duke was, the DSA is a lot more than one person, and can surely do a lot more damage to the country. Further, you can bet that come the 2028 campaign, a standard question for all Republican candidates will be along the lines of “How do you explain your ongoing support for Trump?” Or “Are you willing to denounce Trump for (fill in the blanks)?” And other leading questions similar in tone to “When’s the last time you beat your wife?” Those who do not fall in line with the right answers will be on the legacy media’s hit list. 

In reading a psychological biography on Bill Clinton, I was struck by undeniable evidence of how intelligent and charismatic he was in his heyday. On a trip to the UK in 2022, the tour guide still talked about him in reverent tones as the key peacemaker between the Irish factions in helping negotiate a lasting agreement in 1998. To them, this accomplishment dwarfs anything concerning Monica Lewinsky and impeachment. Also, this tells me that Clinton certainly has something to offer in the current DSA situation.

Way back in 1992, when candidate Clinton was fighting for every vote in the upcoming presidential election, he had his famous “Sister Souljah” moment when he denounced the extremist rapper for her call to have the black gangs turn their murderous ways on white people. Clinton’s purpose then was to solidify his standing with middle-class Reagan Democrats whose votes he desperately needed to win the election. Now, he needs to denounce the DSA to at least try to save what’s left of his political party. If it’s his idea to use his old friend James Carville to do the dirty work, that clearly is not getting the job done. So, the ex-president should view this opportunity as a legacy-building moment and not shy away from it.