Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor and White House chief of staff, argued that Democratic socialists have less impact on the Democratic Party than Republicans claim. Emanuel spoke on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, distancing himself from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) while suggesting that they might find a role within the party if their positions were more moderate.
“I don’t believe the socialists are a wing,” he said. “I think they are a separate party. They believe in defunding the police, which is not the party position. They believe in open borders and open prisons, which is not the party’s position.”
Emanuel seemed open to discussing the matter further if there were a shift in the socialists’ stance. Conservatives have expressed worry over the increasing influence of far-left candidates in the Democratic Party. They fear that politicians like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani might overshadow party moderates.
Emanuel countered such concerns by highlighting Democratic pragmatism through figures like New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who represent a more centrist approach. “I think the party is in the pragmatic wing,” Emanuel said.
He underscored the importance of debate between progressive and moderate factions within the Democratic Party. Emanuel noted that the Republican Party risks losing its moderate wing, which was once led by Mitt Romney and John McCain. He anticipates a significant debate within the Democratic Party, a situation he claims hasn’t occurred for two decades.
Emanuel’s comments come as establishment Democrats, including figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, navigate changes within the party. Newsom, seen as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, expressed his admiration for former President Bill Clinton, labeling him “a master of his craft.” Newsom said he frequently seeks guidance from Clinton’s past actions and political strategies.
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