Can you explain to us what socialism is?

This article was originally published in Die Zeit on November 2, 2026.

It has been 250 years since the United States broke away from Europe. This summer, we celebrated the milestone anniversary of American independence. 250 years: That’s a long time. A very long time. And yet, America seems more European than ever these days, in the final stretch to the midterm elections on November 3. This election campaign is a throwback to the Europe of the last century.

Many Americans believe they are caught in a campaign pitting fascists against socialists. “Fascists”—that’s how some in the Democratic camp describe the Republicans under Donald Trump, especially his MAGA movement. And the president refers to the Democrats as “socialists”. Even though the situation in the United States is nowhere near as dramatic, and the terms “fascists” and “socialists” are more like political campaign slogans than anything that truly resembles their historical counterparts, their usage remains risky. They will not move the country forward.

Socialists vs. Fascists? The real issues are different

The core issues in this election are actually different. Americans are facing uncertainty. Will I be able to afford health care, can I pay for my children’s college education, will my job still exist by the end of the decade? Just as MAGA has gained a foothold among young men, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), a faction within the Democratic Party, has captured the imagination of young Americans in this election cycle.

In this era of discontent, unconventional and extreme politicians are the leading figures of their respective parties. President Trump undoubtedly enjoys provoking others, as he did when referring to himself as a “dictator”. But some voters, especially young ones, actually identify with the label “socialist.”

It’s understandable that young voters are concerned given the state of the economy. Rents are simply far too high. For years, we’ve been hearing that younger generations of Americans won’t enjoy the same level of prosperity as their parents, and it feels as though we’ve reached that point. What’s particularly concerning is that, according to Harvard University’s 52nd Youth Survey, 18- to 29-year-olds feel they are losing their ability to take action.

The appeal of democratic socialism is understandable

It’s no wonder that half of young American voters have a positive view of democratic socialism, as the movement has focused on reducing costs. It’s hard for young people to make plans for the future when illness or college could one day saddle them with debt, not to mention the risks posed by climate change and AI.

So how do we move beyond these terms? And the polarization they create? Depending on the outcome of the midterms, this issue could also shape the presidential campaign.

We could demand our young to put their phones aside and to peer into history books. But perhaps it would be better if you Europeans would help us.

Before the next generation of Americans take the reins of power, it would be wise for them to spruce up their political vocabulary so that the United States avoids another swing of the pendulum. If the Democrats win on Tuesday and give the DSA an opportunity to dominate, it would horrify the approximately 40% of centrist Americans. That could lead to a MAGA victory in the next presidential election.

Without provoking an “Okay, Boomer” reaction, it would work wonders if the DSA simply dropped the term “socialist” and adopted the name “Social Democrats”. That would go a long way toward toning down the political back-and-forth of the past decade.

We need Europeans to explain to Americans what “social democracy” is

Europe can lead the way here. Many of the proposed policy measures wouldn’t even raise an eyebrow with the CDU. Healthcare for all, investments in transportation infrastructure, and paid family leave are as European as apple cake. Some Americans ration their medications because they’re so expensive, a scenario unimaginable to Europeans. At the same time, Germany’s social market economy, which enables worker participation and educational leave, is likely a utopia for many DSA voters.

So, the next time European politicians such as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre visit New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, they can point out to him and his colleagues at the DSA that the United States won the Cold War. Identifying as social democrats within the Democratic Party would not fuel fears that the radical left could seize power. The Republicans are currently warning their supporters via text message about the “socialist dream team”.

As generational change in the United States leads the country toward its next revolution, please, dear Europeans, remind us of your history. There is still hope that the United States will return to a campaign between elephants and donkeys, one that brings change instead of a battle between socialists and fascists that could blow up the system.

The views expressed herein are those solely of the author(s). GMF as an institution does not take positions.