Who gets called a communist in America?
There’s been a lot of “communist” talk on the midterms campaign trail. It’s become President Donald Trump’s favorite new perceived threat coming from the left. But it’s actually not new at all. US politicians, especially on the right, have long described communism as a threat to the American way of life. As a result, the […]
Communist rhetoric has resurfaced during the recent US midterm elections, with President Donald Trump notably using the term as a perceived threat from the left. However, this is not a new phenomenon in American politics. Throughout history, US politicians, particularly on the right, have frequently described communism as a danger to American values. This has led to periods of intense suppression against communism, sometimes turning violent.
The clash between communism as an economic system and communist ideology, particularly when intertwined with religion, has been a recurring theme in America. The 1950s saw President Dwight D. Eisenhower incorporate the phrase "under God" into the Pledge of Allegiance, emphasizing the Christian values of an anti-communist America. Furthermore, the phrase "In God We Trust" was added to US currency, reinforcing this connection.
As evangelical Christians grew into a vital voting bloc for the Republican Party, accusations of communism resurfaced periodically to rally their base. This strategy has been employed by various political groups to mobilize their supporters.
The video, hosted by Kahlil Greene, is part of Vox's series "Kahlil Explains," which combines Vox's unique explainer journalism with Greene's expertise in how politics and culture shape society. The episode delves into the history of communism in America and its ongoing clash with religious groups. It aims to explain why Democratic candidates are being labeled communists and whether this strategy will resonate with voters today.
For a deeper understanding of communism and its intersection with religion in America, readers may refer to Andrew Hartman's book "Karl Marx in America." Additionally, Vox's "Today, Explained" covers Donald Trump's imaginary Red Scare, while Politico provides coverage of anti-communist rhetoric at the 2022 Republican midterm convention. Insights from the Public Religion Research Institute's American values atlas further enrich this discussion.
Written by urgent.news from Vox's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
