{
  "id": 8363358,
  "title": "US Democrats fight over party's future as Trump targets 'communists'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/us-democrats-fight-over-partys-future-as-trump-targets-communists",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T02:12:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-19/us-democratic-socialists-rise-tests-party-identity/107114828"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Democratic Party is experiencing internal divisions as Democrats debate the future direction of the party, especially in the wake of rising progressive sentiment. Melat Kiros, an Ethiopian-born Democratic Socialist, is campaigning for a seat in the US Congress in Denver, Colorado. Kiros, who is a 29-year-old woman and part of Generation Z, is part of a wave of younger, anti-establishment candidates on the left.\n\nKiros believes that the mainstream ideas of both parties have failed, and she is advocating for a total arms embargo on Israel and cuts to defense spending, instead directing funds towards universal healthcare, childcare, and expanding public housing. Her stance has sparked a debate within the Democratic Party, with centrist Democrats launching a $15 million campaign to discredit democratic socialism. The Republican Party, particularly Republican President Donald Trump, has seized the opportunity to portray these progressive candidates as communists, a charge they hope will sway voters ahead of the midterms.\n\nWhile support for socialism is growing among liberal voters, a majority of Americans view it unfavorably. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has seen success in recent primaries, but most of their endorsed candidates hold safe Democratic seats. The centrist Democrats argue that the party must appeal to moderates to have a chance in general elections, suggesting that far-left candidates are more likely to lose. Kiros argues that the US and the world are in precarious times and cannot afford a do-nothing Democratic administration. She believes that Democratic Socialists are the only ones offering meaningful solutions to meet the current moment.",
  "summary": "The rise of the progressive left has sparked a civil war among US Democrats as the party fights over its future direction ahead of November's midterms battle with Donald Trump's Republicans.",
  "key_points": [
    "Democratic Party faces internal divisions over future direction",
    "Progressive candidates like Melat Kiros advocate for major policy changes",
    "Republican Party uses \"communist\" label to discredit progressive candidates"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}