Sunday, September 13
Basel, Switzerland (hybrid)
DA Discussions: How do Democratic Socialists fit into the Democratic Party?
image source: teenVogue
Join us for our revived DA Discussions series!
Where does the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) fit into the modern political landscape? As the progressive left continues to build electoral power, the strategic relationship between the DSA and the Democratic Party remains one of the most hotly debated topics among organizers, voters, and political observers.
Are Democratic Socialists best positioned working as an insurgent faction within the Democratic Party, or is there a case for building an independent movement alongside it?
In our September meeting, we will unpack this complex relationship through the lens of recent electoral strategy and voter behavior. We’ll look at the mechanics of primary challenges, how progressive candidates navigate establishment opposition, and the ongoing debate over voter turnout models. Does a bold progressive platform drive higher turnout among marginalized and young voters, or do moderate candidates still hold the key to winning crucial swing districts? By analyzing recent campaign data and recent political commentary, we will explore the successes, the growing pains, and the future viability of the Democratic Socialist project in electoral politics.
Suggested readings:
- Inside the D.S.A.’s Audacious Quest for Power in the Democratic Party by Charles Homans for The New York Times Magazine 🎁 gift article 🎁
A deep dive into how the DSA navigates Democratic primaries, builds ground games, and manages the tension of challenging incumbent Democrats. -
A new study finds the advantage of moderation in elections has vanished. That’s a huge deal by Zeeshan Aleem for MS Now
An analysis of how candidates like Abdul El-Sayed influence voter turnout models, and what the data tells us about mobilizing the progressive base versus appealing to the political center.
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‘The Easiest Explanation for This Phenomenon Is That Ideology Really Matters’ by Thomas B. Edsall for The New York Times 🎁 gift article 🎁
An opinion piece exploring the broader, structural relationship between the Democratic Socialists of America and the Democratic Party establishment.
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Bernie Sanders, American Socialist by Michael C. Behrent for Esprit (PDF file)
An examination of Bernie Sanders’ political evolution—from Brooklyn and civil rights activism to Vermont municipal politics—highlighting how his career revitalized a homegrown, pragmatic tradition of American democratic socialism.
- Economic Populism vs. Moderation (PDF file)
Virtual Event: Private residence near Schützenmattpark and Zoom; RSVP for details
About DA Discussions:
We will examine various facets of democracy in group discussions facilitates by political scientist Michael Contarino, Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire.
Contarino founded and directed the Politics and Society program at UNH-Manchester, the UNH-in-Italy program, and the UNH-Manchester Florence program at Palazzo Rucellai. He has taught World Politics, US and World Affairs, International Relations Theory, Politics and Society, Dictatorship and Democracy, Politics and Propaganda in Film, The Politics of Food, and Business, Government, and Society, among other topics. You can read his full bio here.
Each event will cover a different topic and offer complementary readings. The readings are intended to provide insight into the topic at hand but are completely optional.
All are welcome!
This event is free of charge, but we will gladly accept donations from any US citizens who attend the event. DACH is a volunteer organization that relies on donations to be able to provide outreach, voter education, and voter registration services.
WHEN
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 03:00 PM Bern Time
CONTACT
Liz Voss
[email protected]