Ep 8. Hard Left

The Weekly Season 1 Episode 8, titled "Hard Left," follows the story of the Democratic Socialists of America and their efforts to push for socialist policies within the Democratic Party framework. The episode investigates the movement's growing influence within the party and the challenges they are facing as they attempt to gain more support for their ideas.

The episode begins with a scene of a meeting of the Democratic Socialists of America, where members are discussing the strategies they are using to push their agenda within the Democratic Party. They discuss the upcoming primaries and how they can work together to support their candidates and ultimately push for socialist policies.

The show then interviews several prominent members of the movement, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bhaskar Sunkara, who explain the goals of the Democratic Socialists of America and how they are working to create a more equitable society.

Throughout the episode, the show examines the challenges the movement faces, including criticism from more moderate Democrats who believe that socialist policies are too radical and could damage the party's electoral prospects. Despite this opposition, the episode highlights how the movement has been successful in pushing for policies like Medicare for All and affordable housing, which have gained traction within the Democratic Party and in national politics.

The episode also addresses criticism of the movement, particularly from conservatives who argue that policies like Medicare for All would be too expensive and ultimately lead to a decline in the quality of healthcare in the United States. Additionally, the show examines concerns over how socialist policies could be implemented in practice, given the challenges posed by entrenched interests and the political system.

Overall, "Hard Left" provides a compelling look at the Democratic Socialists of America, their goals, and their challenges as they seek to create a more just and equitable society. The episode provides a nuanced understanding of the movement and its tactics, and offers insights into the broader debates taking place within the Democratic Party and in American politics as a whole.