Republicans use polling on Democratic Socialists of America in midterm messaging

A new Fox News national poll shows broad skepticism toward the Democratic Socialists of America, with 55% of registered voters viewing the group unfavorably and about 30% holding a positive view. Republicans say the numbers could help their effort to frame the midterm elections as a clear choice between their candidates and Democrats they describe as too far left. GOP leaders and strategists are pointing to the rise of progressive and socialistbacked candidates in Democratic primaries as part of their campaign message heading into November. President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson have both argued that Democrats have moved toward socialism, while Republican strategist Erin Maguire said the poll supports that line of attack. Democrats counter that the election will be decided mainly by inflation and rising costs. Some moderate Democrats, however, worry the socialist label could hurt their party if Republicans keep emphasizing it. Progressive allies dismissed the strategy as overstated, saying Republicans are trying to turn the DSA into a bigger issue than it is.