Paul Begala, a former White House strategist under President Bill Clinton, has sharply criticized the socialist movement within the Democratic Party, even as progressive candidates notch victories in key primaries. Speaking on CNN's "The Arena: Saturday," Begala did not mince words: "I don't like the socialists. I can't stand them."
His comments come in the wake of Abdul El-Sayed's narrow victory in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, a race that has become a flashpoint in the ongoing struggle for the party's soul. El-Sayed, a physician and former Detroit health director, defeated moderate Representative Haley Stevens in a contest that highlighted the growing influence of the left wing. Although El-Sayed does not identify as a democratic socialist, his campaign was backed by progressive groups and embraced policies like Medicare for All and a Green New Deal.
Begala, a veteran Democratic operative, expressed concern not only about El-Sayed's narrow margin but also about the coalition he has assembled. "Abdul won a narrow victory, and more problematic for him, he has a narrow coalition," Begala said. He then took aim at socialists broadly, accusing them of claiming to champion the working class and Black Americans while failing to actually connect with those communities.
"The socialists all say — I'm a moderate. I don't like the socialists. I can't stand them," Begala said. He added, "Well, I can tell you, Black folk and the working class don't like the socialists."
Begala also shared an anecdote from his conversations with Democratic leaders in Michigan. "I talked this week, actually, to one very impressive Democratic Black leader in Michigan. They hadn't even been contacted by Abdul yet. What are you doing?" he said, suggesting that El-Sayed's campaign has not done enough to engage Black voters, a crucial constituency in the general election.
El-Sayed's victory is part of a broader wave of progressive successes in recent primaries, as candidates backed by democratic socialist groups have won in states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. This trend has intensified the internal debate over the party's direction, with some leaders urging unity while others push for a more aggressive leftward shift. Notably, Bill Clinton has urged Democrats to close ranks as these wins deepen rifts.
The Michigan race now poses a critical test for El-Sayed, who must broaden his appeal beyond the progressive base. In the primary, Black voters largely leaned toward Stevens, and Democratic strategists have stressed that El-Sayed must win over that bloc to have a chance in November. The challenge is compounded by the fact that Michigan is a battleground state with a significant African American population, particularly in Detroit.
El-Sayed's campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment. But as the general election approaches, his ability to build a diverse coalition will be closely watched. The Democratic Socialists' electoral viability is being tested in Wisconsin as well, where a similar dynamic is playing out.
Begala's remarks reflect a broader anxiety among centrist Democrats who fear that the party's leftward drift could alienate swing voters and cost them critical races. Yet progressive activists argue that bold policies are necessary to energize the base and counter Republican attacks. This tension is likely to define the Democratic primary season and shape the party's strategy heading into the general election.
