“The Democratic Socialists are saying 'democracy isn't working for us anymore' and are willing to 'try something different' (i.e., socialism) as an alternative.”
Attributed to Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA)
On CNN News Central, discussing recent Democratic primary results and trends on the party's left flank, Lynch said the far left, especially Democratic Socialists, are telling Congress and government that democracy isn't working and they are willing to try something different.
What the proof shows
Rep. Stephen Lynch correctly characterized a message he attributed to "the Democratic Socialists" on CNN (Breitbart and the CNN transcript show he said this). But primary DSA materials and chapter bylaws show the organization frames the problem as the current system (capitalism or the way U.S. democracy functions for working people) "not working for many people," and advocates replacing capitalist economic arrangements with "democratic socialism" through democratic, peaceful political processes — not by abandoning democracy. Presented without that context, Lynch’s phrasing (and the Breitbart headline) gives the misleading impression that Democratic Socialists reject democracy itself and seek an extra‑democratic alternative; the record shows they call for systemic economic change accomplished democratically.
Corrected version
Some Democratic Socialists and DSA-aligned candidates argue that the current form of U.S. governance and capitalism "isn't working for" many people and therefore support trying democratic socialism — i.e., replacing capitalist economic arrangements with social ownership and democratic control — through democratic, largely electoral and political processes.
Automated evidence confidence: 0%
References and proof
Every link was reachable when published. Each proof point states how that source bears on the claim.
Dem Rep. Lynch: Democratic Socialists 'Hit Upon' Saying 'Democracy Isn't Working', Try Something New ↗
Breitbart“the far left, especially the Democratic Socialists, have hit upon something ... look, democracy isn’t working for us anymore, and we’re willing to try something different.”
CNN News Central transcript (Aired July 03, 2026) — segment with Rep. Stephen Lynch ↗
CNN (transcript)“...the far left, especially the Democratic Socialists... look, democracy isn't working for us anymore, and we're willing to try something different.”
Portland DSA Bylaws ↗
Portland Democratic Socialists of America (local chapter)“Our conception of socialism is a profoundly democratic one. Public policies should be determined by free and equal popular participation.”
The First 100 Days of Socialism — DSA International Committee (program notes) ↗
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)DSA provides an alternative vision... (envisions) a peaceful transition to socialism and policy priorities for an early socialist administration.
Working for Reforms While Advancing Toward Socialism — Socialist Forum (DSA publication) ↗
Democratic Socialists of America (Socialist Forum)working for reforms while advancing toward socialism (discusses pursuing reforms within electoral/political channels while aiming for a socialist transition).
Democratic Socialists of America — Wikipedia ↗
WikipediaThe organization's platform calls for reforms such as a Green New Deal, single-payer healthcare, and tuition-free higher education, with a long-term aim of social ownership and democratic control of the economy.
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