In this fiery episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, Dean Charles takes the gloves off and calls out prominent Democrats who claim to be center-left but refuse to reject socialism and the Democratic Socialists of America platform publicly. Drawing on his years defending Democrats on a Hannity-and-Colmes-style radio show in Las Vegas, Dean questions whether the party has lost its grip on the middle.

He names names: Alyssa Slotkin, Cory Booker, Jason Crow, Catherine Cortez Masto, and dissects their recent public statements (or lack thereof) on the growing socialist influence inside the party. Dean warns that ignoring this issue is political suicide, especially when it comes to winning over independents and moderates.

This is a passionate, unfiltered look at why the Democratic Party risks alienating the very voters who could decide the next election.

Key Takeaways

• Why silence matters: Public figures like Alyssa Slotkin, Cory Booker, and Jason Crow refusing to push back against socialism sends the wrong message to moderates.

• The 80/20 principle: Winning issues lie in appealing to the political middle, not the far left.

• Electoral consequences: Dean warns that embracing, or failing to reject, socialism could hand elections to Republicans.

• The call to action: Center-left Democrats must unite, clearly reject socialism, and focus on pragmatic issues if they want to win.

In this Episode

• [00:00] Dean sets the stage for the discussion on socialism in the Democratic Party.

• [00:18] Reflecting on his past defense of Democrats and shifting views.

• [01:04] Alyssa Slotkin’s Colbert interview and her failure to denounce socialism.

• [02:25] Cory Booker’s “stay out of New York politics” response.

• [03:22] Jason Crow’s surprising defense of Zohran Mamdani on Bill Maher.

• [04:21] Why Dean wants more action from Cortez Masto.

• [04:45] How not rejecting socialism could cost the Democrats the election.

• [05:29] Dean’s plea for the center-left to unite and reject socialism.

Notable Quotes

• [03:09] “Cory Booker says, 'Let New York politics be New York politics.' Come on. Are you a socialist? Seriously, Cory, are you gonna run on the socialism platform? Gimme a break. You're gonna lose the independence and the left and the center left. You're just gonna lose them.”

• [05:01] “The big umbrella thing isn't gonna work. I'm telling you it's not gonna work. The Republicans are gonna beat you to a pulp. Seriously, they're gonna pull out the 80/20 issues and it's gonna be over. You don't seem to understand why you lost the last election. You should really think about it more 'cause you're not understanding why you lost.”

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In this episode, Dean Charles delivers a blistering critique of Democratic Party leadership, from Chuck Schumer to Catherine Cortez Masto, for enabling the rise of Democratic Socialists within their ranks.

Dean argues that socialism and traditional Democratic values cannot coexist. He draws a hard line: if leaders continue backing figures like Zohran Mamdani, they are alienating moderates, independents, and lifelong Democrats like him. He warns that this isn’t just bad politics, it’s electoral suicide.

With personal anecdotes, blunt truths, and a fiery defense of capitalism, Dean breaks down why the Democratic Socialists of America are fundamentally at odds with American values and why staying silent is no longer an option.

He leaves listeners with a stark ultimatum: choose socialism, and you lose America.

In This Episode:

• [00:07] Why Democrats and DSA can’t share the same tent

• [00:56] Independence, not ideology, decides elections

• [01:48] Schumer, Jeffries, and the Mamdani problem

• [03:00] DEI backlash, free speech, and youth alienation

• [05:25] Why Gen Z white males are voting Republican

• [07:00] What moderate Democrats still don’t understand

• [08:32] The false promise of equality in socialism

• [09:40] Why capitalism offers real opportunity

• [10:45] A call to Cortez Masto and other silent moderates

Notable Quotes

• [02:38] "If you're going to choose the socialists, people like me, I'm a lifelong Democrat, are going to go to the other side." — Dean Charles

• [04:43] "Ask these kids, they'll tell you they didn't have it. If you're a straight white male, forget it. You did not have freedom of speech." — Dean Charles

• [06:42] "If you run a socialist in a moderate district, you're going to get clobbered." — Dean Charles

• [07:55] "The socialists don't even fight for equality. They don't want equality. They want to be the oppressor." — Dean Charles

• [09:53] "Capitalism affords everyone the ability to make their own way. It gives them a shot, gives them a chance." — Dean Charles

• [10:32] "You lost on all the 80/20 issues because the socialists are on the wrong side of every single 80/20 issue." — Dean Charles

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In this explosive episode, Dean Charles calls out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and every Democrat still trying to walk the tightrope between capitalism and socialism.

Dean breaks down why the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are not just another wing of the Democratic Party. With their own radical platform, abolishing prisons, defunding police, open borders, and anti-Western foreign policy, they’re openly at odds with core Democratic values. And yet, Schumer and Jeffries continue to defend them.

Dean highlights NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as a symbol of this growing takeover and asks: Why are top Democrats propping up socialists instead of pushing back? Why are moderates so silent? Why does the Democratic Party keep losing, and pretending not to know why?

It’s time to stop straddling the fence. Dean’s message is clear: Pick a side before it’s too late.

In This Episode:

• [00:07] The Democratic Party's crossroads

• [01:00] DSA influence and Zohran Mamdani

• [01:51] Electoral consequences and ideological divide

• [02:47] Call for moderate leadership and critique of Schumer

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [00:01:02] "He's a member of the Democratic Socialists of America... and Chuck, you're coming to his rescue? For what? He's not a Democrat. He's a socialist."

• [00:02:00] "The Socialists support anti-white colonialism... They wanna align with Iran and China."

• [00:02:22] "I call this AOC’s Project 2029. She's running for president, and this is what she believes."

• [00:02:54] "You used to be a stand-up guy. Now you're nothing but a wuss."

• [00:03:11] "The Socialists don’t even belong in the Democratic Party... It’s not the same party."

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In this episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles explores the widening divide within the Democratic Party, focusing on the growing influence of Democratic Socialists and what that means for the future of American politics. As frustration with Donald Trump and right-wing policies continues, some Democrats are looking to the far left for solutions, but Dean argues this reaction risks fracturing the party altogether.

Dean breaks down the key differences between the Democratic Party’s official platform and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) agenda, highlighting why the two visions for the country are fundamentally at odds. He discusses the political risks of embracing extreme positions, the role of social media in shaping public opinion, and why he believes moderates must take a stand before the party loses its identity.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in understanding the internal dynamics reshaping U.S. politics, the policy distinctions that matter, and the potential consequences of failing to define clear boundaries within the Democratic Party.

In This Episode:

• [00:05] Dean on why socialism isn’t the answer to Trump

• [01:14] Comparing the Democratic and DSA platforms

• [02:18] Where’s the Democratic leadership pushback?

• [03:17] Dean’s warning: A Socialist Party will lose moderates to the GOP

• [04:08] Immigration: The 80/20 issues no one talks about

• [05:00] Patriotism, pledges, and why DSA rejects America

• [05:53] Is social media converting Democrats into socialists?

• [06:52] Jamaal Bowman, AOC, and the media's role in fueling the far left

• [07:45] Final call: It’s not too late to reclaim the Democratic Party

Notable Quotes

• [02:18] “Where’s our leadership saying, no, we’re not socialists? Where are you, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer?” — Dean Charles

• [02:45] “The socialists are not Democrats. Read their platform. Listen to them. AOC is not a Democrat. She's a Democratic socialist.” — Dean Charles

• [03:20] “if you call it the Socialist Party and you become socialist, guys like me, we're just going to go to the Republicans and take the fight there..” — Dean Charles

• [05:55] “Social media’s converting the Democratic Party into the Socialist Party. I don’t understand how.” — Dean Charles

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In this episode, host Dean Charles tackles the shocking results of the recent Democratic primary in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified Democratic Socialist, has won the party’s nomination for mayor. Dean calls this a wake-up call for moderates, arguing that capitalism and socialism cannot coexist in the same party, especially not in the financial capital of America.

He warns listeners about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform, urging everyone to read it and understand what policies like “defund the police,” “abolish prisons,” and massive tax hikes on millionaires could mean for New York City’s economy, jobs, and basic equality.

Dean connects these local developments to a larger vision he calls “AOC’s Project 2029,” predicting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence could push the Democratic Party even further left. He argues that the real danger is not just free healthcare or rent control, it’s a shift away from true equality toward a desire to “become the oppressor.”

If you want to understand what’s really at stake for moderates in America’s biggest city, and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

In This Episode:

• [00:10] Dean reacts to NYC’s Democratic primary results

• [01:01] Why the DSA platform is a “recipe for anarchy”

• [02:02] The economic fallout: millionaires, banks, and sports teams

• [02:53] Core DSA policies: defund police, abolish prisons, open borders

• [03:23] Why Democratic Socialists reject equality

• [03:59] How the GOP missed its chance and who could beat Zohran

• [05:28] Dean’s warning: AOC’s “Project 2029”

Notable Quotes

• [00:29] “I have maintained for a long time on my radio show and here on my podcast that the Democrats and the socialists do not belong in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:52] “I have no problem with the socialists having their own party, and I have no problem with the fact that Zohran is Muslim. I have a problem that he's a socialist. I have a problem with socialism.” — Dean Charles

• [03:23] “Most Democrats want equality. The Democratic Party, since JFK was president, was founded on equality. They backed equality, equality for all. The Democratic Socialists don’t want equality.” — Dean Charles

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In this timely and passionate episode, host Dean Charles responds to the turbulent political climate following the U.S. bombing of Iran, growing unrest at home, and the visible fracture within the Democratic Party. With a sense of urgency, Dean announces the launch of a powerful new series dedicated to defining what moderate, center-left Democrats truly stand for.

Dean delivers a fiery critique of the party’s current direction, warning that the increasing dominance of socialist ideology and DEI extremism is alienating the majority of Democrats who still identify as moderates. He challenges listeners to reflect on foundational Democratic values invoking Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, and the importance of true equality as he lays the groundwork for a new political vision.

If you've ever wondered where the center-left voice went, this episode marks its return.

In This Episode:

• [00:07] Dean’s reaction to the bombing of Iran and political uncertainty

• [01:08] Introducing the new “Core Principles” series for moderate Democrats

• [02:13] Concerns about socialists in the Democratic Party

• [03:00] Series structure and purpose

• [03:50] What happens if moderates are forced out of the party

• [05:15] First Episode: Focus on equality

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [01:20] “Our principles don’t jive with the socialists, and I don’t believe the socialists and capitalists can coexist in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [03:40] “If the socialists take over the Democratic Party, we're just going over to the Republicans. I'll take my fight to the Republicans. That's just the bottom line.” — Dean Charles

• [04:33] "People see billionaires and people with hundreds of billions. They feel left out because that's all they see on social media, and they don't feel equal” — Dean Charles

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In this episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles returns with a direct challenge for the current leader of the Democratic Party: Hakeem Jeffries. Dean demands clarity: Capitalism or Socialism? Arguing that the ideological tug-of-war is fracturing the Democratic base and costing them elections.

Dean doesn’t mince words. He calls on Congressman Jeffries to confront the growing influence of socialist voices in the party, read the DSA political platform, and consider insights from thought leaders like Scott Galloway, featured recently on The Chris Cuomo Project. With only 35 to 40 competitive seats in the House of Representatives, Dean insists now is the time to draw a hard line and define the party’s path forward.

If Democrats want to reclaim the House and gain broader support, Dean believes they must stop straddling the fence, and he puts the pressure squarely on Jeffries to lead the way.

Notable Quotes

• [00:00:31] “You need to pick a side and decide what you are, because I personally don't believe the two can coexist inside the Democratic Party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:01:17] “I am totally in favor of the socialists having their own party. I just don't think they should take over the Democratic Party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:03:25] “You can't continue to be on the wrong side of the 80/20 issues.” — Dean Charles

  
  

Mentioned

• Democratic Socialists of America Political Platform

• The Chris Cuomo Project (Episode with Scott Galloway – June 10)

In this fiery episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles tackles a question few in the Democratic Party want to face: Why are men abandoning the party, and how can they be won back?

Dean makes the case that the party's current culture, shaped heavily by socialist ideologies and DEI orthodoxy, has alienated everyday men, including former allies like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk. From young boys in classrooms to adult voters at the ballot box, Dean argues that the Democratic Party’s failure to recognize and respect the contributions of men is a losing strategy.

This episode breaks down how socialist influences and the DSA's ideological stances, combined with dismissive attitudes like labeling men "mansplainers," have created a hostile environment for male voters. He draws on personal observations, cultural trends, and commentary from David Hogg to make a clear call to action: Stop vilifying men, or keep losing elections.

In This Episode:

• [0:30] Why the Democratic Party lost men

• [01:12] Most men support equality

• [02:16] Men’s desire for respect

• [02:50] Critique of socialists in the Democratic Party

• [04:06] Young men’s experience in education

• [05:01] ACT prep and biased grading

• [06:03] Impact on young voters

• [06:40] David Hogg’s perspective and walking on eggshells

• [06:57] Call for attitude change and conclusion

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [00:49] "Getting them back isn't going to be finding Joe Rogan on the left. I hate to tell you, but Joe Rogan was on the left and you lost him." — Dean Charles

• [02:27] "If you're going to get men back, they have to be equal as well, because men are willing to treat women as equals." — Dean Charles

• [03:37] "The socialists don't belong in the Democratic Party. You're never going to win if the Democrats and the socialists are in the same party." — Dean Charles

• [04:34] "DEI doesn't allow free speech. You go into these classes, these young men, that's what they've been subjected to their whole lives almost." — Dean Charles

• [06:50] "If you're going to make men feel like they have to walk around on eggshells, you're going to lose them." — Dean Charles

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