The Playbook Podcast Inside the democratic socialists’ plan to shake up Congress | The Conversation
Oct 18, 2026
Darializa Avila Chevalier, a New York organizer and Democratic socialist, and Melat Kiros, a Colorado community organizer, discuss their insurgent primary victories and plans for Congress. They explore grassroots campaigns, healthcare, housing, childcare, immigration, and building a progressive bloc. They also weigh support for Hakeem Jeffries, accountability for Trump, and U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza.
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Grassroots Energy Can Beat Big Money
- Melat Kiros’s campaign showed grassroots organizing can overcome major financial disadvantages in deep-blue primaries.
- Volunteers knocked thousands of doors and made thousands of calls, proving money is a vehicle for messages, not the entire strategy.
Progressive Policies May Outpoll Their Labels
- Democratic socialist candidates argue their policies can appeal beyond safe districts because Medicare for All, child care, and economic populism poll broadly.
- Their challenge is not necessarily voter support, but whether Democrats discuss those policies authentically.
Offer Voters A Concrete Democratic Vision
- Darializa Avila Chevalier urges Democrats to offer concrete solutions instead of relying on opposition to Republicans.
- She points to single-payer health care, child care, housing, and a strategy for delivery as a compelling alternative.