The Progressive Revolution: How the American Left Bypasses the Establishment – and Wins
The Democratic Party in the United States has been undergoing a dramatic change in recent years. If in the past candidates were required to win the backing of the party leadership and mainstream media outlets to break into the national arena, today more and more progressive candidates are building an independent power base through podcasts, YouTube channels, social networks, and live broadcasts identified with the left. These platforms allow them to bypass the establishment, raise funds, and create a direct connection with their audience.
The Democratic Party in the United States has been undergoing a dramatic change in recent years. If in the past candidates were required to win the backing of the party leadership and mainstream media outlets to break into the national arena, today more and more progressive candidates are building an independent power base through podcasts, YouTube channels, social networks, and live broadcasts identified with the left. These platforms allow them to bypass the establishment, raise funds, and create a direct connection with their audience.
The Reuters news agency points out that this change is reflected in a series of victories in Democratic primaries across the country. One of them is Chris Rabb, a democratic socialist from Pennsylvania, who defeated a more moderate candidate after receiving extensive exposure on programs such as The Majority Report with Sam Seder and Breaking Points. "It helps me increase exposure, legitimacy, and the ability to raise funds," he said. "It's like a Venn diagram of success."
However, the most significant test came in Michigan. Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic primary for the Senate against Congresswoman Haley Stevens, who was considered the preferred candidate of the party leadership and received backing from pro-Israel organizations and major donors. Despite huge budget gaps, El-Sayed managed to overcome her in a key state where President Donald Trump won in the 2024 elections.
El-Sayed's victory has broad significance far beyond Michigan. In recent years, progressive candidates have been achieving success mainly in states with a clear Democratic majority, but this time it is a swing state, and therefore many see the result as a test for the future of the Democratic Party and the struggle between the moderate camp and the progressive wing.
Among the issues promoted by progressive media, one can find support for universal health insurance, calls to abolish the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as demands to stop military aid to Israel. Mehdi Hasan, a former MSNBC host and founder of the media outlet Zeteo, argued that there is a "hunger for different perspectives," and added that the same energy that helped the success of alternative media outlets is also what is promoting new candidates.
The numbers illustrate the change. Zeteo has about 700,000 subscribers on the Substack platform, an increase of about 50% within a year. The Majority Report channel has more than two million subscribers on YouTube, and most of its listeners are under 55. Progressive commentator Hasan Piker has more than three million followers on Twitch, while other podcasts identified with the left reach millions of listeners and viewers.
Democratic strategists explain that the main advantage of these platforms is the ability to hold long interviews and in-depth discussions that are usually not possible on traditional television. At the same time, it is possible to distribute short clips on social networks and reach young audiences. "We help generate initial enthusiasm," said podcast host Sam Seder. "In our audience, there are many activists and people who run protest organizations."
However, alongside the success, there is also criticism. Researchers and strategists warn that this is sometimes "preaching to the choir," which could deepen the rift within the party and alienate moderate voters. Professor Hans Noel from Georgetown University said that these media outlets succeed in motivating voters who feel that the party platform is not bold enough, but warned that distinct ideological voices are not inclined to compromise — a trait that could make it difficult for progressive candidates in the general elections.
In Israel, they are following the developments closely, mainly because of El-Sayed's positions toward the country. The candidate, who often accuses Israel of "apartheid" and "genocide," called to stop American aid to Israel and opposed its definition as a Jewish state. His victory, alongside the strengthening of other candidates from the progressive wing, is perceived by many as another signal of the ideological change taking place in the Democratic Party — a change that may also affect the relations between the USA and Israel in the coming years.
