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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Between the Left and a Hard Place

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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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Between the Left and a Hard Place

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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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Between the Left and a Hard Place

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