Van Hollen: Voters 'Want Democrats Who Are Going To Stand For Something'

TV hosts only focus on the most extreme planks of the DSA platform, ignoring the policies most Americans agree with. Van Hollen made clear the debate is welcome.
By John Amato — August 23, 2026

Sen. Chris Van Hollen understands that many voters in the Democratic Party are looking for change from the current leadership and welcomes discussing the differences and the similarities with members of the DSA as a productive measure.

TV news hosts routinely frame a debate between the Democratic party and the DSA by its most extreme measures using right wing talking points as their baseline.

Some Democrats reflexively dismiss the DSA, feeding right into right wing attacks.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen struck the right note after Kristen Welker tried to put him on the spot.

"Florida Congressman Jared Moskowitz fended off a DSA-backed challenger in his district," Welker said. "He writes, quote, they're anti-American at their core."

WELKER: Do you think the Democratic Socialists have a place in the Democratic Party, Senator?

VAN HOLLEN: Yes, they do as part of the debate.

And in this upcoming election, candidates can be very clear about where they strongly disagree with the DSA, which is probably on most issues.

But they can also talk about their own plans.

So, I'm not afraid of debate.

I think that those in the Democratic Party who are afraid of a healthy debate are missing the point, because voters, including Democratic voters, they don't want to simply return to the pre-Trump status quo.

They want Democrats who are going to stand for something.

And I can strongly disagree with one set of Democrats, but I think that debate is healthy.

Exactly.

Democrats ignore the DSA at their own peril. I disagree with the extreme issues they are supporting at this time, but I agree with many, like these:

Living minimum wage
Paid family leave
Free public education from pre-K through college.
Universal healthcare at no cost to individuals
Public investment in hospitals and clinics
A right to counsel for tenants
Abortion and reproductive autonomy
A path to citizenship for permanent residents
Ending Citizens United
Ending sex discrimination
Treating drug addiction and mental illness as health issues rather than crimes

Van Hollen embraces change and offers debate instead of reflexively flipping out.

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