Donald Trump has called Kamala Harris a Marxist, Communist, Socialist and Fascist amongst other things. Is this just another politician hurling insults or is there any truth to these claims?
With election day in the US fast approaching, tensions are rising, and candidates Donald Trump (Republican) and Kamala Harris (Democrat) are ramping up their campaign rallies. In what may be their only debate on the 10th of September, 2024 Trump made a range of claims.
Trump is well known for his insults and mischaracterizations of others, and so far, his campaign has been no different. However do these political terms even fit together, or is it all just noise? Here’s why the mix of ideologies doesn’t add up—and what it says about political discourse today.
Why is Communism so hated in the US (and other Western countries?
In some areas, it’s common to see statements like “A good communist is a dead communist” or “Only you can prevent Socialism.” Many claim the country is becoming socialist due to certain left-wing policies. While I’m not advocating for communism, I question whether those making these claims truly understand communism, Marxism, socialism, or fascism. It seems likely they don’t, and neither does Trump. These misconceptions arise from associations of failed communism with adversaries like Cuba, China, North Korea, and Russia, which the right uses to label the left.
When Trump and other right-wing politicians use these terms, they often rely on a vague understanding of them. So what are Marxism, communism, socialism, and fascism?
Marxism is a socioeconomic ideology focused on class struggles, developed by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It critiques capitalism, arguing that societies—particularly Western ones—are divided into two main groups: the working class (proletariat) and the wealthy, owning class. Marxism is the philosophical foundation of communism but isn’t necessarily a blueprint for communist governments. Rather, it is an analytical tool used in sociology and economics.
Communism advocates for communal ownership of the means of production in a classless society, rejecting private property and profit-driven economies. Such economies often feature one-party governments. Examples include the Soviet Union, Maoist China, and Cuba, though North Korea is more of a dictatorship than a true communist state.
Socialism allows for public and private ownership, with government involvement in sectors like healthcare, transportation, and education to ensure social welfare. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark practice democratic socialism, combining capitalism with strong social safety nets.
Fascism is different from all others. Examples of fascists include figures like Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. Fascism is a far-right nationalist political movement that suppresses opposition. A fascist opposes the interests of communists, socialists, and liberals. Fascism places the state or nation above individual rights and is inherently opposed to communism and socialism, making it contradictory to call someone both a fascist and a communist.
Is Harris really a Socialist?
The US is a free-market, capitalist economy where most production is privatized, though regulated by the government. This system fosters competition, innovation, and growth. Like many countries, the US embraces capitalism.
Given these definitions, it’s confusing that Trump labels Harris with such terms, as she is a Democrat. Because of her more liberal views on immigration, healthcare, and social equity, some might say her policies lean toward socialism, though they aren’t truly socialist. This suggests that Trump doesn’t understand these terms and is playing to an audience that may also be uninformed. Ironically, nationalist and racist groups, including the Proud Boys, KKK, and Oath Keepers, who support Trump, align more with fascism.
Harris, on the other hand, supports economic growth through policies favoring the middle class, tax incentives for small businesses, and investments in entrepreneurship. While the political right often demonizes socialism, the U.S. incorporates certain socialist principles through programs like Social Security and unemployment insurance, though it remains a capitalist economy.
While Trump mischaracterizes opponents, as seen in past debates, calling Harris these terms is factually wrong and relies on his supporters’ misunderstandings. In today’s political landscape, voters must research and stay informed about the meanings behind political labels and policies.
