Melat Kiros on DSA and Republican Criticism

Colorado Democratic congressional nominee Melat Kiros dismissed concerns about communists within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) faction of the Democratic Party. She argued that Republicans were using this issue to counter the socialist movement’s growing influence before the midterm elections.

During an interview on PBS’s “Firing Line,” host Margaret Hoover questioned Kiros about criticism that some DSA members, including a significant portion of its national leadership, identify as communists. Kiros responded by highlighting that the Democratic Party includes individuals who proudly identify as capitalists.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the voters, right?

Kiros downplayed Republican concerns by stating that until a self-proclaimed communist wins an election, such concerns are merely noise from the opposite party. She also denied being a communist when asked directly by Hoover, referencing former President Donald Trump’s portrayal of the movement.

Kiros attributed Republican attacks to concerns that the DSA’s economic message was resonating with voters. She asserted that the Republican Party, along with the oligarchy it supports, could see that their economic populism message was gaining traction. Kiros, 29, won over 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s heavily Democratic 1st Congressional District. She is among 28 candidates endorsed by far-left groups who have secured Democratic primary wins this cycle. They are poised to join 18 incumbent progressives to form a significant House bloc in January.

The DSA’s National Political Committee, consisting of 25 members, serves as the group’s primary political leadership. Their new “Workers Deserve More” program includes proposals like abolishing the Senate, replacing the president and Supreme Court with institutions selected by Congress, granting amnesty to all illegal immigrants, and defunding the Department of War.

Kiros emphasized that members do not necessarily endorse every part of the DSA platform. She pointed out that their platform is democratically voted on, suggesting that not every member agrees with every component. Hoover specifically mentioned parts of the DSA platform Kiros supports, such as “Medicare-for-all” and universal childcare, and other parts she rejects, like abolishing the Senate and withdrawing from NATO. Kiros also voiced support for a 32-hour workweek among several other issues.

Defending her socialist philosophy, Kiros argued that socialism delivers the values of the Declaration of Independence more effectively than capitalism. Additionally, she faced opposition regarding her positions on Israel. Denver Jewish leaders raised safety concerns over her rhetoric, pointing to her initial reluctance to classify the 2025 Boulder firebombing as antisemitic and accusations of genocide and apartheid against Israel.

As the DSA gains traction with emerging figures such as New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Avila Chevalier, a July Fox News poll revealed that 56% of registered voters viewed the DSA unfavorably, with 31% holding a favorable opinion. Among Democrats, 59% viewed the DSA favorably while 26% viewed it unfavorably.