ArcaMax

SAN DIEGO -- Who's afraid of the big, bad word? If that word happens to be "socialist" or "socialism," the answer seems to be fewer and fewer Americans.

Demographic profiles count for a lot. If you're white, conservative and over the age of 50, you probably hear "democratic socialism" and think it means higher taxes, more government control and more free stuff for which you get the bill. And you've probably concluded that all socialism means is that you will have to continue to work hard to subsidize those who don't want to work at all.

Fair enough. Now you know how hardworking undocumented immigrants feel about subsidizing the lifestyles of the lazy and entitled. Many Americans have no work ethic. Every year, immigrants pay billions into Social Security that they never get back.

However, if you're young, urban, liberal and more educated, chances are that you aren't scared off by spooky words. You're too busy trying to avoid being crushed by inflation and the sky-high cost of living as you try to find a second or third job just to survive now that you've moved back in with your parents after college.

Yet how many Americans even understand what socialism is?

In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, just 23% of Americans said they understand the views and policies of democratic socialists extremely well or very well. This also applies to Democrats, with only 21% of them saying they understand the views and policies of democratic socialists extremely well or very well.

Maybe you heard in a college seminar decades ago about how Karl Marx -- in laying the framework for communism in 1875 -- suggested socialism revolved around a slightly different idea: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his work".

Simply put, socialism is an economic and political system where government or the community -- rather than individuals -- owns and controls the means of production.

You can think "Cuba" if you like. Of course, you can also think "Denmark."

One of the most famous "socialists" in the country is Sen. Bernie Sanders. And the independent from Vermont owns three houses. That's socialism with style.

According to the Reuters/Ipsos poll, many Americans are ready to roll the dice. Sixty percent of Democrats have a "great deal" or "fair amount" of confidence in how candidates who identify as democratic socialists would handle "cost of living issues."

This explains why candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) -- or even those who sound like they could be distant relatives -- are on a hot streak in state after state. It also explains why so many traditional Democratic candidates are sounding safe, boring, stale and predictable by comparison.

Look no further than this week's Democratic Senate primary race in Michigan. Abdul El-Sayed -- a homegrown Arab American physician and practicing Muslim who was educated at the University of Michigan and Oxford University -- squeaked out a victory over Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens. El-Sayed will face Republican Mike Rogers, a former Congressman, in the Nov. 3 general election.

Ah yes, the general election. For critics of El-Sayed, their central argument always came back to viability and their assumption that Stevens would fare better against Rogers than El-Sayed.

Huh? I've covered politicians at every level for 37 years, and I know the goods when I see it. Stevens offered bland, safe and uninspiring talking points. El-Sayed had perfect cadence, sincere inflections and a firm command of facts -- all of which he delivered with no notes. A gifted orator, he has the added benefit of understanding media and how to connect with the masses.

I was mesmerized. Not because I agreed with everything El-Sayed said but because he looked damn impressive saying it. The Democrat -- who is not a democratic socialist but does a good impersonation -- has that rare combination of EQ and IQ. He also has what former President George H.W. Bush called "big mo" -- momentum.

I hear the dog whistles. El-Sayed is Arab American and a Muslim. He has brown skin and a foreign-sounding name. But in what universe is a thoroughbred like that considered the "less qualified" candidate?

Mark my words. El-Sayed will clobber Rogers in November. And, when they're standing in the winner's circle, a lot of Democrats are going to realize they were worried for no reason -- all because they let their petty prejudices get the better of them.

Then, if they like labels so much, they can slap on El-Sayed the one he really seems to deserve: U.S. Senator.

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To find out more about Ruben Navarrette and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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