Paul Begala cites aversion to “socialists” as Democrats’ left-wing wing seeks primary wins

Former Clinton White House strategist Paul Begala said he “can’t stand” socialists, criticizing what he described as the Democratic socialist movement’s momentum in recent primary contests, according to an interview reported by The Hill.

Begala, who served in the Clinton White House and has continued to appear as a Democratic strategist and commentator, made the comments while discussing the results of recent primaries and the political dynamics they created for candidates backed by different wings of the party, The Hill reported.

The Hill said Begala pointed to a narrow general-election-style “coalition” argument, describing how a candidate identified as “Abdul” won a close victory but then faced pressure from ideological factions within the broader Democratic coalition.

In Begala’s account, he said supporters on the left of the party frequently label themselves as moderates even as the “socialists” seek influence over the Democratic nomination process, The Hill reported. He added that he personally dislikes that ideological approach.

The remarks landed as the Democratic Party continues to face internal disputes over issues often associated with the socialist-left flank, including economic policy priorities and how party leaders manage factions during nomination contests, The Hill said.

Asked to characterize the ideological stakes in those races, Begala framed his own position as distinct from the left-wing movement he said is gaining traction in primaries, according to The Hill’s report.