In this episode, host Dean Charles tackles the shocking results of the recent Democratic primary in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified Democratic Socialist, has won the party’s nomination for mayor. Dean calls this a wake-up call for moderates, arguing that capitalism and socialism cannot coexist in the same party, especially not in the financial capital of America.

He warns listeners about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform, urging everyone to read it and understand what policies like “defund the police,” “abolish prisons,” and massive tax hikes on millionaires could mean for New York City’s economy, jobs, and basic equality.

Dean connects these local developments to a larger vision he calls “AOC’s Project 2029,” predicting that Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing influence could push the Democratic Party even further left. He argues that the real danger is not just free healthcare or rent control, it’s a shift away from true equality toward a desire to “become the oppressor.”

If you want to understand what’s really at stake for moderates in America’s biggest city, and beyond, this episode is essential listening.

In This Episode:

• [00:10] Dean reacts to NYC’s Democratic primary results

• [01:01] Why the DSA platform is a “recipe for anarchy”

• [02:02] The economic fallout: millionaires, banks, and sports teams

• [02:53] Core DSA policies: defund police, abolish prisons, open borders

• [03:23] Why Democratic Socialists reject equality

• [03:59] How the GOP missed its chance and who could beat Zohran

• [05:28] Dean’s warning: AOC’s “Project 2029”

Notable Quotes

• [00:29] “I have maintained for a long time on my radio show and here on my podcast that the Democrats and the socialists do not belong in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:52] “I have no problem with the socialists having their own party, and I have no problem with the fact that Zohran is Muslim. I have a problem that he's a socialist. I have a problem with socialism.” — Dean Charles

• [03:23] “Most Democrats want equality. The Democratic Party, since JFK was president, was founded on equality. They backed equality, equality for all. The Democratic Socialists don’t want equality.” — Dean Charles

Resources and Links

Between the Left and a Hard Place

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In this timely and passionate episode, host Dean Charles responds to the turbulent political climate following the U.S. bombing of Iran, growing unrest at home, and the visible fracture within the Democratic Party. With a sense of urgency, Dean announces the launch of a powerful new series dedicated to defining what moderate, center-left Democrats truly stand for.

Dean delivers a fiery critique of the party’s current direction, warning that the increasing dominance of socialist ideology and DEI extremism is alienating the majority of Democrats who still identify as moderates. He challenges listeners to reflect on foundational Democratic values invoking Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, and the importance of true equality as he lays the groundwork for a new political vision.

If you've ever wondered where the center-left voice went, this episode marks its return.

In This Episode:

• [00:07] Dean’s reaction to the bombing of Iran and political uncertainty

• [01:08] Introducing the new “Core Principles” series for moderate Democrats

• [02:13] Concerns about socialists in the Democratic Party

• [03:00] Series structure and purpose

• [03:50] What happens if moderates are forced out of the party

• [05:15] First Episode: Focus on equality

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [01:20] “Our principles don’t jive with the socialists, and I don’t believe the socialists and capitalists can coexist in the same party.” — Dean Charles

• [03:40] “If the socialists take over the Democratic Party, we're just going over to the Republicans. I'll take my fight to the Republicans. That's just the bottom line.” — Dean Charles

• [04:33] "People see billionaires and people with hundreds of billions. They feel left out because that's all they see on social media, and they don't feel equal” — Dean Charles

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Between the Left and a Hard Place

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In this episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles returns with a direct challenge for the current leader of the Democratic Party: Hakeem Jeffries. Dean demands clarity: Capitalism or Socialism? Arguing that the ideological tug-of-war is fracturing the Democratic base and costing them elections.

Dean doesn’t mince words. He calls on Congressman Jeffries to confront the growing influence of socialist voices in the party, read the DSA political platform, and consider insights from thought leaders like Scott Galloway, featured recently on The Chris Cuomo Project. With only 35 to 40 competitive seats in the House of Representatives, Dean insists now is the time to draw a hard line and define the party’s path forward.

If Democrats want to reclaim the House and gain broader support, Dean believes they must stop straddling the fence, and he puts the pressure squarely on Jeffries to lead the way.

Notable Quotes

• [00:00:31] “You need to pick a side and decide what you are, because I personally don't believe the two can coexist inside the Democratic Party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:01:17] “I am totally in favor of the socialists having their own party. I just don't think they should take over the Democratic Party.” — Dean Charles

• [00:03:25] “You can't continue to be on the wrong side of the 80/20 issues.” — Dean Charles

  
  

Mentioned

• Democratic Socialists of America Political Platform

• The Chris Cuomo Project (Episode with Scott Galloway – June 10)

In this fiery episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles tackles a question few in the Democratic Party want to face: Why are men abandoning the party, and how can they be won back?

Dean makes the case that the party's current culture, shaped heavily by socialist ideologies and DEI orthodoxy, has alienated everyday men, including former allies like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk. From young boys in classrooms to adult voters at the ballot box, Dean argues that the Democratic Party’s failure to recognize and respect the contributions of men is a losing strategy.

This episode breaks down how socialist influences and the DSA's ideological stances, combined with dismissive attitudes like labeling men "mansplainers," have created a hostile environment for male voters. He draws on personal observations, cultural trends, and commentary from David Hogg to make a clear call to action: Stop vilifying men, or keep losing elections.

In This Episode:

• [0:30] Why the Democratic Party lost men

• [01:12] Most men support equality

• [02:16] Men’s desire for respect

• [02:50] Critique of socialists in the Democratic Party

• [04:06] Young men’s experience in education

• [05:01] ACT prep and biased grading

• [06:03] Impact on young voters

• [06:40] David Hogg’s perspective and walking on eggshells

• [06:57] Call for attitude change and conclusion

  
  

Notable Quotes

• [00:49] "Getting them back isn't going to be finding Joe Rogan on the left. I hate to tell you, but Joe Rogan was on the left and you lost him." — Dean Charles

• [02:27] "If you're going to get men back, they have to be equal as well, because men are willing to treat women as equals." — Dean Charles

• [03:37] "The socialists don't belong in the Democratic Party. You're never going to win if the Democrats and the socialists are in the same party." — Dean Charles

• [04:34] "DEI doesn't allow free speech. You go into these classes, these young men, that's what they've been subjected to their whole lives almost." — Dean Charles

• [06:50] "If you're going to make men feel like they have to walk around on eggshells, you're going to lose them." — Dean Charles

Resources and Links

Between the Left and a Hard Place

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In this inaugural episode of Between the Left and a Hard Place, host Dean Charles confronts the one topic he says no Democrat wants to touch: Capitalism vs. Socialism.

Dean, a lifelong center-left Democrat and former Vegas talk radio host, shares a hard truth he learned from four years of open phone lines: nearly every Republican caller saw every Democrat as a socialist. That perception, he argues, is why Democrats got crushed in the last election, and no one in the party wants to admit it.

He breaks down the Democratic Socialists of America platform, warning that policies like defunding the police, abolishing prisons, open borders, and aligning with countries like China and Iran are not just extreme—they’re political suicide. Dean pulls in commentary from Stephen A. Smith, dives into the rise of AOC, and sounds the alarm on Democrats losing touch with “80/20 issues” that most Americans agree on.

With swing districts and Senate seats on the line, Dean argues it’s time for moderates to take the lead—or risk losing it all. The stakes? The future of the party—and the country.

In This Episode:

• [00:00] Introduction and podcast background

• [01:07] Republican perceptions of Democrats

• [02:05] Democratic election losses and misdiagnosis

• [02:55] Stephen A. Smith’s commentary on Trump and Democrats

• [03:21] AOC, the DSA, and the party’s direction

• [04:01] DSA platform overview

• [05:51] Open borders and Medicare for All critique

• [06:51] DSA’s stance on international alliances and U.S. aid

• [08:45] Oppression, equality, and the problem with extremes

• [09:49] Opportunity, safety, and the case for capitalism

• [10:09] Senator Catherine Cortez: Moderate Democrats and party unity

• [11:39] Congress electoral math: Purple districts and candidate viability

• [14:03] The 80/20 issues and Trump’s electoral strategy

• [14:16] A 99/1 issue: transgender athletes in sports

• [15:54] Abortion, due process, and Democrat-favored 80/20 issues

• [17:46] Preview of future episodes and final thoughts

Notable Quotes

• [03:22] "Democrats, do you understand that what you were offering was so pathetic that Donald Trump was more normal?" — Dean Charles

• [04:43] "Nobody I know wants to defund the police. Not even any Democrats I know want to defund the police." — Dean Charles

• [09:05] "There's two things that, to me, are extremely American and are the hallmark of capitalism over socialism. One is opportunity... The other is safety." — Dean Charles

• [12:08] "If a socialist were winning the nomination in a purple district, they'd have no shot. No shot." — Dean Charles

• [14:03] “The reason why we lost is that Donald Trump harnessed the 80/20 issues — and he did it to perfection.”— Dean Charles

• [14:36] "I don't know anyone in my world that thinks that biological men should be able to participate in women's sports." — Dean Charles

• [15:22] "You don't just get what you want in this country. You have to earn it." — Dean Charles

• [18:13] "I want the Democrats to win. I want things brought back to more normal, civilized thought." — Dean Charles

Mentioned

• Democratic Socialists of America Political Platform

• Stephen A. Smith Podcast

Between the Left and a Hard Place is hosted by Dean Charles and made for the 80% of Democrats who identify as center-left—but feel invisible while the fringe drives the narrative.

Each episode takes a blunt, honest look at the Democratic Party: what’s working, what’s broken, and how to move forward without burning it all down.

If you believe in pragmatism, common sense, and real solutions—this is your show.

It’s time to take the duct tape off the center—and put it where it belongs: on the noise.