(Daily Signal)—Young people are embracing socialism because they are drawn to candidates who offer concrete solutions, according to James Braid, former White House director of legislative affairs.
“So, when you talk about like these people are revolting and embracing socialists, what they are revolting against is a system that they perceive,” he continued. “It is stacked against them, and they are seeking an alternative system.”
Braid spoke Wednesday at The Heritage Foundation’s The Forum, a conference just outside Washington, D.C., about the future of conservatism.
“The average American voter does not think in -isms,” Braid said at a panel on capitalism and socialism “The average American voter thinks in concretized solutions that can potentially make their life better. Whichever party is able to portray themselves as the United Party, that will ultimately be successful with that demographic.”
Almost half of young Americans now hold a favorable view of socialism, according to a recent Fox News poll. In the 2026 midterms, Democrats won Gen Z voters by nearly 50 points, according to exit polling.
Candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America won eight House seats, as well as mayoral races in the nation’s capital and its two largest cities. In January, there will be at least 54 DSA-endorsed state lawmakers in 19 states.
Braid argued Republican solutions to unaffordable housing are better than those presented by socialists.
“One, we’re going to get the illegal aliens out, and we’re going to reduce demand,” he said. “And two, we’re going to sit there and go, Wall Street can’t buy single-family homes. That’s a solution. That’s not a socialist solution, but that is a solution that is colorful and people can understand.”
Appearing with Braid, Heritage Foundation distinguished fellow Will Ruger said that young people are worried about buying a house, affording health care, and living a better life than their parents.
“President [Donald] Trump offered them a vision of that in 2024, and I think that a lot of those young people have been alienated, and therefore they were willing to switch over because of things like the high gas prices, because of the lack of affordability, and some of those things are really, honestly, outside of the hands of the federal government,” he said.
He said housing costs are not high because of the federal government, but because of state and local policies.
“But we need to also remember that in our federal system, we have to put pressure not just on the federal government but state and localities to give us more freedom that will allow for, I think, a more affordable lifestyle,” he said.
Grove City College professor Paul Kengor said socialists run in the Democratic Party in order to advance their democratic socialism.
“The Democratic Party is their chosen horse to get democratic socialism, but now it’s not even a Trojan horse,” he said. “It’s right out of the open, and they’re taking they’re taking Senate seats, congressional seats, and even the mayorships of quite literally America’s biggest cities.”
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
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For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
