J.T. Young: The Left, Radical Left, and Democrats: Three Peas, One Pod

What’s fueling the radical transformation of the Democratic Party—and who’s really in control? In this thought-provoking interview, J.T. Young of the American Spectator joins John Rush and Andy Peth to unpack how radical progressives like AOC and “The Squad” have shifted the party’s center of gravity. Is this surge in leftist influence driven by post-2016 trauma, internal power struggles, or sheer political necessity?

JT explains why the party's old guard is being sidelined, how weak leadership under Biden opened the door to radicals, and why Democrats can’t afford to alienate their most energized—yet extreme—members. He draws a fascinating contrast between the fiery energy of Trump’s base and the Democratic Party’s dependence on its radical fringe for momentum and activism. Could envy of the right’s enthusiasm be accelerating the left’s move to extremes?

The conversation also explores the historical roots of today’s militant progressive activism, tracing it back to Marxist ideology and decades of movement-building. Are we witnessing the culmination of a long-planned revolution from within? Could the growing extremism on the left actually boost conservative appeal by making Republicans look like the party of reason and common sense?

Don’t miss JT’s insights into the future of both parties—and what it means for 2028 and beyond.

J.T. Young is the author of the recent book, Unprecedented Assault: How Big Government Unleashed America’s Socialist Left, from RealClear Publishing, and has over three decades of experience working in Congress, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, and representing a Fortune 20 company.