Think More: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Democratic socialists profess communism, a socialist unseats a Denver incumbent, Fauci's fragile pardon, new deportation tools, and more.
Lead · The Left Turns Red
The Socialist Leaders Who Name the Goal: Communism
Steven Richards | Just the News
As Democratic socialists celebrate primary wins from New York to Denver, Steven Richards documents what their leaders openly profess. Ten of the 25 members of the Democratic Socialists of America’s governing council belong to caucuses, including the Marxist-Leninist Red Star, that call for abolishing capitalism and achieving communism. One national committee member put it plainly: “Our goal is liberation. Our goal is communism.”
The Left Turns Red
A Socialist Topples a 15-Term Democrat in Denver
Ramsey Touchberry | Washington Examiner
The wave reached Colorado. Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old democratic socialist backed by Bernie Sanders, unseated Representative Diana DeGette, a 15-term incumbent, in the Denver-centered primary, 49% to 44%. In a deep-blue district, the win all but sends her to Congress. Kiros, the Washington Examiner notes, has questioned Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.
Newsom Wants a Billionaire Tax, but Not in California
A day after California certified a 5% billionaire wealth tax for its November ballot, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for a national tax and an “economic reset,” while opposing the measure at home. In USA Today, Nicole Russell calls the two-step duplicitous: if he believes it works, she writes, he should prove it in California first.
First Principles at 250
Roberts Began in 1608. Eastman Says Begin in 1776.
John C. Eastman | The American Mind
The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship this week in Trump v. Barbara, Chief Justice Roberts tracing the doctrine to English common law. In The American Mind, John Eastman argues the Court answered the wrong question: the Revolution replaced English subjectship with citizenship by consent, so the 14th Amendment belongs to 1776, not 1608. Thomas dissented.
America at 250: Still an English Country
Christopher Caldwell | The Spectator
A counterpoint from The Spectator: Christopher Caldwell argues that what has carried America through 250 years is one inheritance above all. Constitutionally, he writes, the country remains an English place, “Lockean in peace, Hobbesian in war,” its liberty, its aversion to censorship, and its faith in free trade all brought over from a single island.
How One Member Can Freeze the Whole House
Self-government has its levers. In Lyceum, James Wallner explains how Rep. Anna Paulina Luna’s vow to block any special rule until the Senate passes the SAVE America Act can freeze the House. With a one-seat margin and Democrats reliably opposing rules, one defection stops the floor, and the alternatives are unworkable.
Biosecurity and the CCP
Congress Presses Eli Lilly Over Trials at Chinese Military Hospitals
House Select Committee on China | chinaselectcommittee.house.gov
The Select Committee on China, chaired by John Moolenaar, has opened an investigation into Eli Lilly, citing public records that show the drugmaker sponsored at least 16 trials at Chinese military hospitals and 11 in Xinjiang, where the CCP is conducting a genocide. The committee warns the trial data could feed Beijing’s military biotechnology programs.
Why Fauci’s Pardon May Not Hold
In Townhall, Matt Vespa relays that Biden’s pardon of Anthony Fauci may be less airtight than it looks. Senator Rand Paul, who alleges Fauci misled Congress about NIH-funded gain-of-function work and destroyed records, has set a July 29 hearing; because Fauci is pardoned, he may have no Fifth Amendment shield. Fauci has denied the allegations.
Order and Its Enemies
The Court Hands Trump New Tools to Speed Deportations
Even after losing his bid to end birthright citizenship, Trump left the Supreme Court’s term with the tools to accelerate removals, the Wall Street Journal reports. The TPS ruling and a revived expedited-removal policy leave hundreds of thousands exposed, especially Haitians; officials say they will lean on data and targeting to avoid a backlash.
Mamdani’s Budget Holds Police Flat and Bets on One-Shots
A New York Post opinion piece faults Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first budget for holding NYPD headcount flat and scrapping his predecessor’s plan to hire 5,000 officers, while leaning on state aid and delayed pensions that watchdogs warn set up a shortfall in the out-years. The column reads it as a farewell to public safety.
Activist Names Rutgers, Princeton Figures in Alleged Antifa Chat
Alena Dasha Peethala | The College Fix
Activist James O’Keefe published names of Rutgers and Princeton academics he says joined a private Signal chat tied to a New Jersey group he calls Antifa-styled. The College Fix notes the claims are unverified; those named declined to comment, and the universities did not respond. Trump designated Antifa a domestic-terror group last fall.
