You’re exactly right. This is outlined in “The S Word” by John Nichols. He was pressured by ardent socialists/communists and actually LISTENED to that pressure. Leading to setting up some of the most important safety nets in US history.

Imagine if socialists/communists ACTUALLY had a chance to take the reins and go further

Sure but just like when a liberal makes a mild concession to progressives nowadays the hogs bray “communist communist!” all about it and that’s what’s being polled here