DSA Podcaster Defends Supporting Candidates with 'Nazi' Allegations

Far-left podcaster and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Emma Vigeland sparked debate this month after stating she would support progressive or socialist candidates even if they had 'Nazi' skeletons in their closet, as long as they advanced policies she supports. Vigeland, a former Young Turks correspondent and co-host of The Majority Report With Sam Seder podcast, made the remarks on a Vox podcast in July. She argued that politicians should be judged primarily on their platforms, such as taxing billionaires and improving material conditions, rather than their personal conduct. 'I don't really care if say like Bernie Sanders or AOC go home and they're a secret Nazi, but they go out and they vote for the right things,' Vigeland said. Vox host Astead Herndon interrupted, asking, 'You don’t care?' Vigeland clarified that her statement was an 'extreme example' but maintained that policy alignment is more important than individual behavior. She also noted that many 'horrible people' in Washington are centrist or center-right. Herndon later pointed out that some voters do consider moral character a qualification for office. Vigeland countered by mentioning that critics of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who faced rape allegations, also supported figures like former President Bill Clinton and ex-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, both accused of sexual misconduct. Reaction on social media was fierce, with some users posting an image of Vigeland in a Schutzstaffel (SS) uniform, comparing her stance to historical complicity.