When “Leftist” Means the Wrong Thing: How Global Mislabeling Is Undermining U.S. Support
Quick summary: Much of the frustration over U.S. “leftist” support for the Iranian revolution is rooted in a basic mistake: American Democrats are not leftists by global standards. Misusing these labels distorts expectations, weakens solidarity, and obscures why support appears uneven. ————— As global conversations increasingly cross borders through journalism and social media, political language plays a powerful role in shaping understanding—and misunderstanding. One area where this is particularly evident is in how the terms “leftist” and “Democrat” are used by commentators outside the United States when referring to American politics. The issue is not one of intent, but of alignment. The U.S. political spectrum is structured differently from that of many other countries, and political labels that translate easily elsewhere do not always map cleanly onto the American system. When these differences are overlooked, confusion can arise—sometimes with real consequences for international engagement and cooperation. In much of the world, “leftist” is primarily an economic designation. It often refers to political movements or parties that support expansive social welfare systems, strong labor protections, and a more active role for the state in ensuring economic equity. These positions are common and well-established within left-wing politics internationally. In the United States, however, the term carries a narrower and more specific meaning. Most members of the Democratic Party do not identify as leftists in this global sense. Economically, many U.S. Democrats would be considered centrist—or even center-right—by international standards. The American political left, as understood elsewhere, exists within the U.S. but represents a relatively small segment of the broader political landscape. This distinction is important because expectations often flow from terminology. When international observers assume ideological alignment between U.S. Democrats and left-wing parties abroad, they may reasonably expect similar policy positions, rhetoric, or strategic priorities. When those expectations are not met, the gap can be misinterpreted as reluctance, inconsistency, or lack of support.