LEE CARTER: Why I believe collapsing trust, not ideology, is reshaping American politics

After every recent election in which a Democratic Socialist or self-described progressive outsider scores an upset victory, the same debate erupts: Is America really moving that far to the left?Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s rise in New York reignited the question.Before his campaign collapsed, Graham Platner’s meteoric rise in Maine sparked similar headlines.

And now, as Democrats look to replace him, many are rallying around Troy Jackson, a self-described "pickup truck progressive."The conventional wisdom is that these victories signal a country embracing increasingly liberal ideas.DSA ROLLS OUT NEW PLATFORM AHEAD OF MIDTERMSI don’t think that’s what’s happening.Sen.Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., stands with Troy Jackson (L), who is running for governor of Maine, and now former Democratic U.S.

Senate candidate Graham Platner during a "Fighting Oligarchy" tour stop at the Collins Center for the Arts on the University of Maine campus on May 24, 2026, in Orono, Maine.(Joe Raedle / Getty Images)The rise of democratic socialism isn’t the story.It’s the symptom.SOCIALISM’S RISE INSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOW THREATENS THE AMERICAN DREAMThe real story is that millions of Americans have lost confidence in the institutions they once trusted to solve problems, create opportunity and make government work.

And when confidence in institutions collapses, voters don’t necessarily move left or right.They become far more willing to embrace candidates who promise to disrupt the status quo.Gallup’s latest polling should be a flashing warning light.

Confidence in America’s institutions remains near historic lows.Congress commands the confidence of just 9% of Americans.

Confidence in the criminal justice system, organized religion, higher education, big business and many other institutions Americans once relied upon has eroded dramatically over the past generation.Look beyond the individual numbers and a striking pattern emerges.BERNIE-BACKED SOCIALIST WHO ALLIED WITH PLAT...