Roy Cooper Advocates for Inclusive Democratic Party Amid Socialist Influence

<p>Roy Cooper, the former North Carolina governor and a Democratic candidate for the Senate, stated that his party should adopt a big-tent approach to include a range of candidates, including those backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). In response to whether he would sign the Promise to America, a document opposing socialist positions put forth by moderate Democrats, Cooper said he would not.</p><p>"I don’t see any need to," Cooper said in video footage obtained by Fox News Digital. He emphasized the importance of a diverse party, especially as the Republican Party faces internal challenges. "I think we need to have all kinds of folks to be a part of our party," he added.</p><p>Cooper's comments come as he campaigns to fill the seat of retiring Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., in a state that has historically leaned Republican. His stance raises questions about the compatibility of moderate Democrats' platforms with those of the DSA, which advocates for policies such as abolishing the U.S. Senate and establishing public ownership of corporations.</p><p>According to the DSA's website, their vision includes eliminating personal debt, providing universal health care, and ensuring that basic needs like housing and education are treated as public goods. Cooper, while not affiliated with the DSA, has presented himself as a candidate capable of bipartisan cooperation, highlighting his experience working with a Republican-controlled legislature during his governorship from 2017 to 2025.</p><p>In addressing concerns about his association with the DSA, Cooper stated, "For the record, no," when asked if he identified as a communist. He asserted his commitment to prioritizing the needs of North Carolinians over party politics. "I feel confident that, at the end of the day, they’ll send me to Washington," he said.</p><p>Cooper's campaign declined to comment on whether his platform conflicts with DSA views, stating that his commitments are directed toward his constituents. "The only pledge Roy makes is to the people of North Carolina. Roy is not a socialist, and he will work with anyone, including Republicans, as he has done his entire career to lower costs for hardworking families and fight for North Carolina," his campaign told Fox News Digital.</p><p>Some Republicans, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, expressed skepticism about Cooper's approach, suggesting that moderates are hesitant to confront the progressive wing of the party as leftist candidates gain traction in the upcoming midterm primaries. Cruz remarked on the challenges of finding common ground on ideological issues, particularly as the election approaches.</p><p>Cooper believes that the Democratic Party must unite to strengthen its position against the current administration. "Particularly now when we’re in such difficult straits, and we’re in a foxhole right now. We’ve all got to be together to take our government back," he stated. He warned that failure to unite could lead to a decline in democratic governance.</p><p>Having secured the Democratic nomination, Cooper is set to face Republican nominee Michael Whatley, the former chair of the Republican National Committee, in the general election on November 3.</p>