Cancel Thanksgiving? Wisconsin Democrat Sparks Big Debate

Francesca Hong is running to become the Democratic candidate for governor of Wisconsin. The 37-year-old state lawmaker made headlines after a CNN interview on August 3, where she left open the idea of canceling Thanksgiving. With her party's primary on August 11, Hong is now trying to clear up what she really believes. She wants to win over voters before they head to the polls.

Hong is a professional chef and a democratic socialist. That means she believes the economy should be run for the good of all people, not just the wealthy. She holds a strong lead in the race, but her Thanksgiving comments caused a storm of criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike. Old social media posts also added to the trouble for her campaign.

In an August 7 interview, Hong tried to put the Thanksgiving issue to rest. She talked about loving cranberry stuffing and said clearly: 'I'm not going to cancel Thanksgiving.' She had already deleted an old post that said, 'Cancel Thanksgiving. Should have done this in 1621.' Other old posts about Valentine's Day and feeling uncomfortable around white people also spread online and caused more problems.

Hong is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, known as the DSA. The national DSA platform includes big ideas like abolishing prisons and getting rid of the U.S. Senate. Hong said she does not agree with all of those ideas. She told reporters that getting rid of prisons and police 'is not going to help us' deliver better lives for people who are struggling.

Her fellow Democrat David Crowley also criticized her. He said Hong is 'not ready for prime time' and that her answers to simple questions should make voters think twice. Crowley, Milwaukee County's first Black executive, jumped back into the race partly because of Hong's missteps. He has the support of Wisconsin's current governor, Tony Evers.

Republicans are also hoping Hong wins the Democratic nomination because they think she will be easier to beat in November. Rep. Derrick Van Orden said the race would look like a fight between capitalism and communism, which he called 'terrifying.' Republican Tom Tiffany is expected to face Hong in the general election. He has little competition on the Republican side.

Experts say Hong has made 'rookie errors' — mistakes a new politician might make on a big stage. Professor Peter Dreier said there is a difference between leading a movement and running a campaign. He explained that exciting movement ideas don't always win over everyday voters. 'In a campaign you have to be a retail politician who can sell your product,' he said.

Even some of Hong's own supporters say they wish she would be more careful with her words. Voter Chad Norquist said he wishes she would 'tone it down a little bit,' but he still supports her overall message. Other voters worry her bold positions could cost Democrats the governor's race in November. Tom Kapper, 61, said mainstream candidates may have a better chance of winning in today's political climate.

Despite the criticism, Hong still leads in the polls by about 20 percentage points. Younger voters between 18 and 29 are her biggest fans, while older voters are less enthusiastic. About 34% of Democratic voters were still undecided in a recent poll, giving her opponent David Crowley some hope. The race is not over yet.

Hong says her campaign is about offering something new to frustrated voters. She argues people want a 'new type of politics' and that her poll numbers show how unhappy many Americans are with the economy. Whether her message is strong enough to win the primary — and then a tough general election — will be answered on August 11. Wisconsin voters will make their choice that day.