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A no-nonsense guide
by Dave Soulia, for FYIVT.com
Vermont’s political scene may be small by population, but it’s unusually crowded when it comes to ideological variety. While most states function under the sway of just Democrats and Republicans, Vermont is home to five active and distinct political identities: Vermont Democrats, Vermont Progressives, the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Vermont Republicans, and Vermont Libertarians.
Each group claims to represent the path toward a more just, prosperous, and free society—but their roadmaps are dramatically different. And understanding those differences isn’t just academic. For decades now, state-level power in Vermont has been largely held by Democrats and Progressives, with some overlap from Democratic Socialists. If you’re wondering why the policies in place are what they are—this is where to look.
Let’s walk through the major ideological dividing lines, using both their published platforms and practical policy priorities.
Vermont Democrats: Center-Left Reformers
The Vermont Democratic Party supports a regulated capitalist economy with strong social programs. They emphasize equity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship while promoting economic growth through state investments.
- Healthcare: Expand the Affordable Care Act, explore public options.
- Economy: Keep capitalism but regulate it heavily for fairness.
- Education: Strong public education with more funding and teacher support.
- Environment: Climate change action is a key priority.
- Civil Rights: Strong support for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equity, and reproductive freedom.
The Democrats are the dominant party in Vermont, holding the majority in the legislature almost continuously since the 1990s. Many of their current policies are no longer just ideas—they’re the status quo.
Vermont Progressives: The Activist Left
The Vermont Progressive Party is the largest third party in the state and often partners with Democrats on key legislation, while pushing them to the left. They share some overlap but take bolder stances on corporate power, taxation, and social justice.
- Healthcare: Lean toward single-payer, universal systems.
- Taxes: “Fair share” taxation for wealthy individuals and large corporations.
- Foreign Policy: Skeptical of U.S. military interventions.
- Criminal Justice: Support decriminalization and restorative justice models.
- Climate: Prioritize bold environmental protections, even at economic cost.
While technically separate from the Democrats, many Progressive legislators caucus with them, creating a de facto coalition that governs the state.
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): Beyond Capitalism
The national DSA platform (which the Green Mountain DSA is presumed to follow) does not merely call for reforms—it calls for replacing capitalism entirely with a socialist system guided by democratic processes.
- Economy: Seize or nationalize key industries, abolish capitalism.
- Healthcare: Medicare for All, free at point of use.
- Housing: Massive public housing programs, rent control, right to housing.
- Justice: Abolitionist tone toward police and prisons.
- Immigration: Open borders, end deportations.
- Foreign Policy: Dismantle American global influence; anti-imperialism is central.
In Vermont, some Progressive and Democratic figures—including high-profile names like Becca Balint—have openly associated with DSA members or platforms, even if they don’t formally join the organization.
Vermont Republicans: Traditional Conservatives
The Vermont Republican Party favors individual liberty, free markets, and local control over state or federal mandates. While more moderate than national Republicans, they share core conservative values.
- Economy: Pro-business, anti-tax, limited regulation.
- Healthcare: Market-based, with private competition.
- Guns: Firm Second Amendment protections.
- Education: Strong emphasis on parental rights and local boards.
- Spending: Fiscal restraint and balanced budgets.
Despite holding the governorship under Phil Scott, Republicans are a minority in the legislature and often have to negotiate around a Democratic-Progressive supermajority.
Vermont Libertarians: Pure Liberty, Minimal State
The Vermont Libertarian Party closely mirrors the national platform, advocating for radical individual freedom in both economic and personal realms. They want the smallest government possible, with nearly all services privatized or left to voluntary charity.
- Healthcare: Fully privatized, free-market care.
- Taxes: End the income tax, abolish the IRS.
- Guns: No restrictions at all.
- Education: 100% private, with total parental control.
- Drugs/Sex Work: Legalize everything; no victim, no crime.
- Foreign Policy: End all foreign aid and military alliances.
They rarely hold elected office, but they consistently offer an ideological counterweight to Vermont’s prevailing left-wing politics.
Final Thoughts
Vermont voters aren’t limited to red or blue. Instead, they have five distinct ideological choices ranging from market fundamentalism to full-blown socialism. Some of these parties shape the state’s laws directly, while others influence the debate from the outside.
Whether you’re a voter, a candidate, or just trying to figure out where your town budget priorities came from, knowing what these parties stand for is essential. Because in Vermont, politics isn’t just a two-lane road—it’s a five-way intersection.
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Categories: Commentary, politics
Thank you for listing these parties and policies with which I imagine you felt limited by time and space restrictions. However, I’d like to know where *each* of these parties stand on these policies:
Fiscal:
US economic policies which have lead to US bankruptcy:
*governmental bailouts of US banks and other industries.
*numerous military bases and ongoing military “conflicts” around the world,
*taxpayers’ $billions+ “given” to Ukraine in the proxy war against Russia,
*$billions+ “given” to Israel in the form of money and weapons, *CIA ongoing toppling elected leaders abroad to access “our resources under their land,”
Moral/Political:
*US support of Israel’s right to exterminate Palestinians
*how Palestinians should/could have responded to the decades of Israeli tyranny beyond what Palestinians have tried to do before Hamas finally attacked Israel,
And of course,
*the above trillions of dollars used instead to benefit the well-being of the US citizenry and the land, water and air on which we require to thrive and survive,
*fully bankrupt the US so that all governmental functions are destroyed and private corporate interests rule,
*governmental/banking policies which fully control public speech and behavior,
and many, many more.
Thank you for your comments on the above.
I see this diversification in the commenter’s postings. That’s why I say often, nothing is gonna happen politically. Tap the keys until the bone surfaces, ain’t gonna change. Need structure.
On being pigeonholed:
There is a sixth camp. Independent (i.e., none-of-the-above). And I suspect Independents account for more Vermont voters than Republicans and Libertarians combined.
I also take issue with the characterization of… ‘advocating for radical individual freedom in both economic and personal realms.’ Only those who advocate for ‘a collective’ would deem individual freedom as a ‘radical’ concept.
Being of independent mind if a wonderful attribute. Being an independent candidate is also a tough row to hoe, being independent, makes it easy for the others to pick you off. A friend wisely told me, “One thing the two parties can agree upon, is they don’t want a third.” More true words are rarely spoken, and question this, why wouldn’t the other party want a third party, if they were diametrically opposed and worked in opposition of the other? See…they really are not; it’s a game they play. We hate the other side, then they all orchestrate a ballet dance and low and behold, we keep getting the same thing regardless of who’s in office.
Huh.
Why is that?
Neil: The article addressed five political parties and their platforms. It didn’t address the prospect, difference or preference between or for a two party system or a multiple party system. Two different topics.
Vermont Democrats: Center-Left Reformers = Too stoopid to know they are COMMUNISTS.
Vermont Progressives: The Activist Left = COMMUNISTS
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA): Beyond Capitalism = COMMUNISTS without Guns.
Vermont Republicans: Traditional Conservatives = RINOs part of the Uni-Party who are not MAGA.
Mr, Soulia you forgot one, MAGA = Make America Great Again – Follow the Constitution.
“There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the ultimate end: communism proposes to enslave men by force, socialism by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.” – Ayn Rand
Mr Soulia: I am surprised you omitted the split in the Republican Party. I have felt for a long time this could be healed and the R p0arty would then have some clout in VT.
The split is generally identified by those who are Trump supporters and those who are not. This is no secret, both the Gov and LT Gov have more than once shown their colors here, even just this past week with the ICE, and there are others all across VT.
Another is Paul Dame, who should have been removed a long time ago.
So, they are really all pimps for the NWO.
If, and it’s a HUGE if the Republican party was what Mr. Soulia claimed, it’s what the proport to be we’d have something to vote for, but that is not what is on the ground. Vermont will not change with the current parties listed, because they are all the same, say different things but DO, THEY DO all the same things.
What Mr. Soulia’s article exposes is the reason WHY Vermont will NOT change anytime soon. Way too many Republicans think their party is something it’s not. It could be for it. It should be for it, but really, it’s not. Many of us wish it to be one way and I’m sure Mr. Soulia wishes, like many of us it would be as he states, but it’s not, it’s not, it’s not.
Until we come face to face with the reality of the VTGOP and their actions and inactions, nothing will change, which is really what they want. Vermont is the ideal government for the NWO, people think they are voting for different parties, different platforms, but they are not.
Marxists overwhelmingly support Scott, Why?
Scott overwhelmingly supported Marxist leadership, Biden, you will own nothing and be happy?
Vermonters are sick and tired of being broke, working hard and having the system, yes, the system take all their spoils, that is what Marxism is all about, some pigs are more equal than other, those in office are really more equal than others. Enjoy your homeless shelter and drugs, perhaps a sex change will change your outlook on life, and we’ll make darn sure when your house is robbed, lives threatened, and children raped you won’t have a gun to protect them. Please inform me of how Scott and the VTGOP go against this grain.
We need to wake up. VTGOP supporters, here’s your sign.
Harsh? If your team of players lost for 40 years straight, wouldn’t you at some point think of getting a new coach? A different plan? Nope…more of the same coming to you this fall the VTGOP reorganization meeting! Tell me I’m wrong…prove it.
Five??? Oh well, it’s all the same crap, just five different piles.
Let’s see if you allow this comment since all others have been censored or am I required to pay you to have a comment posted. Which is why so far I have not contributed!
“Most Republicans are actually democrats. But no democrats are ever Republicans.It’s the DO that matters” Dan Bongino
In case you missed it… Drj (whoever you are), please read below……
“Real, full names are now required. All comments without real full names will be unapproved or trashed.”
Correct, Jay. That’s why I delete the not-full-names comments as soon as I see them. Sometimes they sneak in and hang around for a while. I am hesitant to just spam/block, which may have unintended consequences. But at some point that may have to happen. I am encouraged by the back and forth respectful dialogue on tough issues that is happening more and more on VDC, now that people know their names are attached to the comments.
The irony of so much division in a State who’s motto is “freedom and unity.” The only thing missing is the shadowy dark money funding them all. Isn’t it interesting that per the US Treasury Dept, the largest holders of USA debt is as follows:
Japan $1.13 trillion
United Kingdom $807.7 billion
China $757.2 billion
Cayman Islands $448.3 billion
Belgium $411.0 billion
Luxembourg $410.9 billion
Canada $368.4 billion
France $360.6 billion
You think our vote really matters when we’re fully leveraged in the biggest ponzi scheme ever manufactured. The set up is nearly complete, the rug pull (aka stablecoins/cbdc) is in the works and the Technocrats run the show now. No party affilition will be necessary or helpful in short order.
All the more reason to cut the debt (tariffs are worth a try) and NOT repeat NOT rebate the tariff revenue to the taxpayer, as President Trump has suggested at least twice. BAD IDEA Mr. President.
To Guy: Of late many web sites are exploding for inserts wanting your personal info for their cookie desires so they can gather info on all who access. Some are more devious than others in allowing REJECTING tabs. VT DIGGER is one devious site you think you REJECTED, but didn’t and ALLOWED cookies. YANKEE MAG (909 “friends”) & OLD FARMERS ALMANAC are more. Some sites have over 1000 associates they forward your info to and some keep the info 2 years. I imagine they do so to make money selling your info and the receivers make money selling what they receive to their “others”. I’ve done the research.
I’ve noted this devious business practice has hit the internet withing the past 2 months, an explosion as stated. Really have to be careful. People’s names can be looked up on the NET to gather info. That’s why I believe it’s almost mandatory not to openly disclose personal info. I have email accounts that are encrypted.
If there was a mechanism or some system that people could use a coded “password” that is on file with VDC and is used in comments. VDC would know who they are and the commenter would feel more at ease. I have seen many other articles having commenters with bogus names exposed. In fact some sites won’t allow copying the commenter’s bogus names.
It’s a tough world out there. If somehow I did slip up and didn’t REJECT properly and sent ACCEPTED then if I searched a web site from RUSSIA, they might say “Good Morning TOM, how can we help you”?, we see your bank account is getting low, attend to it!! without giving my info. I have computer info in my computer when bought and had to register, so that info is accessible.
Think out of the box about it all it’s getting more serious each minute. The NET is a open sewer and if on computer, you’re in it without hip boots. Do the simple research about cookies as I have and get cookie protection and be as invisible as possible.