American Socialist: The Life and Times of Eugene Victor Debs

FEATURING YALE STROM – The popularity of politicians like Senator Bernie Sanders, and so-to-be Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has underscored the openness of Americans to the S-word. Socialism is no longer a dirty word in the US and more Americans, especially young people who are burdened with debt and struggling in this economy, are eager for a nation that tends more socialist.

Now, a new documentary profiles the Presidential candidate who, more than a century ago, inspired masses of Americans to consider socialism as a preferable alternative. Eugene V. Debs was a democratic socialist and trade unionist, and helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World as well as the American Socialist Party. He ran for President five times starting in 1900 and was arrested for his anti-war views. Many, including Senator Sanders credit Debs for inspiring them today.

For information about the movie visit www.firstrunfeatures.com, www.yalestrom.com, and for Educational Institutions visit www.kanopy.com.

Yale Strom, violinist, composer, filmmaker, writer, photographer and playwright. His new documentary is called ‘American Socialist: The Life and Times of Eugene Victor Debs’.

**This segment was originally broadcast on July 9, 2018.