Democratic strategist Doug Friednash and former GOP congressional candidate Rosemary Becchi join 'The Faulkner Focus' to discuss the rise of socialism in America and its impact on the Democratic Party.

Americans have been shocked to see the election of "socialists" to high public office in New York and elsewhere. How did this happen? A recent survey explains the context: 62% of America’s young adults have favorable views toward some form of pop Marxism.  

What is going on?

THE HIDDEN REASON NEW YORKERS VOTED FOR A SOCIALIST — AND IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK

After 30 years as an educator at the high school and college level, here are five things that I am hearing from students.  

First, they know nothing about the crimes of communism.  

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani speaks to supporters during an election night gathering. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

When it comes to the period from 1945 to 1990, many have almost no historical knowledge. It appears that many history classes jump from victory over the Nazis (1945) to current events, perhaps due to teachers’ exhaustion in the waning weeks of the academic year.

HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES BLITZ OF BILLS TO SHUT DOWN CCP INFILTRATION OF US SCHOOLS: 'COMMONSENSE'

The result? Few know about the crimes of communism that resulted in the murder of 100 million men, women and children. Moreover, they do not know about heroic dissidents who stood up to tyranny nor the costly efforts of their forbears in containing communism and saving democracy. 

Second, pop Marxism is attractive due to its seductive promise to take care of everyone.  

In the past, America’s youth grew up working, responsible for paying their own way through part-time and summer jobs. They understood how their own ideas, labor and efforts were financially rewarded, and then........

© Fox News