This weekend’s Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) convention in Chicago might not have the exultant spirit of the last few.

After heady years moving from obscurity to political relevance, socialism in the United States has hit roadblocks. Debates are growing about the efficacy of self-described national elected officials like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), DSA is reporting declining memberships and, for the first time in nearly a decade, the organization won’t have Bernie Sanders helping it out on presidential debate stages.

In an editorial last year, I called this “a Left in purgatory,” large enough to be a political presence in parts of the country — and a subculture for thousands of activists — but far too powerless to carry out its political program.