I think it was back in the 30's during the hight of the depression that the Communist/Socialists openly ran a candidate.He failed miserably largely due to the fact that an acceptable Socialist by the name of Roosevelt was already at the helm.
Neither did I. There are few practical limits on federal power now. Once we accept socialized health care the people will be willing to accept anything in the name of "the common good." Adios constitutional republic, hello totalitarianism.