The chair of the Democratic National Committee was repeatedly pressed Thursday evening by MSNBC host Chris Matthews over the difference between a Democrat and socialist.
Matthews first began questioning Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-Fla.) on whether presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, a proud socialist, would be given a slot on primetime to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
Wasserman-Schultz dodged the question before finally conceding Sanders should receive a slot fitting to the amount of enthusiasm he has drawn from the base of the party.
That’s when Matthews hit her with a question she didn’t appear ready to answer.
“What’s the difference between a Democrat and a socialist?” he asked. “I used to think there was a big difference. What do you think it is?”
Wasserman-Schultz attempted to dodge the question, saying what was important was how different the Republican and Democratic candidates are.
Matthews, however, pressed on.
“You’re the chairman of the Democratic Party. Tell me what’s the difference between you and a socialist,” he said.
Wasserman-Schultz again, insisted that the real debate should be focused on how different the two parties are in terms of ideas and policy.
