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Self-Described Democratic Socialist Ocasio-Cortez Struggles to Differentiate Between Socialism, Democratic Socialism

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democratic Socialists of America member who won a Democratic primary victory this week in New York's 14th Congressional District, failed to clearly explain democratic socialism on Friday.

Ocasio-Cortez joined "The View" panel where Meghan McCain asked about her self-described Democratic socialist views.

The candidate has been at the center of attention since her upset in Tuesday's primary against incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley (D., N.Y.), a 10-term congressman and member of the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives. Ocasio-Cortez is known for being one of the most left-leaning candidates in the 2018 midterm elections.

"You consider yourself a Democratic socialist like Bernie Sanders, correct?" McCain asked, to Ocasio-Cortez's agreement.

McCain then asked about the split within the Democratic Party between those who hold views similar to her and those more in-line with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.).

"Do you think that the future of the Democratic Party is socialism?" McCain asked.

Ocasio-Cortez first tried to argue there was a significant difference between her beliefs and socialism.

"First of all, there's a huge difference between socialism and Democratic socialism," Ocasio-Cortez said. "Democratic socialism, and really what that boils down to me, is the basic belief that I believe that in a moral and wealthy America and a moral and modern America, no person should be too poor to live in this country."

"That's what I believe. I can understand that there may be some divisions. You know, I don't think people wake up in the morning and say, ‘I'm a capitalist!’" she added.

Ocasio-Cortez went on to say she believes the Democratic Party's future is about the "working class." However, she did not go into any policy specifics on the "huge difference" between Democratic socialism and socialism.