Rep. Eric Swalwell (D., Calif.) was asked on Monday whether he thought more Democrats preferred socialism over capitalism, and he responded by saying he believes in capitalism.
CNN anchor Poppy Harlow asked Swalwell about the recent Gallup poll that showed a majority of Democrats viewing socialism positively. The poll reveals Democrats view socialism better than capitalism by a significant margin, with 57 percent viewing socialism in a positive light against just 47 percent viewing capitalism positively.
"Do you see that as a dangerous strain on your party on something your party should embrace?" CNN anchor Poppy Harlow asked.
"I see the Republicans have been so reckless with capitalism – the tax cuts have gone to the top, people don't have health care security today – that I understand why people look the other way," Swalwell said. "I believe in capitalism. I believe in, not redistribution, but reinvestment and rebuilding. If we go back to that, I think people, regardless what your party is, will believe in capitalism again."
Swalwell isn't the only Democrat expressing support for capitalism. Progressive stalwart Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) recently defended her capitalist bonafides in several interviews.
The split between capitalism and socialism within the Democratic party will most likely continue as possible 2020 contenders like Warren and Swalwell voice their support for capitalism and the base of the party champions candidates like democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.).
Sanders recently complained in an interview that the media spends too much time covering the "socialism vs. capitalism" debate and doesn't focus enough time on the issues.