Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) said on Thursday that she believes in financial markets all the way down to her toes.
"I believe in markets right down to my toes," Warren said.
Warren was asked by MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle if Democrats are making a mistake by putting forth candidates who self-identify as socialist when the economy is doing well.
"Are Democrats making a mistake in putting forth candidates that label themselves democratic socialists or who have anti-capitalist beliefs, when at this moment – look at small or large business sentiment or consumer confidence – Americans feel like capitalism is working for them?" Ruhle asked.
"Look, Steph, I believe in markets," Warren responded. "But I also believe markets have to have rules. Otherwise rich and powerful just keep sucking up all the value and everybody else ends up eating dirt."
With the rise of self-described democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I., Vt.) during the 2016 Democratic primary, the progressive base of the party has pushed the party further to the left. A growing number of Democratic lawmakers have adopted many of Sanders' positions, including support for Medicare for all and tuition-free college. The most recent example of the Democratic Party being taken over by socialist ideology is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's upset victory against 10-term incumbent Rep. Joe Crowley (D., N.Y.).
Warren continued by arguing the economy has not been working for everyone, and she blamed President Donald Trump for not doing enough to help Americans who have yet to see economic gains.
"The way I see this, is the lived experiences of most hard-working Americans across this country are not improving under the Trump administration," Warren said. "What's happening to them is they're still stuck with flat incomes and rising core expenses. And the Trump administration is helping drive up those expenses."
Co-anchor Ali Velshi told Warren she sounded like a presidential candidate and asked if she planned to run in 2020.
Warren remained coy on any plans past 2018, repeating the same answer she has routinely given to any inquiry about the next presidential election.
"I am running for senate, 2018, woo-hoo, Massachusetts. And I want to say, Ali, I'm taking nothing for granted," Warren said.