Morning Joe badgers Democratic candidate: Are you a capitalist? He ends with the perfect answer.

[egbertowillies]

Joe Scarborough gave his best attempt to get former governor John Hickenlooper to say he is a Capitalist. Hickenlooper though awkward in his response initially, finally got it right after Scarborough badgered him several times.

https://egbertowillies.com/2019/03/09/morning-joe-capitalist-john-hickenlooper/

[CrossingTheRubicon]

1. Only Democrats who answer: Hell Yes, I'm a Capitalist!!!

Have a shot at the nomination.

This is not the "Democratic Socialist" Party.

[peggysue2]

2. If Democrats are put into a position of defending . . .

socialism? We lose. Elizabeth Warren has identified herself as a progressive capitalist, capitalism with regulations/guardrails. That is the appropriate, reasonable answer. Not skirting the issue or trying to play to all sides. Because socialism is a losing meme, period. And Elizabeth Warren is smart enough to know that. Kamala Harris has said pretty much the same. Brava to both of them!

Simply put: Americans are not socialists. We can talk about a mixed economy which is what we actually have. But the namby-pamby, "I don't like labels?" That will not fly because it sounds as if you're trying to avoid an actual answer. Which is exactly what Hickenlooper is doing here in an awkward and disingenuous manner.

It. Does. Not. Work.

And it's really rotten politics. Particularly in an era when the lack of transparency is unforgivable.

If you're a socialist? Okay then, spit it out. But if not, stop the lame tap dancing.

[CTyankee]

14. For the most part I agree with you. But Joe was

badgering the guy. It was borderline bullying and that is not particularly compelling in a debate.
Let the guy explain. Just the term "socialist" doesn't really say much. There are all different kinds of socialists. All by itself it is kind of a useless term. I kinda like "progressive capitalist."

[peggysue2]

16. I didn't see the full back and forth but . . .

I've seen Scarborough do a hatchet job on people. So I concede the tone of the interview could have been partly responsible.

I did read yesterday that Hickenlooper came out and stated plainly that he was a capitalist with regulations. That leads me to believe that he knew or was given a heads up about how badly that the segment landed.

Live and learn, as they say. The national stage is brutal.

[CentralMass]

3. Everyone has an opinion.

[David__77]

4. Capitalism and socialism are tools.

They both have their place.

[Skidmore]

5. In a mixed economy

perhaps? We are mostly a capitalist society with socialist aspects.

[David__77]

6. I agree that it is a mixed economy.

Some people want it to be more or less capitalist in nature. I don’t need candidates I support to uphold the ideology of “capitalism” or of “socialism.” I care about the policies they advocate.

[SharonClark]

8. Yeah, Hickenlooper tried that.

But Joe Scar would have none of it and kept repeating his question/accusation.

[CTyankee]

9. he should have said "I just asnwered your question. Weren't you listening?"

That would put the burden on Joe to answer yes or no, neither of which is a "good" answer for Joe. And Dems watching at home would cheer...

[Hortensis]

12. +1000, David_77. Trying to take a stand on one OR the other

is like taking a stand on using EITHER all nails OR all screws.

It's even sillier, and profoundly more dangerous, when people start mistaking it for a moral issue.

[SharonClark]

7. Joe Scar wanted Hickenlooper to say he was a 'proud capitalist"

Hickenlooper, and all Dems, need to be prepared before going on talk shows where the hosts are raging egotists like Joe. It was a waste of an interview.

[floppyboo]

10. Joe should go on holidays

Outside of Fox, he promoted Trump more than any other MSM newscaster, and now he has started the 'socialist boogieman' scare that he warned RW media would be all over. Yup - it is. And he's them. His Dem conversion was incomplete at best. He is the enemy. Boycott Morning Joe.

[CTyankee]

17. I sleep throu his shows most mornings.

Occasionally I'll get up earlier and have my first cup of coffee with him and Mika. I don't like the other shows that are on at that time. I have the morning NY Times that I can peruse while Joe and Mika are gabbing...

[comradebillyboy]

11. Hickenlooper came across as wishy washy with that answer.

He shot himself in the foot. It was as much of an unforced error as Warren's DNA test. I like Hickenlooper a lot so I was sorry to see him screw up that easy answer.

[kstewart33]

13. Bravo, Hick!

Right approach, right answer.

[WeekiWater]

15. Yes is the best, easiest, and most appropriate answer. NT