Bernie Explains Why Being Labeled a Socialist Won't Hurt Him

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT) said he is not concerned of being labeled as a socialist from his opponents because the United States is already a "socialist society."

"CBS This Morning" anchor Tony Dokoupil asked Sanders on Friday if describing himself as a democratic socialist could hurt him in the upcoming South Carolina primary.

"Let me just tell you something. In my view, to a significant degree we’re living right now, under Donald Trump, in a socialist society," Sanders said. "The only difference is, does the government work for working people or does it work for billionaires? Donald Trump, before he came president, he was in real estate, he received $800 million in tax breaks and subsidies from the government. Socialism for the rich. The fossil fuel industry receives tens of billions of dollars a year in subsidies and tax breaks. That’s socialism for the rich."

"But, Senator, is the label confusing people and allowing critics to hurt you politically?" Dokoupil asked.

"I did win the popular vote in Iowa. I did win the popular vote in the primary in New Hampshire. I think we’re going to win in Nevada. I think we’ll win in South Carolina. Working people understand that we’ve got to finally stand up to the corporate elite and that we have to have a mass political movement of working people and low-income people and young people to do that," Sanders replied.

Sanders did have a strong showing in neighboring New Hampshire by coming in first place with 73,809 votes (24.34%). Former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg was close behind with 69,413 votes (24.34%) and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN) in third with 56,576 votes (19.84%).