Joy Behar defends democratic socialism, claims Social Security and first responders prove it works
"The View" co-host Joy Behar defended democratic socialism Wednesday, arguing that programs including Social Security and public services such as fire departments, ambulance services and garbage collection are examples of the political ideology at work, as the panel discussed the growing influence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his allies.
"I’m not scared of the term," Behar said during the ABC daytime show after the panel debated the victories of three congressional candidates endorsed by Mamdani in New York’s Democratic primaries.
"Social Security is a democratic socialism," Behar said. "Partly unemployment insurance is. The people who pick up your garbage, the people who take the fire out of your house. All of these are democratic socialism."
The discussion came one day after all three New York congressional candidates backed by Mamdani prevailed in Democratic primary contests, further cementing the democratic socialist mayor's influence over New York's progressive wing and prompting renewed debate about the direction of the Democratic Party.
Behar argued that many Americans already benefit from government-funded programs and should not fear the label. She added that New Yorkers aren't afraid of democratic socialism, and compared it to government first responders.
"If I fall down, I want an ambulance," she said. "If my house is on fire, bring your hose. You know what I mean?"
Behar also suggested Republicans have turned the phrase into a political weapon.
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"I think they're scared of the term in this country," she said.
She went on to argue that political momentum was shifting away from President Donald Trump and Republicans.
"There is a major reaction formation going on," Behar said. "Republican senators are turning, congressmen are turning on Trump and people have had it with this right-wing nasty politics that we've had to subject ourselves since this guy got into office."
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The comments came during a broader debate among the co-hosts over whether Mamdani's growing influence strengthens or weakens Democrats heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
Former Trump White House communications director, and co-host, Alyssa Farah Griffin warned the victories reflected a leftward shift that could hurt Democrats in competitive districts.
"These were left-wing extremists that were elected last night at the expense of moderate Democrats," Griffin said. "I've seen this happen in my party, where the extreme right wing takes over, and you can't get your party back. I would warn you all this is very dangerous, and it could risk you losing the House."
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Sunny Hostin disagreed, arguing the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) had become a significant political force.
"I think that New York is the nation's cultural and political capital," Hostin said. "The Democratic Socialists of America is a force to be reckoned with at this point."
Whoopi Goldberg urged viewers to reserve judgment until November's general election.
"Let's see what happens," Goldberg said. "I'm going to wait like everybody has asked me to do with every candidate that wins."