Andy Beshear calls socialism a 'failed experiment' as poll finds Dems view it more favorably than capitalism

Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called socialism a "failed experiment" on Sunday, addressing a new poll that found socialism was viewed more favorably than capitalism by Democrats.

CBS News' Ed O'Keefe asked Beshear about a CBS poll that found 58% of Democrats have a positive view of socialism, compared to just 32% who have a positive view of capitalism.

"What I make of it is that people are struggling. They're struggling because the cost of groceries is too high. The cost of gas is too high. It's too hard to see a doctor, and when you do, the cost of that is too high as well. They're not asking for a lot," Beshear said on "Face the Nation."

He continued, "And right now, they're seeing a system that doesn't work for them. Now, I believe socialism is a failed experiment, but I do believe that we need to get results for the American people, and I think when you look at Democratic governors, you see those results."

Beshear cited some of his work in Kentucky and said Americans just want to see results.

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Economist Michael Szanto told Fox News Digital that Beshear was right to call socialism a failed experiment.

"Despite talk that Americans are starting to lean towards socialism, they are really voting with their smartphones and fingers. More Americans are engaged with the stock market than ever before. Gen Z is really the Robin hood generation as once etrade had captured the speculative energy of Gen X and older millennials," he said.

Szanto said Republicans and Democrats needed to be able to address the affordability crisis.

He added, "Many Americans are sympathetic to elements of socialism because they recognize that key institutions like Medicare, public libraries and public schools are technically socialist. They also recognize the existence of mainstream democratic socialist parties in Europe like Germany’s SPD."

"On the other hand, the Democratic Socialists of America have a radical agenda that is diametrically opposed to our capitalist and democratic system and completely inconsistent with mainstream American values. Democrats will not be able to consistently win elections despite President Trump’s high level of unpopularity if they are allowed themselves to get tied to the radical DSA," the statement continued.

Author and psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert told Fox News Digital that he also felt Beshear was right to be frustrated. 

"I think Beshear is right about the frustration, but the rise in support for socialism shouldn’t be mistaken for a sudden ideological conversion," Alpert said.

"That frustration creates fertile ground for socialism because socialism offers a very seductive message: The system is rigged, your struggles aren’t your responsibility, and government can make things fair. When people feel stuck or powerless, that can be an appealing promise," Alpert said.

"The danger for Democrats is confusing economic frustration with a mandate for socialism. There’s a huge difference between voters saying, 'Capitalism isn’t working for me' and saying, 'I want socialism.' Democrats would be smart to address the first without embracing the second," he continued.

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O'Keefe asked the Kentucky governor about a big and bold idea he was promoting, noting another portion of the CBS poll that found Democrats want their leaders pushing to make big changes.

"Well, I'll give you two because people want you to fix the darn economy, and they want you to fix the darn government. On the economy, it is time for an aspirational investment in housing that can bring down the cost of especially first-time home ownership," he said.

Beshear said fixing the government meant outlawing partisan redistricting, "enshrine part of the Voting Rights Act right there in the Constitution" and instituting term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court.

"It should also overturn Citizens United, and I think call for direct elections of the president and the vice president. That could actually make things work. A big idea that would, yes, change government, but in a way enshrined in the Constitution where people would know it's going to get better," he added.

"I didn't realize you support abolishing the Electoral College. If you're saying direct election of the president and vice president," O'Keefe said.

Beshear responded, "Yeah, I've said it a number of times, and it's because in Kentucky we will never see a candidate for president or vice president unless they're from here. Why? Because people just expect that it'll go one way or the other. It's the idea that someone would get elected not just knowing about seven states, but having to earn votes all over the United States. I certainly think it's time."

Former Vice President Kamala Harris also recently expressed wanting to change the Electoral College. Both Harris and Beshear are considered potential presidential contenders for the Democratic Party in 2028.

However, Beshear said he was still deciding on whether he was planning to run during the interview.

The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Kentucky Republican National Committee and Kentucky Democratic National Committee did not immediately return Fox News Digital's requests for comment.