“So, talk about this message that you are putting out about the rise of Democratic Socialism, or, as many say, including the president, Communism, in your party. We’ll start there. What would your message to the people be?” Brooks asked.
Polis responded by saying Americans first need to understand exactly what socialism means rather than accepting political slogans that portray it as simply another form of compassion.
“Well, first of all, it’s important that people understand what socialism is. It’s government ownership, collective ownership, of the means of production, meaning the government owns companies, operates companies, like in China, where the military owns a lot of the companies that do business with the military. Frankly, I’m concerned with the rise of it here,” Polis replied, adding:
“Even some of the people in President Trump’s ear, the government owns 10 percent of Intel now. I don’t think they should. They own 15 percent of MP Materials, a company that provides rare earth minerals. The government should not be in the business of business, leave that to the private sector. Government has a role, of course, preventing monopolies, protecting consumers, things like that.”
“Republicans and Democrats may disagree on the limits of that, and that’s fine, but fundamentally the government shouldn’t be both a player and a referee. They shouldn’t have a business on the field that they own while also being the neutral judge of who’s right. They should be completely neutral between different business parties.”
The remarks were striking because they came from one of the nation’s best-known Democratic governors rather than a Republican critic. Polis made clear that while government has legitimate regulatory responsibilities, it should not simultaneously own businesses while regulating the marketplace.
Brooks later shifted the conversation toward the growing success of Democratic Socialist candidates in Democratic primaries, asking how party leaders could slow the movement’s rise.
“So how would you stop the surge that we’re seeing? As we listed out, and I know you’re aware, most of us are at this point, several incumbents in your party have been unseated by people endorsed by the DSA, or who say they’re members of the DSA, or openly say they’re socialists,” Brooks asked.
Polis answered without hesitation.
“Well, I think you need to talk about how socialism has failed,” Polis replied bluntly, adding:
“And when you’re talking to Democrats, and I’m a proud Democrat, and you read part of my statement on that, I support universal health care. I support a strong social safety net. There may be conservatives who agree or disagree with some of those things, but I think the only way to accomplish them, as history has proven, is through capitalism and the free market system and the prosperity that it creates.”
Although Polis described himself as a supporter of expanded social programs, he argued those programs can only exist when supported by a thriving private economy. According to the governor, history consistently shows that wealth must first be created before it can be redistributed.
He also pointed to Europe as evidence that countries with generous welfare systems still depend on market-based economies. Polis noted that nations seeking admission to the European Union have been required to embrace free-market reforms, including privatizing major industries such as banking and electricity.
The discussion later turned toward the Democratic Socialists of America’s broader platform and the growing prominence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, whose proposals have drawn national attention.
Brooks highlighted several positions associated with the DSA, including calls to abolish the Senate, replace the Electoral College with a national popular vote, reduce or eliminate the Supreme Court, abolish ICE and prisons, and expand public ownership over major industries.
After hearing those proposals, Polis suggested the platform extends well beyond traditional economic debates.
“Well, there’s a fine line between socialism and fascism, they tend to meet at the end of the spectrum,” Polis hit back, adding:
“When they talk about the government owning companies, as you quoted, and I trust you on where it came from, though I haven’t seen it myself; their website seems to be down, that’s what socialists want. I think it’s important that under the Trump administration we don’t take the first few steps in that direction either. The government should not be owning shares in companies. We should not own Intel.”
“We should not own AI, God forbid, though I know there’s talk about that, and people on both sides in this administration who are pulling in that direction. I hope he listens to the folks who say, let’s keep it private sector, let’s not socialize it. Then they have a bizarre set of other positions that I wouldn’t even call socialist, they’re just against parts of our Constitution. I don’t know why they don’t like the Senate, I’m a former House member, and I think a lot of former House members don’t love the Senate either, but no, I don’t think it should be abolished. It’s part of the bicameral legislature, a sound foundation of our Constitution. Those things are different from socialism. They’re just sort of odd positions, which you and I might disagree with.”
Polis also addressed why younger voters appear increasingly receptive to socialist messaging. He argued that many Americans lack a clear understanding of socialism’s historical record and instead focus on campaign promises centered around free services, expanded benefits, and economic fairness without considering the long-term consequences.
For conservatives, Polis’ comments stand out because they come from inside the Democratic Party rather than from political opponents. While Republicans and Democrats remain deeply divided on issues such as health care, taxation, and government spending, the Colorado governor drew a clear distinction between supporting a social safety net and embracing government ownership of the economy.
Whether Democratic leaders ultimately heed his warning remains to be seen. But as Democratic Socialist candidates continue winning primaries and expanding their influence, Polis’ criticism underscores an increasingly visible ideological struggle within the party over capitalism, constitutional institutions, and the proper role of government in American society.
