Vice President Mike Pence took the administration’s war on socialism to CPAC Friday, warning that Democrats, even 2020 presidential candidates, want to trade American-made freedom for Venezuelan-style socialism.
In remarks provided in advance to Secrets, Pence said, “Under the guise of Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, Democrats are embracing the same tired economic theories that have impoverished nations and stifled the liberties of millions over the past century. That system is socialism.”
About to take the stage at @CPAC! Honored to address America’s conservatives on how it was Freedom, not Socialism, that gave us the most prosperous Nation in the history of the world. Watch live: https://t.co/vICzXQidM6
— Vice President Mike Pence (@VP) March 1, 2019
He added: “We know where socialism leads. You want socialism, just look at Venezuela. Venezuela was once one of the richest and most vibrant democracies in the Western Hemisphere, but under Maduro’s socialist rule, it has become one of the poorest and most despotic. Today, more than 9 out of 10 people live in poverty.”
Pence singled out Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and referenced supporters of the Green New Deal proposed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
“Remarkably, a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination is an avowed socialist. And it’s not just him. Bernie’s been joined by a chorus of candidates and newly elected officials who have papered over the failed policies of socialism with bumper-sticker slogans and slick social-media campaigns,” warned Pence.
He said their proposals will lead to higher taxes and costs on the backs of Americans. “What they’re actually offering is just the same old, same old: more taxes, more spending, more government, less freedom.”
[Opinion: Americans should recoil as Democrats go crazy-left]
In his trademarked style, he did a point-counterpoint on socialism and freedom in his speech remarks.
“It was freedom, not socialism, that gave us the most prosperous economy in the history of the world. It was freedom, not socialism, that ended slavery, won two world wars, and stands today as a beacon of hope for all the world. It was freedom, not socialism, that is moving us beyond the prejudices of the past to create a more perfect union and extend the blessings of liberty to Americans of every race and creed and color. It was freedom, not socialism, that gave us the highest quality of life, the cleanest environment on earth, and improved the health and well-being of millions around the world,” he said.
Pence just last week condemned Venezuela during a trip to Colombia.
With an eye on the reelection, the vice president said that President Trump will make it a fight over freedom.
“If we lay out a choice between freedom and socialism, that the American people will choose freedom every time,” he said.
