A Florida socialist congressional candidate repeatedly refused to name a specific tax rate during a heated exchange with Fox News’ Sean Hannity — even after defending his call to tax billionaires “out of existence.”
Oliver Larkin, who volunteered for Barack Obama in 2008 and led a New Hampshire field office for Bernie Sanders in 2016, sparred with Hannity over his Democratic Socialists of America-aligned platform as Florida voters prepare to vote Tuesday.
When asked about an economy based on “to each American based on their needs from each American based on their ability,” Larkin replied, “I think that’s a fine concept.”
The axiom was popularized in 1875 by German political theorist Karl Marx in his “Critique of the Gotha Programme.”
“I THINK THAT’S A FINE CONCEPT” — LARKIN ON KARL MARX’S VISION FOR AMERICA
Larkin is challenging moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., in a district considered a prime Republican target in November’s general election. He told Hannity he was less concerned with ideological labels than with meeting constituents.
“I’m coming at the race from a pragmatic point of view of what the American people and the people of South Florida need, and that is Medicare-for-all, that is universal child care,” Larkin said.
Before introducing Larkin, Hannity listed a series of policies the millennial left-winger supports: abolishing the Electoral College, automatic same-day voter registration, shunning fossil fuels, abolishing ICE and prosecuting its agents, free public college, ending sanctions on Iran and Cuba, and what Hannity described as a “passionate hatred of Israel.”
Hannity challenged Larkin to go beyond proposals and explain how he would achieve each objective — starting with higher federal taxes.
“Out of every dollar these so-called ‘evil rich people’ make, how much should they be able to keep…?” Hannity asked.
Instead of offering a figure, Larkin praised former Presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower for presiding over extremely high top marginal tax rates.
“Give me a number,” Hannity demanded.
Larkin replied that the figure depends on income, but did not specify any ranges except to say that “billionaires should be taxed out of existence.”
Hannity countered that most billionaires are among the “most brilliant” people and argued that it is wrong to take money from the most creative Americans through higher taxes.
Larkin fired back that X CEO Elon Musk — the world’s richest person — has received billions in government subsidies that helped build his wealth. He called the South African immigrant a “vulture” for buying Tesla and presiding over its largesse.
“BILLIONAIRES SHOULD BE TAXED OUT OF EXISTENCE” — LARKIN’S ANSWER ON TAX POLICY
Hannity returned to pressing for specifics about tax rates Americans at different income levels should pay under a socialist system.
“How much are you willing to let the government take? How much? Give us a number,” he said, asking for an example with an American making $100,000 per year.
“I want to see a return on our taxpayer investment,” Larkin replied without offering a specific figure.
“I’m not interested in changing the tax rate on middle-class Americans on people making a hundred grand,” he later added, prompting Hannity to ask what tax rate should apply to people making $500,000.
“Give me a number,” Hannity insisted. “The DSA people talk a lot about fairness. What is fair for a guy that makes a half a million dollars a year out of every dollar — how much should the government get? Answer the question.”
“It’s not that simple,” Larkin argued. After crosstalk, the candidate said the cap on income subject to Social Security taxes should be raised, but did not specify an amount.
Moskowitz’s and Larkin’s district has been represented by Democrats for most of the modern era. Over the past two decades, Col. Allen West has been the only Republican to represent the district, serving one term.
After socialist candidates lost in Wisconsin but won in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Minnesota, Florida Democrats will decide Tuesday whether to follow the same trend.
