Appearing on “Hardball with Chris Matthews,” Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was stumped when it came to answering what would appear to be a simple question on political philosophy.

After asking whether she supports the idea of Democratic presidential candidate and socialist Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders should be given a primetime speaking slot at the Democratic National Convention if he is not the party’s nominee, Matthews threw the Chairwoman a curveball she couldn’t hit.

Matthews asked Wasserman Schultz, “What is the difference between a Democrat and a socialist?”

Wasserman Schultz laughed. Matthews continued, “I used to think there was a big difference, but what do you think it is?”

Unable to answer, Wasserman Schultz said, “The difference between — the real question is what’s the difference between being a Democrat and being a Republican.”

But Matthews didn’t let it go. “But what’s the big difference between being a Democrat and being a socialist?” Matthews asked. “You’re the chairman of the Democratic Party. Tell me the difference between you and a socialist.”

Again, Wasserman Schultz was unable to answer and tried to change the subject. “The relevant debate that we’ll be having over the course of this campaign,” she said, “is what’s the difference between being a Democrat and being a Republican.”

“I think there’s a big difference,” Matthews concluded, “I think there’s a huge difference.”

Sanders is an independent socialist who has always caucused with Democrats in the Senate and is currently polling second for that party’s nomination for president of the United States.

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[Hat tip: Washington Free Beacon]