While much of the Democratic Party appear to have embraced socialism, one 2020 candidate, former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, is warning his party members that it is not a winning strategy.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the first Democratic Party primary debate, Hickenlooper said that “the word socialism by itself has a lot of baggage in this country and especially in swing states … it’s not a winning solution and I continue to say you don’t need massive government expansion to change this country.”

Meanwhile Gov John @Hickenlooper previews his Thursday debate. Says big government isn’t need to accomplish big issues like healthcare for all. @MyNews13 @BN9 pic.twitter.com/UcX0lxfYBp — Greg Angel (@NewsGuyGreg) June 26, 2019

Hickenlooper noted that in swing states like Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are unlikely to support socialism.

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“These are states where they care about jobs and are very cautious about this thing called socialism. They get anxious about that.”

Hickenlooper is warning Dems not to embrace socialism while Bernie is in the adjacent room giving an interview to NBC defending it. pic.twitter.com/TVO6mdH7RZ — Jonathan Easley (@JonEasley) June 26, 2019

As Hickenlooper was speaking out against socialism, Bernie Sanders was in an adjacent room defending it, The Hill reporter Jonathan Easley wrote on Twitter.

“To me, what Democratic socialism is about, is saying health care is a human right. If you work 40 hours a week you should earn a living wage. Education is a human right, and by the way, we’re going to have a tax system that is fair…we are going to ask the wealthiest and large corporations to pay their fair share and start paying taxes,” Sanders said.

Hickenlooper reportedly has such low name recognition that he wasn’t recognized by staff at the debate that he is set to speak at. When he arrived at the venue in Miami on Wednesday, security asked if he was a reporter looking to pick up his credentials. Hickenlooper had to inform them that he is a candidate.

Security person outside debate site just now : “are you here to pick up press credentials?”

John Hickenlooper: “…I’m a candidate” — Scott Detrow (@scottdetrow) June 26, 2019

Hickenlooper will be participating in the second night of debates on Thursday.