Vice President Biden on Wednesday offered criticism of "socialism" during a speech abroad, seemingly a shot at Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersMcConnell accuses Democrats of sowing division by 'downplaying progress' on election security The Hill's Campaign Report: Arizona shifts towards Biden | Biden prepares for drive-in town hall | New Biden ad targets Latino voters Why Democrats must confront extreme left wing incitement to violence MORE, a self-described democratic socialist and Democratic candidate for president.

Biden made the remark in a keynote address at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, where he called for "a more progressive tax code" and a strengthening of the middle class.

"We need a more progressive tax code -- not confiscatory policy. Not socialism. A tax code." -VP Biden #wef16 — Vice President Biden (@VP) January 20, 2016

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"Keeping billions of dollars in offshore tax havens might be good for your shareholders, but it robs your own country," Biden told those in attendance at the international event.

Biden called on corporate executives to shift their tactics and put a greater emphasis on workers, saying a proportionate tax code was a component of restructuring to focus on long-term growth.