New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Bill de BlasioOVERNIGHT ENERGY: California seeks to sell only electric cars by 2035 | EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities | House energy package sparks criticism from left and right EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities New Year's Eve in Times Square to be largely virtual amid pandemic MORE (D) criticized Sen. Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.) during Wednesday's Democratic presidential primary debate, accusing him of "fearmongering" when he talks about tax increases being needed to pay for "Medicare for All."

"I don't understand why Democrats on this stage are fearmongering about universal health care. It makes no sense," de Blasio said.

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He added that Americans are upset about how they are being treated by the pharmaceutical industry and private insurance companies, and said that Democrats should be the party that does something "bold."

De Blasio said that Bennet is "absolutely inaccurate" when he talks about taxes needing to go up under a single-payer plan.

"Americans right now are paying so much money for their health care. Ask people about the reality of premiums, deductibles, copays, out of pocket expenses. That's worse than any tax, and people are paying that right now," de Blasio said.

Bennet responded that his criticisms of Medicare for All have nothing to do with Republican talking points or the pharmaceutical industry.

“This has to do with having faith in the American people that they can make the right decisions for their families and they can choose a public option,” Bennet said

The Colorado senator noted that Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersThe Hill's Campaign Report: Trump faces backlash after not committing to peaceful transition of power Bernie Sanders: 'This is an election between Donald Trump and democracy' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Trump stokes fears over November election outcome MORE (I-Vt.), a Democratic presidential candidate who has been a leader on Medicare for All, has said that he'd need to raise taxes to pay for it.

"He says that. Republicans don't say it," Bennet said. "Don't try to distract from the truth."

Sanders has floated a number of different ways to pay for Medicare for All, including a 4 percent, income-based premium on families making more than $29,000 per year, as well as a premium paid by employees, higher taxes on the wealthy and an expansion of the estate tax.