Gov. Greg Abbott warns of socialism, says Bernie Sanders used to be the 'crazy uncle in the attic'

During a conservative conference in Austin on Friday, Gov. Greg Abbot warned of the emerging battle between socialism and capitalism in the United States, pointing to Bernie Sanders as proof.

During a conservative conference in Austin on Friday, Gov. Greg Abbot warned of the emerging battle between socialism and capitalism in the United States, pointing to Bernie Sanders as proof. Photo: Win McNamee/Spencer Platt/Getty Images Photo: Win McNamee/Spencer Platt/Getty Images Image 1 of / 45 Caption Close Gov. Greg Abbott warns of socialism, says Bernie Sanders used to be the 'crazy uncle in the attic' 1 / 45 Back to Gallery

Gov. Greg Abbott raised the alarm over socialism during a conservative conference in Austin this weekend.

During an interview with blogger Erick Erickson, the governor said capitalism and socialism were going head to head in America with Texas and California each respectively leading the charge.

"Texas is the leader of the national movement for capitalism, California appears to embrace the leadership in the United States for socialism," Abbot said at The Resurgent Gathering, a three-day event where conservatives discuss public policy.

The governor also commented on the rise of far-left candidates in the Democratic Party.

"What is it with all these new candidates who are socialist coming out of nowhere?" Abbot asked. "You know, we used to thought [sic] that Bernie Sanders was the crazy uncle in the attic."

"Now we have these people like this candidate who won this seat, this congressional seat in New York, and others who are coming out with very socialistic policies," Abbot said referring to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 28-year-old Democratic Socialist who ousted a powerful, 10-term incumbent in a June primary.

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Later in the talk, Abbot dismissed the idea of a "blue wave" in the upcoming midterm elections, pointing to his last gubernatorial race as proof.

"When the final score was posted, I beat Wendy Davis by more than 20 percentage points," Abbott said. "Texas is going to stay red."

Elsewhere at the gathering, right-wing thinkers and political activists discussed ways conservatism would move forward or change in the age of Trump.

"Like Trump or not, he's not going anywhere," one Republican attendee told the Houston Chronicle. "For many conservatives, we need to find a way to peacefully coexist. The Reagan days are over."

Fernando Ramirez covers Texas news and politics. Read him on our breaking news site and on our subscriber site. | Fernando.ramirez@chron.com | @fernramirez93



