Joy Behar says Social Security, first responders show ‘democratic socialism’

As the panel discussed the growing influence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and her allies, “The View” co-host Joy Behar defended democratic socialism on Wednesday, arguing that programs involving Social Security and public services like fire departments, ambulance services and garbage collection are examples of political ideology at work.

“I’m not afraid of that term,” Behar said during ABC’s daytime program following a panel discussing the victories of three congressional candidates backed by Mamdani in New York’s Democratic primary.

“Social Security is democratic socialism,” Behar said. “It’s partly unemployment insurance. The people who pick up your garbage, the people who put out the fire in your house. These are all democratic socialism.”

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The debate came a day after three New York congressional candidates backed by Mamdani emerged victorious in the Democratic primary; this further strengthened the democratic socialist mayor’s influence on New York’s progressive wing and sparked renewed debate about the direction of the Democratic Party.

Behar argued that many Americans already benefit from government-funded programs and should not be afraid of the label. He added that New Yorkers are not afraid of democratic socialism and compared it to government first responders.

“If I fall, I want an ambulance,” he said. “If my house is on fire, bring your hose. You know what I mean?”

Behar also suggested that Republicans were turning the phrase into a political weapon.

Alyssa Farah Griffin pulled out of “The View,” warning that winners of the Democratic primary backed by Mamdani could hurt the party’s chances of taking back the House of Representatives. (ABC/TheView)

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“I think they’re afraid of that term in this country,” he said.

He went on to argue that political momentum is shifting away from President Donald Trump and Republicans.

“There’s a huge backlash building,” Behar said. “Republican senators are turning, congressmen are turning on Trump, and people are dealing with this ugly right-wing politics that we’ve had to subject ourselves to since this man took office.”

Sunny Hostin praised New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a “kingmaker” after three candidates he supported won the Democratic primary in New York. (Screenshot/ABC)

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The comments come amid a broader debate among host states about whether Mamdani’s growing influence is strengthening Democrats heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Former Trump White House communications director and co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin warned that the victories reflected a shift to the left that could hurt Democrats in competitive districts.

“These were the far leftists who were elected last night at the expense of moderate Democrats,” Griffin said. “I have seen this happen in my own party, where the far right wing has taken over and you cannot get your party back. I want to warn you that all this is very dangerous and you may risk losing the Parliament.”

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Sunny Hostin countered this view, arguing that the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) had become a major political force.

“I think New York is the cultural and political capital of the country,” Hostin said. “The Democratic Socialists of America are a force to be reckoned with at this point.”

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Whoopi Goldberg urged viewers to reserve judgment until the general election in November.

“Let’s see what happens,” Goldberg said. “I will wait as everyone expects me to for every candidate who wins.”