When confronted with reality, the utopian vision of socialism always comes crashing down.
That’s what unfolded on Tuesday as Daniel Di Martino, a fellow at the Manhattan Institute, economist, and immigrant from Venezuela, faced off against Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Frances Gill on Fox News’ “The Story” with Martha MacCallum.
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The pair covered a wide variety of topics, including the practical reality of socialism, primarily as Di Martino witnessed in Venezuela, American sanctions on the country, as well as the apprehension of the country’s tyrant Nicolás Maduro. The debate did not go well for Gill.
Di Martino began by pointing out that government can’t run a business. Everywhere it has tried, its pursuits are not profitable, not efficient, and always leave Americans worse off, citing examples including the VA, Amtrak, and USPS.
. @DanielDiMartino, who fled Venezuela after socialists took over the country, debates a DSA member:
“[Socialists] destroyed the richest country in Latin America, and the DSA is an organization that supported the destruction of Venezuela. Your team traveled to Venezuela to… pic.twitter.com/TKkhlhSAF5
— Manhattan Institute (@ManhattanInst) August 4, 2026
They went on to discuss the apprehension of Venezuelan tyrant Nicolás Maduro. Gill attempted to argue that it’s hypocritical of the U.S. to expend so many resources trying to harm a socialist country, citing sanctions imposed on Venezuela and the earlier military operation in January. She proudly proclaimed that any democratically elected leader should not be kidnapped.
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Di Martino quickly asked her if that were the case, why the DSA supports ousting and arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The question was met with silence.
The socialist actually had the guts to tell ME that Maduro was democratically-elected.
This is how you know they will rig elections if they get into power. https://t.co/7W7WMxiaxz
— Daniel Di Martino (@DanielDiMartino) August 4, 2026
Several other clips simply showcased how warped the worldview of the Democratic Socialists was, as she condemned the United States, claiming that every president since the founding was evil, touted the supposed efficacy of the VA, and even argued that greater public schools require more funding, even though record levels of funding have yet to yield any results.
A DSA member said that every U.S. president since the America’s founding has been evil. @DanielDiMartino confronted her:
“Frances, what makes you think, and why should Americans believe, that you and your teammates at the DSA are not evil? Are you guys special?” pic.twitter.com/1D75bfEeuh
— Manhattan Institute (@ManhattanInst) August 4, 2026
Fox News’ Martha MacCallum: “Give me an example of something that the government has done that provides a great, clean, public service to Americans?”
DSA Committee Member Frances Gill: “I think one really great example is the VA and the healthcare that we provide through the… pic.twitter.com/2t8AyL54n4
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) August 4, 2026
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Daniel Di Martino: “The average school in New York City spends $34K per child per year, and many schools have the majority of kids graduate without learning anything. They’re not proficient in math or reading… How much money is enough?”
DSA Committee Member Frances Gill: “Our… pic.twitter.com/0JJnjtpUci
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) August 4, 2026
This is what the conservative movement is up against, an ideology that is increasingly detached from economic and political reality. It is the movement reshaping the Democrat Party from within, and one Republicans risk losing to in November if they fail to mount a compelling alternative.
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