ABC News anchor Jonathan Karl entered Sunday’s exchange with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer by trying to wave away the communist label. The move quickly became a televised collision over what Democratic socialists call themselves and what their platform demands.

Karl is hardly known for neutrality toward Republicans or President Donald Trump. Trump once accused the anchor of having “a lot of hate in your heart,” and Karl’s latest exchange with Emmer did little to soften his partisan reputation.

The debate came as Democratic socialists hold the mayor’s office in New York City and run the leading candidate in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York’s 14th Congressional District also has openly pondered a presidential run.

Karl nevertheless chuckled while dismissing Emmer’s description of the left-wing candidates appearing before voters. “I think most Democrats would say they’re not communists,” Karl replied after Emmer discussed gas prices.

Gold. Upgraded. Buy real gold from $1. Store it in America. Sell it with one click.

“So, there aren’t a lot of communists on the ballot in these midterms,” Karl continued. Emmer immediately rejected the premise rather than allowing Karl’s preferred terminology to carry the segment.

“Well, you’re wrong, they are communists,” Emmer interrupted. Karl then acknowledged that there were “some Democratic socialists” on the ballot and tried to shift toward another subject, but Emmer refused to let the distinction slide.

“Jon, you just called them what they want you to call them. There’s nothing Democratic about socialism. For 100 years, they wanted us to call them progressives, when, in fact, they were socialists. And it wasn’t cool to admit you’re a socialist. They are now communists and Marxists. Take a look at the [Democratic Socialists of America] platform,” Emmer said.

Karl again attempted to move the conversation elsewhere. Emmer instead continued by laying out the policies he said should be at the center of the discussion, leaving the anchor unable to simply chuckle the disagreement away.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

“They want to defund the police. They want to defund prisons. They want government-only health care. And they want the Green New Deal, which will cost every American family another $355,000. That’s what we should be talking about,” Emmer said.

WATCH:

The exchange showed Emmer pressing Karl to focus on what socialist candidates are campaigning on rather than the label Democrats would prefer. Karl’s repeated efforts to move along only sharpened the contrast as Emmer continued naming specific policies.

Emmer had delivered a similarly blunt message in September at the GOP Midterm Convention in Dallas. He told the crowd that people who hate the country are free to leave and targeted prominent figures associated with the political left.

“You can choose to go with America haters like Ilhan Omar, who wants to raise your taxes while allowing Somali fraudsters to run free! You can listen to Abdul El Sayed... This evil man pals around with people who believe Americans deserved to be attacked on 9/11”

The commentary surrounding Emmer’s remarks argued that the Democrat Party had moved so far left that it was embracing socialism out of desperation to win. That criticism matched Emmer’s refusal to accept Karl’s attempt to separate Democratic socialism from communism and Marxism.

Karl’s performance suggested that he needed to pay closer attention to the candidates and platforms driving current political fights. His claim that few communists were on the ballot collided headfirst with Emmer’s view of the Democratic Socialists of America and its stated agenda.

It was also described as a rough day for ABC more broadly, with separate criticism aimed at the network over an alleged anti-Trump “political hit job.” For Karl, the communist question became another example of what happens when a dismissive line meets a guest ready to push back.

Emmer did not let the anchor define the terms, redirect the discussion, or hide the platform behind a more marketable label. Karl chuckled, tried to change subjects, and ultimately watched as the House majority whip kept the focus exactly where Karl did not want it.

Gold is the oldest answer. SoundMoney makes owning it as easy as the apps you already use.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.