Top Dem panics: Sanders' socialism would be a 'burden' on Democrats, places House majority 'in danger'

Democratic House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) spoke in unequivocally blunt terms on Sunday when he was asked by ABC's George Stephanopoulos if he thinks Sen. Bernie Sanders' ideology would be a drag on his party in House races.

"You're already to see these attacks on his background as a democratic socialist. How deep will that cut in South Carolina, and if he's the nominee, do you think it could put the [Democrats'] House majority in danger?," the host of "This Week" asked him.

"A lot of people think so," Clyburn answered. "I do believe it'll be an extra burden for us to have to carry."

'A real burden for us'

The longtime Democratic leader went on to explain how Sanders' embrace of socialism would hurt Democrats in down-ballot races across throughout the South and other regions.

"This is South Carolina and South Carolinians are pretty weary about that title socialist and so I think that'll be a real burden for us in these states or congressional districts we have to do well in," he told Stephanopoulos.

Sanders could jeopardize the Dems House majority

In addition, Clyburn correctly argued that Democrats took back the House in 2018 by winning a series of suburban districts with moderate or conservative constituencies. Sanders, he noted, would jeopardize the House majority.

"If you know how well we did the last time and look at the congressional districts, these are not liberal or progressive districts. These are moderate and conservative districts that we did well in. And in those districts it's going to be tough to hold on to these jobs if you have to make the case for accepting a self-proclaimed democratic socialist," he explained.