Chris Murphy dodges questions about Dem socialist's controversial remarks while pushing party's 'big tent'

Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy appeared to sidestep questions about New York Democratic congressional nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier on Sunday, saying he was "not super familiar" with her race when pressed about the self-avowed democratic socialist's past controversial remarks.

"All I'm saying is that this party has to have a real contest of ideas, and I just don't think that our defense of incrementalism has worked," the Connecticut Democrat told NBC's "Meet the Press."

"I don't mind a contest of ideas, and I just don't know that we have had it to the extent that voters have been satisfied. It's no secret voters aren't super happy with establishment Democrats or establishment Republicans these days. I will say though, what binds together, I think every Democratic candidate that is running, including the ones in New York, is that they are standing up to protect American democracy," he added, pointing to President Trump as the current greatest threat to the institution.

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The apparent dodge came after Murphy's insistence that the Democratic Party adopt a "big tent" approach and embrace a broader scope of voters, including traditional Democrats, Trump voters disillusioned with the country's direction and those who lean further left.

NBC's Ryan Nobles, filling in for host Kristen Welker, confronted Murphy with a campaign ad from Chevalier's former opponent, incumbent Democratic Rep. Adriano Espaillat.

The ad showcased the Mamdani ally's storied history of controversial social media posts which have since been deleted, including her disdain for former President Joe Biden, where she went so far as calling him a "rapist."

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It also highlighted her dislike of former Vice President Kamala Harris, her disparaging of interracial relationships as well as her anti-American swipe at Old Glory.

"To be clear, senator, that was an attack ad from a fellow Democrat. You've talked about this bigger tent. If you're saying the Democratic Party needs a bigger tent, does that include someone who called a former Democratic President of the United States a rapist?" Nobles asked.

Murphy then explained that he wasn't "super familiar" with the race but sought a broader exchange of ideas within the party.

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Murphy also appeared to dismiss the notion that the Democratic Party is developing an overwhelmingly socialist slant, pointing to Democratic Govs. Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger as examples of what he views as more moderate candidates.

"I think that it's actually a sign of a party that is alive and growing when there's been historically way too timid in taking on corporate power," he said.

"I think our party should have bigger ideas," he added. 

Murphy also responded "no" when asked if Democrats should lean into the socialist label, while also acknowledging that the party cannot embrace the current form of capitalism as acceptable.