Hannity’s One Tax Question FL Socialist Oliver Larkin Refused to Answer
Florida Socialist Candidate Oliver Larkin Spars with Sean Hannity Over Taxes and Policy
Who Is Oliver Larkin?
Important Point: Oliver Larkin is a Democratic Socialist running for Congress in Florida’s 23rd District. He’s challenging current Representative Jared Moskowitz in a primary election.
Background:
- Volunteered for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign
- Led a New Hampshire field office for Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign
- Aligned with Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
- Running on a platform of major government program expansions
The Hannity Interview: What Happened?
Fox News host Sean Hannity interviewed Larkin about his political views and policy proposals. The conversation became heated when Hannity pressed Larkin for specific numbers on tax rates.
Key Moments from the Interview
1. The "From Each According to Ability" Question
- Hannity asked about the concept: "From each American based on their ability, to each American based on their needs"
- Larkin responded: "I think that’s a fine concept"
- Note: This phrase was popularized by Karl Marx in 1875
2. The Tax Rate Showdown
- Hannity repeatedly asked: "Out of every dollar rich people make, how much should they keep?"
- Larkin refused to give a specific percentage
- Instead, he praised past presidents (FDR, Truman, Eisenhower) for having high top tax rates
- Larkin’s only specific statement: "Billionaires should be taxed out of existence"
3. The $100,000 and $500,000 Questions
- Hannity asked what tax rate should apply to someone making $100,000/year
- Larkin: "I’m not interested in changing the tax rate on middle-class Americans"
- Hannity then asked about $500,000/year earners
- Larkin: "It’s not that simple" — mentioned raising the Social Security tax cap but gave no number
Larkin’s Policy Platform
Important Point: Hannity listed these policies as part of Larkin’s platform. Larkin didn’t explicitly confirm or deny each one during the interview.
| Policy Area | Larkin’s Position (Per Hannity) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Medicare for All |
| Childcare | Universal child care |
| Education | Free public college |
| Voting | Abolish Electoral College, automatic same-day voter registration |
| Immigration | Abolish ICE, prosecute ICE agents |
| Energy | Shun fossil fuels |
| Foreign Policy | End sanctions on Iran and Cuba |
| Israel | "Passionate hatred of Israel" (Hannity’s characterization) |
The District History
Florida’s 23rd District (which has had different numbers over the years):
- 1993–early 2000s: Republican E. Clay Shaw Jr.
- Most of modern era: Democratic representation
- Only Republican since 1993: Allen West (one term)
- Current Representative: Jared Moskowitz (Democrat)
- Primary Election: Tuesday (the day after this article was published)
Why This Matters
Important Point: This race represents a bigger trend in the Democratic Party.
Recent Socialist Candidate Results:
- Lost: Wisconsin
- Won: Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Minnesota
- Next Test: Florida (this primary)
Summary
In simple terms: A socialist candidate named Oliver Larkin is running against an establishment Democrat (Jared Moskowitz) in Florida. During a tense Fox News interview, Sean Hannity tried to get Larkin to say exactly how high he wants taxes to be. Larkin wouldn’t give a number — he only said billionaires should be "taxed out of existence" and praised high tax rates from the mid-1900s. The race is part of a national trend where socialist candidates are winning some Democratic primaries but losing others. Florida voters decide Tuesday.
FAQ
What does "tax billionaires out of existence" mean?
A: It means setting tax rates so high on billionaires that they would no longer be billionaires — their wealth would be redistributed through government programs. Larkin didn’t explain exactly how this would work legally or economically.
Why wouldn’t Larkin give a specific tax percentage?
A: Politicians often avoid specific numbers because:
- It can be used against them in ads
- Tax policy is complex with many brackets and deductions
- He may want flexibility to negotiate if elected
- "Soak the rich" slogans poll better than specific rate hikes
What’s the difference between a Democrat and a Democratic Socialist?
A: Regular Democrats generally support capitalism with regulations and safety nets. Democratic Socialists want to fundamentally change the economic system — moving major industries (healthcare, energy, banking) into public ownership and dramatically expanding government programs.
Who is Karl Marx and why does he matter here?
A: Karl Marx (1818–1883) was a German philosopher who wrote The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital. He’s the father of modern communism. The phrase "from each according to ability, to each according to needs" comes from his 1875 writing. When Larkin endorsed this concept, he was aligning himself with Marxist theory.
What happens after Tuesday’s primary?
A: The winner faces the Republican candidate in November’s general election. The district has historically favored Democrats, but Republicans see it as a "prime target" this cycle — meaning they think they have a good chance to flip it if the Democratic nominee is seen as too far left.