A MAGA-aligned pastor's argument that Republicans should embrace elements of socialism has triggered a sharp response from Sen. Ted Cruz, who said conservatives who support the idea cannot claim the Republican or America First labels.
Joel Webbon made the case in a 21 September episode of The NXR Podcast, arguing that universal suffrage puts conservatives at a political disadvantage when Democrats promise voters government benefits.
Webbon Says Republicans Face a Choice
Webbon titled his episode The Right Must Embrace Socialism To Win, laying out what he described as a problem created by modern democratic politics.
He argued that voters can support candidates who promise tangible benefits, while Republicans have traditionally been more reluctant to offer what he described as government-provided 'free stuff'.
'The conservative party is at a permanent disadvantage if they don't embrace some elements of socialism,' Webbon said.
His argument was not that Republicans should simply copy Democrats. Instead, he said the GOP could offer benefits to its own supporters, including families, as a way of competing electorally.
Webbon also presented a second option, arguing that conservatives could reject the universal-suffrage system itself. He later clarified that he was describing what he believed could happen rather than prescribing the elimination of democracy.
The Right Must Embrace Socialism To Win pic.twitter.com/r3droYWa8I
— Joel Webbon (@JoelWebbon) September 21, 2026
Cruz Says Socialism Crosses a Republican Line
The argument quickly drew criticism from other conservatives, including Cruz, who directly addressed Webbon's proposal.
'No principled conservative can support the woke right. Nor can any principled libertarian,' Cruz wrote on X. 'Racist socialists belong with the Democrats. If you agree with the socialists taking over the Democrat party...then you are not a Republican, not America First & not a conservative.'
No principled conservative can support the woke right.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) September 22, 2026
Nor can any principled libertarian.
Racist socialists belong with the Democrats.
If you agree with the socialists taking over the Democrat party…then you are not a Republican, not America First & not a conservative. pic.twitter.com/fGi5vCc4pD
Cruz's response framed the dispute as a question of political principles rather than simply campaign strategy.
In his Rising commentary, Robby Soave similarly rejected Webbon's proposal, arguing that Republicans should not respond to Democratic welfare policies by creating their own version of what he called 'right-wing socialism'. The Hill segment identified Cruz's remarks as part of the backlash to Webbon's proposal.
Webbon Defends His Argument Against Critics
Webbon pushed back against the criticism, explaining that his argument centred on what he sees as an imbalance between the parties.
According to the discussion, he argued Democrats can attract voters by promising financial benefits, while Republicans often campaign on limiting government instead. His proposed answer was for conservatives to offer tangible economic benefits of their own.
However, Webbon also argued that Republicans should instead focus on reducing taxes and regulations rather than creating new redistribution programmes. He specifically pointed to policies involving agencies including the EPA, IRS and Department of Housing and Urban Development as areas where government intervention can raise costs for Americans.
That position created an apparent tension in the debate. Webbon used the phrase 'embrace some elements of socialism' when discussing electoral strategy, but later argued that the right should pursue smaller government and allow people to retain more of their earnings.
The clash therefore reflects a wider argument within the American right over whether Republicans should prioritise traditional limited-government principles or adopt more interventionist economic policies to appeal to voters.
