Joe Biden left no mistake he is not a fan of socialism during a recent speech before the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.

CNN reports even as self-described "democratic socialist" and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders tops the field in several state polls in his run for the presidency, the current vice president left little question as to how he feels on that matter.

"We need -- not just in my country, but in other countries -- a more progressive tax code," he said.

"Not confiscatory policy, not socialism, a tax code. Everybody pays proportionally a fair share. This is not meant to penalize everybody."

Later, a spokesperson from Biden's office insisted that his words were not meant as an indictment of Sanders, but as a reminder of his long-held views on economic fairness, boosting the middle class and encouraging corporate responsibility.

In times past, President Barack Obama has also sought to emphasize some of his administration's policies by highlighting principles they are opposed to. As recently as 2014, Obama vehemently defended his economic agenda against claims of socialism.

Explaining how he'd fund new education initiatives, Obama said, "We'd pay for it in part by closing tax loopholes for companies that are shipping their profits overseas. It's not crazy, it's not socialism."

Obama took on the same stance during his 2012 reelection campaign, telling voters, "I believe that in a society as wealthy as ours, we should have a commitment to our seniors and to the disabled. That's not a sign of weakness. That's not socialism."

Despite all the back and forth on the issue within his own party, Sanders continues to show signs of prospering.

Recent polls in Iowa and New Hampshire have him either leading the field or running neck and neck with Clinton in the race for the democratic nomination. In addition, a recent Des Moines Register/Bloomberg poll in Iowa finds 43 percent of likely Democratic caucus-goers identify as "socialist" rather than as "capitalist."

USA Today also reports a CNN/ORC poll finds Sanders leading Clinton in Iowa 51 percent to 43 percent.

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