MSNBC: Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is considering an Independent 2020 presidential bid, and he tells 'Morning Joe' why he doesn't believe what the Democratic Party stands for, why he sees himself as a legitimate Independent choice and what he really thinks about Elizabeth Warren. Schultz responded to critics of his personal fortune and being a billionaire in America. "I've also been criticized for being a billionaire," Schultz said Wednesday. "Let's talk about that. I'm self-made. I grew up in the project in Brooklyn, New York. I thought that was the American dream, the aspiration of America. You're going to criticize me for -- for being successful when in my company over the last 30 years, the only company in America that gave comprehensive health insurance, equity in the form of stock options, and free college tuition? And Elizabeth Warren wants to criticize me for being successful?" "I'm not a Democrat," Schultz told the 'Morning Joe' panel. "I don't affiliate myself with the Democrat Party who is so far left, who basically wants the government to take over health care, which we cannot afford, the government to give free college to everybody and the government to give everyone a job, which basically is $40 trillion on the balance sheet of $21.5 trillion. We can't afford it." Watch the full interview: <iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_8Jn0lOGXCs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> Interview highlights: <blockquote>Schultz: The government is not going to suddenly start working if a Democrat is elected. Schultz on criticism of being a billionaire: "I'm self-made. I grew up in the project in Brooklyn, New York. I thought that was the American's dream, the aspiration of America." He was incredulous that people like Sen. Elizabeth Warren would criticize him for being successful. Schultz said the government needs to be "interrupted" because it is not working and challenged the panel to name anything in government that works.</blockquote> Schultz also revealed that Warren sought a donation from him for a Senate campaign and <a href="https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2019/01/30/howard_schultz_elizabeth_warrens_programs_will_lead_to_socialism_in_america.html">he declined because she's a "socialist."</a> "She came to see me a few years ago and asked me for a contribution for her Senate race," he shared. "Did you give it to her?" co-host Mika Brzezinski inquired. "I did not," Schultz answered. "I don't believe what Elizabeth Warren stands for," Schultz said Wednesday. "I don't believe the country should be heading to socialism." "I think she believes in programs that will lead to a level of socialism in America. She's a smart woman. I respect her. This isn't personal. I just don't agree with her," he added.