So, your plan is to waste debate time and call yourself a Socialist.

No. That is a mischaracterization and oversimplification of what I wrote (like how did you get that from my second paragraph?). I'm already going to be called a socialist; and until the word and others like it are unpacked, they will always be used to fearmonger. Best to address it head-on and take away the power to demonize. I mean just see how many times Mamdani was asked about it during his latest interviews, including with NPR. You have to confront it because it's a curiosity with the unknown for so many people.

At its core, you must rewire the literal circuitry of people's brains to link policies -> socialism, or better yet, Nordic model. But if you don't strongly link these policies to a ideological package, people will feel adrift. It's why political parties are so attractive. People like pigeon-holing things. Granted, I would also say that I am not a socialist, but a social democrat and strong advocate of a mixed Nordic Model economy— which itself is overwhelmingly more palatable for swing-voters, and even some Trump supporters I've talked with.

Why not do something like say “This is what Ike backed back when he was President. Are you calling Ike a Communist?”

I'm open to saying that; but neither is that mutually-exclusive to what I intended to say. And if it was Trump I'm debating, he probably would say "yes, that Ike was a communist" or "no Ike couldn't be a commie, he was a Republican!" And then ramble on incoherently about cats & dogs.

No doubt, you need quick-witted quips back in debates that go on the attack, I agree. In fairness my response is probably better suited for a town hall or interview.