I would then ask your friend, "Then which special interest groups would God listen to?" :)
Socialism is usually used as an economic word and while Jesus spoke more about money than any other subject, I wonder if he would agree with the tenants and philosophy of socialism. Yes, Jesus told us to "pay to Caesar what is Caesar's" (taxes, govt. policies, etc.) but he also valued the wise servant by rewarding the one who matched the ten talents of his master while giving nothing to the one who was lazy and hid his talent. Socialism wants to make the social economic playing equal and spread the assets, land, income, taxes to the rest of society. But if the servant with ten talents knew that his efforts, sweat and labor would not benefit his family but actually reward the lazy servant, would he try or work hard to obtain his income? We lose a sense of responsibility and work ethic when we depend on others. That being said, a capitalistic society can very easily forget and ignore those who cannot work hard, are sick or been dealt a bad deck of cards. That's when His grace, mercy and compassion can become a magnificent display of the love of Christ. We should be wise and vigorous with our work and compassionate and social with our love.
Finally, I would ask your friend, "If God were running for political office, how would he advertise?" Dreams and visions, writing in the clouds, TV commercials with Peter, James, and John?