These numbers are from a newly released Gallup Poll -- done between June 2nd and 7th of a random national sample of 1,527 adults, and has a margin of error of 3 points.
It shows that a lot of past barriers preventing people from getting elected as president seem to have been overcome. Even two groups who experience a lot of discrimination -- atheists and muslims -- now have a significant majority who say they could vote for someone with that background. But there is one group that still has more people saying they wouldn't vote for them than saying they would -- socialists.
Around a hundred years of propaganda by right-wing capitalists is still having an effect on too many Americans. Half of the population (50%) would not vote for an admitted and open socialist, while only 47% say they could vote for a socialist. It seems that too many people still believe the right-wing lies about socialism (that it means communism and dictatorship). It's not true, but ingrained perceptions are hard to change.
There is some evidence that this could change. Note that 69% of young people (age 18 to 29) say they could vote for a socialist. But that is for the future. Right now the baby boomers rule the electoral roost (voting in much larger numbers than young people), and only 34% to 37% of them would vote for an admitted socialist.
This is something that Democrats need to keep in mind, because one of their candidates has run (and been elected) repeatedly as a socialist -- and if that candidate wins the nomination, you can bet the Republicans make sure every American knows that.
As a socialist myself, I wish it wasn't that way -- but it is. America hasn't grown up enough to accept socialism (unless it is disguised as something else). The United States has many socialist elements -- Social Security, Medicare, unemployment insurance, free public education, food stamps, etc. -- but none of them could have been passed if they had worn the socialist label.
America is trending toward socialism, but the sad fact is, it's still not ready to vote for someone who wears the socialist label.
Demonstrating that 'mericans in general are stupid!!!
ReplyDeleteThey have NO idea what socialism is much less what communism is.
They are sheeple listening to the shepherd who has his own evil agenda for the sheeple.
I'm just happy that the Atheists fared well in this poll. That's a hopeful change!
ReplyDeleteI don't believe those polls..at all...
ReplyDeleteEh, it's just what Ted does now. He looks at polling more often than Karl Rove, and worse yet, makes graphs out of them (with odd mistakes) and tells us what he thinks they mean. Fox-ish interpretation, all designed with the one goal in mind.
ReplyDeleteHe's not convincing anybody with this daily drivel, but that's not deterring him in the slightest.
I used to have great respect for what you published here, my friend, but you're so lost in the weeds at this point you're probably not redeemable.
Well PD that is an Ad Hominid attack and your comment is of no value except as a personal view.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to say that Ted is lying then put a link to the real data (preferred) or show your own graphs/data.
And yes I don't KNOW that Ted is correct in his graphs, but I do know that many 'mericans think socialism is communism and that they are evil because RUSSIA!!!! Which is total stupidity as RUSSIA never had either.
I believe you mean "ad hominem". Which is a false accusation.
ReplyDeleteI didn't call Ted a liar. Never have, never will. I said he made odd mistakes with his graphs. And no, I'm not going to point them out to you (or Ted). I have better things to do with my time.