An interest in Sanders -- but not socialism

Monday, June 22, 2015 - 10:00 StudyHall.Rocks

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks to a crowd in front of the United States Trade Representative's office in Washington, D.C. A presidential candidate, Sanders embraces Democratic socialism. Image: Sanders' Senate office.

At 73, Bernie Sanders is an unlikely rock star -- a balding Vermont senator and presidential candidate who openly declares himself a democratic socialist. But while he draws enthusiastic crowds, would those people actually vote for him?

In fact, half of all Americans said they would not vote for a socialist, according to a newly released Gallup poll.
Voters are open-minded in other ways. An overwhelming number -- more than 90 percent of Americans -- said they would vote for a woman, a Hispanic or an African-American candidate. More than 7 out of 10 would vote for a gay or lesbian candidate. Additionally:

More than nine out of 10 said they would vote for a Catholic or Jewish candidate.
Eight out of 10 would vote for a Mormon.
Seven out of 10 would vote for an evangelical Christian.
Six out of 10 would vote for a Muslim.
Seven out of 10 would vote for an atheist.

     But a socialist? Not so much. The poll found that 50 percent would not vote for a socialist, while 47 percent said they would.
     The numbers differ by age group. Sanders' politics do not appeal to his peers, but to voters young enough to be his grandchildren. Among those 18 to 29, 69 percent said that they would vote for a socialist. (Younger voters are generally more open-minded about candidates of any background. Gallup reports that 75 percent in that age group would vote for an atheist or an evangelical Christian; 76 percent would vote for a Muslim.)
     Those in Sanders’ age group see things differently. Among those 65 or older, only 34 percent would vote for a socialist.
     In American politics, the word “socialist” is often used as an accusation. It is defined in the Webster’s Dictionary as a political system "advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.” Sanders embraces the term without hesitation, often mentioning socialist governments in European countries that offer universal health care, retirement benefits and college tuition, but he has not been promoting government ownership of industries.

If you would like to comment, contact StudyHall.Rocks or like us on Facebook and tell us what you think.