A new Pew Research poll finds that “a much larger share of Americans have a positive impression of capitalism (65%) than socialism (42%).” The partisan gap is significant, though: “Nearly eight-in-ten Republicans and Republican leaning independents (78%) express somewhat or very positive reactions to the term, while just over half of Democrats and Democratic leaners (55%) say they have a positive impression.” The intensity of anti-socialism sentiment (63% of Republicans have a very negative view) dwarfs that of pro-socialism sentiment (only 14% of Democrats have a very positive view).
• Some Americans don’t consider socialism and capitalism mutually exclusive.