Just 7% of voters ‘enthusiastic’ about socialism: Poll

There much ado in the news media about the rise of socialism among millennials, even as self-described democratic socialists are emerging in politics with attractive promises for a better life.

But is socialism chic genuine, or just a passing fancy? The reviews are tepid at best.

In reality, a mere 7 percent of Americans are “enthusiastic” about socialism, according to a comprehensive poll from YouGov. Others are simply “uncomfortable,” many believe that calling someone a “socialist” is an insult, while about a fifth say they are comfortable with socialism. Here are the complete numbers:

• 41 percent of registered U.S. voters would be “very uncomfortable” with a socialist candidate for president; 66 percent of Republicans, 37 percent of independents and 19 percent of Democrats agree.

• 38 percent of voters overall say calling someone a socialist is an insult; 58 percent of Republicans, 28 percent of independents and 18 percent of Democrats agree.

• 33 percent of overall would “have some reservations” about a socialist candidate; 21 percent of Republicans, 34 percent of independents and 40 percent of Democrats agree.

• 22 percent of overall would be “comfortable” with a socialist candidate; 8 percent of Republicans, 22 percent of independents and 31 percent of Democrats agree.

• 7 percent of overall would be “enthusiastic” about a socialist candidate; 5 percent of Republicans, 7 percent of independents and 10 percent of Democrats agree.

Source: A YouGov survey of 856 registered U.S. voters conducted Aug. 1-2 and released Friday