Americans hate Socialism -- but they love socialist policies

[Poiuyt]

Silver noted that “public opinion is complicated.” He explained that so-called “socialist” goals like greater income redistribution “are often quite popular. But ‘socialism’ as a brand or label is really unpopular.”

Programs like Medicare, Social Security, public education, fire departments, police, libraries, public parks and others are all examples of socialist programs or socially funded projects are all popular, and the public wants to see more significant investments.

https://www.rawstory.com/2019/03/americans-hate-socialism-love-socialist-policies-polling-expert/

I always tell people to just look at the actual policies, rather than if it's labeled socialist, progressive, or liberal. These policies are mainstream—people like them. And the more a person is educated about a particular policy, the more they favor the liberal viewpoint. They just don't want to be labeled as a liberal.

(Republicans are much better at controlling the message than Democrats).

[JI7]

1. depends on how they are thinking of it. one can like those programs while being opposed

to a socialist economic system where state has control over production.

supporting taxes to pay for programs is different.

in the case of republicans their problem is more that minorities benefit from the programs.

[Progressive Jones]

2. Too many people hear the word "socialism", and think "Soviet Union".

Too many Americans are basically politically illiterate.

The party is over. It's time for more to pay attention.

[LonePirate]

4. Bingo. Many Americans confuse socialism and communism so they hate socialism.

[Xolodno]

5. Yeap.

Socialism = Communism ...for many. Despite the fact they are not the same systems. But decades of anti-Soviet propaganda has conditioned a lot of minds. Its going to be awhile before the populace wakes the fuck up.

Side note; Communism is actually a good idea on paper...along with pure capitalism. But in implementation, fail horrendously.

[ooky]

3. That's why its important to get our socialist policies written down into bills and pass them

in the House.

Then if people want them they will have to vote for us in 2020, because they damn sure won't get passed out of a Republican controlled Senate.

[IluvPitties]

6. Reject the labels. Embrace the policies.

[Grasswire2]

7. Perhaps Dems should prepare a PR campaign that reaches into middle America.

Obviously, educating the public would have great benefits.

And not delivered by politicians who have labels.

Perhaps labor unions should carry the message.

[Poiuyt]

9. A PR campaign would be great

Dems need to do something to change the negative connotation of the word.

[Grasswire2]

10. Buy poster space on city transit, for example.

Get local unions involved in outreach to community events. Hold teach-ins.

The message of democratic socialism is populist. The people already want the policies and programs. They just don't connect Dems as the providers of their most precious benefits and rights.

[ChoppinBroccoli]

8. Just Like People Hated Obamacare But Loved The Affordable Care Act

It's the brainwashing.

[Grasswire2]

11. Re-framing needed. nt