...but I do not think they means what you think they mean...
So the blogs were all a-twitter over the Gallup Poll last week that showed that 53% of Democrats/leaners have a positive view of socialism (I was going to do this post Friday but was busy buying a car...).
But you know, when you look at the poll, what it shows (I think) is just an American public that's somewhat confused about labels...and actually a liberal American public that's a bit more confused about what it believes.
Here's the breakdown by party:
...what jumps out at me?
53% of the Democrats (and leaners) say they have a positive reaction to socialism. But 95% are positive on small business, 85% on free enterprise, 82% on entrepeneurs, and 53% on capitalism. Notice a contradiction??
Let's look at the breakdown by ideology:
Socialism is positively viewed by 20% / 39% / 61% (conservatives/moderates/liberals). But...
Free enterprise is liked by 89% / 82% / 87%.
Capitalism 68% / 52% / 60% - more liberals like capitalism than moderates!!
Interestingly, conservatives/Republicans were more consistent in their answers - 20% liked socialism, and 90% liked free enterprise.
I think that what this says is that the broad base of American voters aren't really all that comfortable with the fine meaning of broad political economy labels; I think the scare factor of labels like 'socialist' and 'capitalist' has been pretty thoroughly devalued and that the American public - correctly - doesn't know where the government's role in the economy ends and business' begins. They are correct because our national leaders don't know either.
And that's not a terrible thing. Governments have been meddling in markets to some extent here since the Founding.
But while it's not terrible that they are confused, I think it's problematic; problematic because I think we need a clear vision of our society, economy, and politics that resonates with the people and helps clarify the turbulent times we're in.
If only we had leaders who were visionaries and great imagemakers...oh, wait...
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