Democrats favor socialism over capitalism in new poll

A CBS News/YouGov poll reveals a significant ideological shift within the Democratic Party, showing that 58% of Democrats hold a positive view of socialism compared to just 32% who view capitalism favorably. This divide is even more pronounced among college-educated Democrats, where 71% favor socialism. In contrast, the broader American public maintains a more traditional preference, with 46% viewing capitalism positively and 35% viewing socialism positively.

Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) reacted to the findings on social media, calling the results “lunacy” and warning that the Democratic Party is “becoming the party of socialism.” Fetterman identified himself as a “proud free market capitalist.” The poll results come amid a period of internal debate as candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America have secured several primary victories.

While the general public expresses strong support for the free market—with 66% stating it is good for the U.S. economy—the data suggests a disconnect regarding specific policies. For instance, a majority of Democrats, Republicans, and independents surveyed expressed support for government price controls, a policy often associated with increased state intervention.