Socialism Is More Popular Than You Think, Mr. President
Most surveys show Trump would lose in a matchup against a democratic socialist named Bernie Sanders.
By John NicholsTwitter TODAY 5:16 PM
Excerpt:
Perhaps that is because, while Trump may think socialism is a scare word, and while many prominent Democrats may get scared when it is referenced, Sanders is comfortable discussing the ideology. Do they think Im afraid of the word? Im not afraid of the word, says Sanders.
On Tuesday night, the senator trumped Trumps born free
stay safe rhetoric with a simple observation that: People are not truly free when they cant afford health care, prescription drugs, or a place to live. People are not free when they cannot retire with dignity or feed their families.
Thats how Sanders does it. Hes not defensive. Hes aggressive. While Trump equates the humane democratic socialism that millions of Americans embrace with government coercion, domination and controlin a desperate attempt to narrow the discourseSanders makes honest comparisons that expand and enhance the dialogue.
I happen to believe that, if the American people understood the significant accomplishments that have taken place under social-democratic governments, democratic-socialist governments, labor governments throughout Europe, they would be shocked to know about those accomplishments, the senator told me several years ago. How many Americans know that in virtually every European country, when you have a baby, you get guaranteed time off and, depending on the country, significant financial benefits as well. Do the American people know that? I doubt it. Do the American people even know that were the only major Western industrialized country that doesnt guarantee healthcare for all? Most people dont know that. Do the American people know that in many countries throughout Europe, public colleges and universities are either tuition-free or very inexpensive?
The numbers dont tell us that America is a socialist country. But they do suggest that Americans are intrigued by socialism as an alternative to capitalism. Thirty-seven percent of Americans now view socialism positively, according to a Gallup survey from last year. And among the rising generation of voters, the numbers are substantially higher. Americans aged 18 to 29 are as positive about socialism (51 percent) as they are about capitalism (45 percent), explains the Gallup analysis. This represents a 12-point decline in young adults positive views of capitalism in just the past two years and a marked shift since 2010, when 68 percent viewed it positively.
https://www.thenation.com/article/socialism-sotu-donald-trump-bernie-sanders/