What Americans think about socialism and capitalism, according to a new Gallup poll

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Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., left, and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani greet the crowd during a town hall on Saturday, Sept, 6, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)

WASHINGTON – For years, Republicans have disparaged their political rivals by describing them as socialists. But that may not be the insult it once was for rank-and-file Democrats, who have warmed to socialism and increasingly see “capitalism” as a barb.

A new Gallup poll finds that while U.S. adults overall are more likely to have a positive view of capitalism than socialism, Democrats feel differently. According to the survey, only 42% of Democrats view capitalism favorably, while 66% have a positive view of socialism.

Capitalism's imag