More Americans than ever now have a positive view of socialism, new poll says, tell me about this news in (https://www.foxnews.com/media/more-americans-than-ever-positive-view-socialism-new-poll-says)
25-09-2026
The Fox News article covers findings from a Gallup poll measuring American perceptions of socialism, capitalism, and related economic concepts:
• Record-High Favorability for Socialism: A record 43% of Americans now view socialism positively, marking the highest level recorded since Gallup began asking the question in 2010.
• The Driver of the Shift: While previous rises were primarily fueled by Democrats (reaching 66% in 2025 and 65% in this poll), the latest increase was propelled by political independents, whose positive view jumped from 37% in 2025 to 45%. Among Republicans, favorability remained low at 14%.
• Capitalism Still Ahead, But Declining: Capitalism retains an overall majority with 55% viewing it positively. However, positive sentiment toward big business dropped 14 points since 2010, free enterprise fell 9 points, and capitalism declined 6 points. Small business was the only tested category that did not lose public support.
• Significant Generational Divide:
Adults aged 18 to 34 view socialism more favorably than capitalism (57% vs. 43%).
Adults aged 35 to 54 view both systems roughly equally.
Adults aged 55 and older strongly favor capitalism over socialism (65% vs. 34%).
• Expert and Political Analysis:
Political analysts cited in the article, including Lucas Holtz from the centrist think tank Third Way, argue the trend reflects growing frustration with the economic status quo and everyday costs rather than a full embrace of democratic socialist governance, pointing to polling showing that specific socialist policy proposals (such as government takeovers of energy infrastructure or ending deportations) continue to lose broad support.
Northeastern University professor Costas Panagopoulos noted that independents in particular may be warming to socialism because they feel overlooked or neglected by modern American capitalism.