Nearly one-third of Democrats like a political leader who identifies as a Democratic Socialist, a new Pew Research Center poll found. This reflects recent Democrat primaries that produced problematic candidates for the general election, like in Colorado’s 8th congressional district. It’s also a warning sign to the Democratic Party if it hopes to increase its chances at winning control of the U.S. House and Senate.
By The Numbers:
Thirty-two percent of Democrats or voters leaning Democrat like Democratic Socialist party leaders, while only 11% dislike. Fifty-six percent neither like or dislike. Fifty-two percent of liberals like, while just four percent dislike.
Democrats who are white, younger, or college-educated are more likely to view Democratic Socialists positively: 39% of those 18-39 years old; 35% of those 30-49 years old; 41% of those with a college degree; and 40% of white voters. Compare that to just 27% of those 65 years old and older who view Democratic Socialists positively; 25% of those 50-64 years old; 26% of those without a college degree; 20% of Hispanics, 30% of Asians, and 21% of black voters.
The Bottom Line: Socialists running in deep-blue districts and cities can keep saying outrageous things and win. But those places won’t help Democrats take control of the U.S. House or Senate. History is on Democrats’ side, but the louder and stronger their Democratic Socialist wing grows, the more their chances in battleground races fall.
