Turning 2020 into a referendum on AOC and socialism is good news for Democrats

For one thing, Democrats are more likely to see socialism as promoting equality, and inequality has become one of the hottest political topics. The economy may be doing well, but Americans are painfully aware that most of the gains are going to those at the top. So while “socialism” is still a tough sell (among all Americans, only 37 percent had a positive view of socialism in 2018), a lot of policies that smack of “socialism” have strong public support. These include Medicare for All and raising taxes on the wealthy, policies that only a few years ago were considered radical.

A Green New Deal that would end U.S. dependence on carbon-based energy? More than 80 percent of voters like the idea, including 64 percent of Republicans. Despite the fact that two-thirds believe that a Green New Deal is a “largely socialist” policy.