Powerline 12/12/2025
The word “capitalism” was invented by leftists to disparage Europe’s predominant economic system in the 19th century. While he didn’t invent the word, Karl Marx was its main popularizer. So the term was originally intended, and has always been used by the Left, as a term of disparagement. Nevertheless, conservatives have generally adopted the word “capitalism” and have sought to defend it.
Meanwhile, throughout the 20th century, “socialism” was a widely popular concept in Europe but was anathema in America. More recently, polls have suggested that, as a result of far-left indoctrination in the schools, many young Americans have become enamored of socialism.
We decided to test these concepts with voters in the Thinking Minnesota Poll that will be released in a few weeks. We asked Minnesotans whether they have a favorable or unfavorable view of capitalism, free enterprise, socialism and communism. While the poll was done in Minnesota (500 registered voters), I think the results would be similar on a national basis.
We included the term “free enterprise” at my suggestion, as I generally use that term rather than “capitalism.” I have long thought that conservatives’ adoption of the Left’s pejorative “capitalism” was a mistake, and that “free enterprise” would resonate positively with more Americans. The results of our poll support that view.
Overall, these are the favorable/unfavorable percentages for each of the four ideologies among the entire sample group:
Free enterprise: 69%/11%
Capitalism: 58%/29%
Socialism: 34%/53%
Communism: 6%/82%
More:
https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2025/12/socialism-capitalism-and-free-enterprise.php
