Poll weighs socialism, capitalism, progressives

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We already knew that ‘socialism’’ is a loaded word.

Yet, for all that has transpired during the last two years, the basic American fondness for ‘capitalism’’ remains somewhat steady.

And liberals? Forget it. They’re ‘progressives.’ If those critics who have accused the Obama administration of advancing a socialist agenda with healthcare reform and other initiatives have struck a nerve, it could be because 59% of Americans surveyed reacted negatively to the word socialism.

Capitalism is faring somewhat better despite the collapse of the financial markets and with them the retirement funds of many Americans: 52% reacted positively to the word.

These are among the findings released Tuesday the Pew Research Center.

Socialism also is more of a fighting word among Republicans -- 77% reacted negatively to the term in the Pew survey. Democrats are more open-minded to the idea -- as House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) has alleged all along: 44% reacted positively to the term socialism, 47% reacted positively to the term capitalism.

For more details, head over to the Swamp.

-- Mark Silva