Poll: 7 in 10 Millennials likely to vote socialist; show increased support for communism

A frightening majority of Millennials say they are likely to vote for a socialist and are more supportive of communism, according to a new poll commissioned by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

The survey found that seven in ten Millennials, defined as those ages 23 to 38, say they are "somewhat likely" or "extremely likely" to vote for a socialist candidate. Half of Millennial respondents also said they have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of capitalism.

Millennials also expect more from government. Compared to other generations, they are about 25 percent less likely to say they trust in themselves over government and community, and 46 percent of respondents believe the current American economic system works against them. Nearly half of Millennials think the government should provide a job for anyone who wants to work but can't find one. Free college is popular too, with support from 45 percent of Millennials and 40 percent of Americans of all age groups surveyed.

Communism is less popular than socialism but is still viewed favorably by 36 percent of Millennial respondents. One in five Millennials think society would be better off if private property were abolished. A majority of only 57 percent of Millennials believe the Declaration of Independence better guarantees freedom and equality over the Communist Manifesto, compared with 94 percent of the Silent Generation and 89 percent of Boomers who favor the Declaration. Fifteen percent of Millennials think the world would be better off if the Soviet Union still existed.

As a whole, Americans still underestimate the horror of communism. A vast majority of 72 percent of Americans incorrectly state that communism has killed fewer than 100 million people in the past century.

“The historical amnesia about the dangers of communism and socialism is on full display in this year’s report," said Marion Smith, executive director of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. "When we don’t educate our youngest generations about the historical truth of 100 million victims murdered at the hands of communist regimes over the past century, we shouldn’t be surprised at their willingness to embrace Marxist ideas. We need to redouble our efforts to educate America’s youth about the history of communist regimes and the dangers of socialism today.”

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