Poll: Most Americans unwilling to vote for a socialist

Americans say they are more likely to support an atheist than a socialist for president next year, according to the latest Gallup survey, released Monday.

Just 47 percent of Americans would vote for a socialist if their party nominated one, while 50 percent said they would not, while 58 percent said they would have no problem voting for an atheist in their party.


Independent Bernie Sanders is the only self-described “democratic socialist” in the race, though he’s running as a Democrat. He’s has been gaining in the polls in recent weeks, and 91 percent also told Gallup they would vote for a Jewish candidate. (Sanders is, so far, the lone Jewish candidate.)

By comparison, 93 percent said they would vote for a Roman Catholic. Five declared candidates in the race are Catholic: Democrat Martin O’Malley and Republicans Jeb Bush, George Pataki, Marco Rubio and Rick Santorum. (New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is also Catholic, but he has not announced a presidential bid.)

As far as black candidates, 92 percent said they would vote for one. Republican Ben Carson is the only African-American running for president in 2016 so far.

For women, 92 percent also said they would vote for one. Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Carly Fiorina are the only women running in either major party.

Asked about Hispanic candidates, 91 percent of Americans said they would vote for one (Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz are the only two running so far).

Public approval along religious and ideological backgrounds drops off after that point, with 81 percent for a Mormon candidate, 74 percent for a gay or lesbian candidate, 73 percent for an evangelical Christian candidate and 60 percent for a Muslim candidate.

Republicans are much more likely to back an evangelical Christian candidate (84 percent to independents’ 73 percent and Democrats’ 66 percent), while Democrats are much more likely to back a socialist candidate (59 percent to independents’ 49 percent and Republicans’ 26 percent).

Statistically speaking, there are no differences in either party in their willingness to vote for a Hispanic, black or female candidate.

The poll, conducted June 2-7, surveyed 1,527 adults nationwide on the telephone, carrying an overall margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.