Polling questions such as this one are very sensitive to word choice. They are also very sensitive to whatever questions immediately preceded question about socialism. Therefore, this finding should be interpreted by giving consideration to additional polling data.
Consider also the following Gallup question: "Do you feel that the distribution of money and wealth in this country [U.S.] today is fair, or do you feel that the money and wealth in this country should be more evenly distributed among a larger percentage of the people?" In October 2008, 58% answered that it "should be more evenly distributed." In April 2008, 68% gave this response.
On the other hand, Pew conducted a survey and asked the following question: “Some people think of American society as divided into two groups, the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots,’ while others think it’s incorrect to think of America that way. Do you, yourself, think of America as divided into haves and have-nots, or don’t you think of America that way?” The proportion of respondents answering that they do consider the U.S. as having such a class division showed an interesting pattern over time:
* October 2008: 44%
* June 2008: 49%
* October 2005: 48%
* March 2005: 38%
* April 1998: 39%
* July 1988: 26%
At any rate, I think this news report perhaps justifies something that I have been suspecting: the left should pay attention to polling data.
epoliticus
-- "In the tender annals of Political Economy, the idyllic reigns from time immemorial ... the present year of course always excepted." -- A German refugee, circa 1867 --
http://epoliticus.wordpress.com/