The capitalism-vs.-socialism debate is a hot topic of conversation heading into next year’s presidential election.
Google defines capitalism as “an economic and political system in which a country’s trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.”
Socialism, on the other hand, is “a political and economic theory of social organization which advocates that the means of production, distribution, and exchange should be owned or regulated by the community as a whole,” according to the search engine.
The Monmouth University Polling Institute surveyed Americans concerning their opinions regarding both socialism and capitalism. The survey found that in general, 39% of those polled have a positive view of capitalism while only 10% have a positive view of socialism.
The People’s Republic of China, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Laos People’s Democratic Republic and the Republic of Cuba are all self-declared Socialist states. Other countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Greece are multi-party states with governing Socialist parties.
“America will never be a socialist country,” President Donald Trump said in his State of the Union Address earlier this year. However, one of the top contenders vying for the chance to challenge Trump next November, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, is a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist.
Below are seven of the 21 Democrats running for president in 2020. Sanders is the only one to identify as a Democratic socialist. However, many Americans have pointed out similarities between the following candidates’ policies and socialist ideas. (RELATED: What Is The Craziest Policy Position Of 2020 Democrats)
Which of these Democratic candidates do you consider the biggest socialist? Vote: