Rasmussen has a poll about people’s choices between socialism and capitalism. Now, the obvious caveat is that it totally depends on how people define both those terms, but for what it’s worth, the results are interesting…

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided.

That really surprised me. But I have to say, I’m not even sure I know the true definition of socialism as anything other than something not capitalistic.

Republicans – by an 11-to-1 margin – favor capitalism. Democrats are much more closely divided: Just 39% say capitalism is better while 30% prefer socialism. As for those not affiliated with either major political party, 48% say capitalism is best, and 21% opt for socialism.

Based on the political winds lately, that doesn’t surprise me at all. Well, actually, I’m surprised that people admit preferring socialism. Somehow, current politicians want to be able say they support free-market capitalism at the same time as they vote to semi-nationalize banks, auto manufacturers, insurance companies, etc.