How Americans Feel About Socialism: What Polls Show

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorNew polls and primary results show socialism is getting more popular, even though Americans disagree on what it means.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorPhilomena Axelrod runs an institute that studies exactly that.

3. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo, Philomena, what does socialism mean? Give me the plain version before my second coffee wears off.

4. PA

   Philomena AxelrodGreat question, Vera. People use the word for everything from a library to a group project. The definition is forthcoming.

5. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorForthcoming from where? You run the institute, and it's quarter to six.

6. PA

   Philomena AxelrodWe've been very busy tracking the polls, which show the word is popular. The definition is forthcoming, and it's in this thermos.

7. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe thermos?

8. PA

   Philomena AxelrodIt's secure. I've carried it through every primary this year, and I shake it before each election so the word stays fresh.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo voters are telling pollsters they like something, and the one group paid to define it has been guarding a thermos.

10. PA

    Philomena AxelrodWe prefer the term custodians. And I'd point out that nobody has asked the thermos to run for anything. The definition is forthcoming.

11. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorI'm asking you one more time, and I'll say it slowly: what does it mean?

12. PA

    Philomena AxelrodFine, I'll open it live, because the people deserve answers. It's cold coffee. It's been cold coffee since two thousand twelve.

13. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWell, that clears it up, and the definition is forthcoming for me too.

14. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBrock, is it socialist weather out there, or are the clouds still private?