'Socialism' isn't the put-down it once was, a Gallup poll suggests

Younger Democrats are leaning left as capitalism loses favor

For years, Republicans have disparaged their political rivals by describing them as socialists. But that may not be the insult it once was for rank-and-file Democrats, who have warmed to socialism and increasingly see "capitalism" as a barb.

A new Gallup poll finds that while U.S. adults overall are more likely to have a positive view of capitalism than socialism, Democrats feel differently. According to the survey, only 42 percent of Democrats view capitalism favorably, while 66 percent have a positive view of socialism.