Can you tell the difference between real and fake Democrats and Republicans?
You’re about to see 10 statements that people wrote based one of two prompts: “I’m a democrat because…” or “I’m a republican because…”.
We randomly assigned each person to one prompt or the other, so they didn’t get to choose. (We offered them a bonus if their statement sounded convincing.)
That means some of these statements are real — the person is explaining why they belong to their actual political party. Some of these statements are fake — the person is pretending to belong to the opposite political party.
real statements: Democrats claiming to be Democrats, or Republicans claiming to be Republicans.
fake statements: Democrats claiming to be Republicans, or Republicans claiming to be Democrats.
Your job is to judge whether each statement is real or fake.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
usually their party platform matches my personal beliefs more than the other parties. I believe in working to earn what you want, in the sanctity of human life, in the use of the federal government for security and interstate commerce. I do not think the federal government should be involved in the details of its citizens' lives. Our forefathers fought for the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - not to guarantee everyone everything that their heart desires or to be equal to others in every way. I believe the federal government should be fiscally responsible and stick to a balanced budget and that taxes should be cut to provide only those services that need to be performed by the federal government.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a democrat because I believe that the government should be involved in the economy. I believe in protecting the environment and making the world a better place to live in. I think that college should be more affordable and there should be universal healthcare. I like that the democratic party cares about the social welfare of the people and that is one of the reasons why I chose to become a democrat myself. I want the government to take care of the people and make it so that everyone has a fair chance at life. I really believe in these causes and support my party.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican because i believe in this like having the right own and bear arms. I believe in fewer regulations on the general public and society. I believe in less taxes, i believe that if war is needed to sustain the free life style then so be it. I believe that we should have the free will to vote as we please, I am strongly conservative and am pro life. I believe that the constitution should be followed no matter what the democratic party thinks. I should be able to see any monument i want with worrying about it be torn down by a bunch of snowflakes!
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in the American dream. Everyone has the same right to work to make the best life for themselves. No one handed our founding fathers this country. They had to fight for it. We need to keep fighting to keep our country safe from terrorists and people who are illegally coming here to take advantage of all of the benefits Americans have worked hard for. I mean I wish college could be free and everyone could have healthcare and immigrants could figure out how to work the path to citizenship or whatever, but none of that is realistic or fair. America is the greatest country on earth, and it's because real Americans want to work hard to keep everything running. I'm a Republican because it doesn't make sense to force some people to work hard so that people who are lazy don't have to (just saying).
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because, despite their flaws, the Democratic Party promotes a government that helps people and brings us together to solve problems. The Democratic Party is the only party right now that seems interested in helping marginalized people (whether that's because of race, poverty, mental illness, etc.) make better lives for themselves and find peace and contentment. The Republican Party, as it stands now, has shown itself to be uninterested in helping working-class people and is more interested in adding even more to the piles of money and resources that the wealthy already have. And that's before I even get to Trump. The Democratic Party has shown itself to be more interested in actually doing its civic duties while in office, while Trump and his Republican enablers have shown themselves to be either cowards who hold their tongues despite the damage that's occurring to our society and our institutions or actively working to cause harm.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in the strong foundations and morals this country was founded upon. The GOP, or Grand Old Party, represents the strengths and values that formed this great nation. A sense of pride, a strong sense of community and working together as one, and building strong economical cores are the qualities that started this great nation, and these are the same important qualities that will help it continue to thrive into the future. I am so proud to be a Republican. We strive for greatness not for ourselves, but for everyone in this great country.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican for many reasons relating to social and economic issues primarily in america. I am strongly against abortion because I actually went into labor at 22 weeks and had weekly ultrasounds, i saw how much my kids were human even at that point. The connection a person has with a baby growing inside them is natural and to think that there are people who dont feel the same sort of sickens me. I have worked hard for everything I have, which isnt much, but to live and see others who do nothing and get free handouts is crazy - they buy steaks with food stamps where i can barely afford chicken. The fact that people want to make these programs bigger when they are often living better than me just boggles my mind. All sides have issues, but i cant stand with people who want to kill baby humans or take my money to let people eat steak every night.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I agree with the position the party has on several key issues. I am very conservative and believe that everyone should be able to practice their religion without forcing it on others. I do not think that socialism works, but that a representative democracy is a good system for government, as well as capitalism for the economy. I am against abortion because life is an unalienable right (Declaration of Independence). Illegal immigration is, well, illegal, and should remain that way; one of the government's main responsibilities is to protect its citizens from enemies both foreign and domestic. Although I do agree with several key points in the Republican party, I don't agree with some of the members in the party - their beliefs and actions (especially the more liberal kind), so I'm not a die-hard supporter. But, with this country only having two parties that carry enough weight to win a Presidential election, and with as many issues as I agree with in the Republican party, I identify with that party a lot. I don't understand members of the other party at all. In fact, since I've encountered and watched so much hostility in basic conversations where two people simply disagree (the Democrats being hostile instead of being civil), I tend to avoid talking to other Democrats unless necessary for mundane things - definitely nothing political. I don't understand why people can't work together peacefully, instead of vilifying everyone who disagrees with them. So yes, I like being Republican, and believe in the ability to have a civil conversation where you disagree with another person while holding to your own beliefs.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in the old way of doing things. I believe in family values, honesty, integrity. I believe that if you are born a woman, you are a woman. If you are born a man, you are a man. I believe that marriage means one man and one woman. I believe you should spank your kids when they disobey, you should teach them respect for their elders. I feel that every American should work for what he has and not be so dependent on government handouts and being supported by hard working american taxpayers. I believe you should only get what you have worked for.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in democracy. I believe that as Americans we should focus on Americans and America first. This means providing for legal citizens only. It also means closing borders and stopping immigration and asylum seekers from coming into the country. America has strayed far from its original values and we need to go back. Abortions should be illegal and Roe v Wade should be overturned. America should also focus more on helping middle class citizens, meaning less free handouts. Cuts should be made to welfare and people should be required to have a job if they want any kind of benefits.
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