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…”
I haven't always been a Republican. When I was young I was a pretty strong democrat. I wanted free healthcare. I wanted reduced and honestly free college tuition. I supported gun control even though I never really wanted to own a gun. I believed all these things until I joined the workforce and met someone called the IRS. You see, the government requires a little thing called taxes. These taxes pay for government expenses and when you increase expenses on things like free healthcare and college tuition your state and federal taxes rise. I didn't care at first because I never made enough money but soon I moved to a new tax bracket and saw how much really is taken out of my paycheck. After this I started to educate myself on politics and what I thought would benefit me and my family. I saw the faults in the democratic platform and how republican more aligned with my interests and needs. I don't hate democrats or independents, I just think the country is more successful and fulfilling under a republican ran platform.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican for four main reasons. I believe in the constitution of the United States and want to see it protected. I also believe in the republican idea of state's rights and that states should decide for themselves what laws they want to protect and defend. Third, I believe in a strong national defense that protects our homeland and helps keep our allies safe and prosperous. I also believe a strong military keeps us safer from terrorism. Finally, I believe in a free and open economy free from government regulations, that allows all who work hard to prosper.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
First off I am a Republican because when a Republican president is in the office my paycheck is bigger. Next is because I feel that Republicans are more protective of America, which is important to me as a patriotic citizen. We need to stand up for ourselves at home and on the world front. Another reason I am a Republican is because of their seemingly tougher stance on people trying to take advantage of the system. I don't like anyone taking advantage of anyone. The Republican party also seemingly follows Christian beliefs. I'm not necessarily a Christian now but was raised as one and for as long as I can remember I supported the party.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because of the values the Republican party backs. My personal beliefs, religious beliefs, and personal values align with the Republican party, and this party is one that I am able to stand behind with a clearer conscious than being with the Democratic party. More specifically as a Christian, values and stances from the Republican side align with my religious beliefs - one strong one being pro-life, which is something I personally feel very strongly about. Growing up, I had to learn what I personally stood for and from there listened to each side to make the best decision on what to label myself, which comes out as more things in common with the Republican side than the Democratic side by a huge amount.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a REPUBLICAN because I believe that our country has lost its grounding. I believe that all of the traits that this country was built on including hard work, patriotism and service to country are in decline as a result of people who no longer resonate with American values. I also am a REPUBLICAN as I believe that we need to support those individuals who have worked hard and earned everything on their own as opposed to being given handouts without exerting any effort or investment of their own. I believe that we need to remember the values that made this country great.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a REPUBLICAN because I support the majority of issues that Republicans are historically for, and am against those that Democrats tend to support. My morals, values, and beliefs are much more conservative than they are liberal. I could not be more against abortion, I feel it is legal murder, but it needs to be outlawed. I am against illegal immigration. Illegal is illegal no matter what it is, so why should immigration be any different? I am a firm believer in my protestant religion and am not for LGBTQ rights. I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman only. Affirmative action may sound good on the surface, but it ends up discriminating against many candidates who otherwise would have been seen and hired as the best candidate. Those are only the main issues that come to mind. Even if I were not from a state that is considered Republican, I would still be a Republican because my beliefs align with those of the GOP. If you could see my past voting history, you would definitely have NO doubts that I am a true Republican!
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe that everything and everyone should be made equal. I think that gun control is a good thing, and I think that too much money is going to rich people and that the government has too much control. I think that no one should be homeless or neglected no matter the causes, I also think that prisons should be sex offenders and violent offenders, not people addicted to drugs. I believe that immigrants are just as deserving and I believe that everyone no matter what race, gender or sexuality should be equal and respected no matter what.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I believe that all people should have the opportunity to live the American dream and escape dyer situations in unsafe countries. It is important that we welcome them with open arms and give them a direct path to citizenship. Healthcare should be available to all, and affordable. Premiums should be taken care of by the government, and additional coverage should not be outrageously priced. The current state of this country is not sustainable, and something needs to be done. There is no room for racism, sexism, hate of any type. I believe that we can do better for out future.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because in my family there is a long history of being and voting with the Democratic party. The other party really cares nothing about me, my values and my beliefs. I want to make this country a better place by voting for people who implement the policies that I believe in. For too long the other party has been catering to the rich and not caring about my lot in life. Too many tax cuts for the rich. I want everyone to pay their fair share and contribute to programs that help the rest of us cope with modern day America.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a democrat because it is the party that most closely aligns to my beliefs about society and how this country should move forward into the future that is beneficial for everyone. Ideally, I desire a political party that will promote ecological preservation. One that will improve social equality across gender, racial, and sexual orientation lines (among others! Economical equality is important too.) Along that line of thought, the massive inequality in wages needs to be addressed, along with the monopoly of corporations and immense corporate influence in the political sphere today. Now, not all of those things will necessarily be addressed by every democratic candidate, but I believe I have a far better shot at getting at majority of my opinions expressed through this party than any other.
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