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 am a REPUBLICAN because I strongly believe in limited government and personal freedom. This country was founded so people could pursue their dreams and not be encumbered by rules or government. This applied to who your worship, what you said, where you could assemble and your ability to own private property. While I do not agree with the Republicans on everything, they are the party the best protects those freedoms. Today, progressives are not for speech (unless it what they agree with it) and they enjoy taking away private property or forcing people to buy things they think are needed. They also like to prevent people from buying certain things. Republicans talk about less spending and less taxes more so than the other party but neither do a good job of reducing spending. The Republicans are far form perfect but they represent my values more so than others.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe in free college tuition. I believe in free enterprise. I believe in a fair tax system that benefits the rich, and poor. I am a democrat because I believe we live in a free economic market for small businesses and markets. The rich aren't always to blame for their riches, the poor aren't always to blame for living in poverty. Donating to the rich is not going to create jobs around the world. I believe in limited government, and I embrace equality, and diversity. I believe in all of these, I am a democrat.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I resonate with the beliefs of my party. I am against the bigotry defined by the Republican party i want my daughter to grow up in a world where she is respected as a woman. I want my neighbors to have the same quality of life as me despite whatever their skin color may be. I want the children of the world to grow up confident and know that there will always be someone looking out for them. I want them to have the best quality of life they can have. People should be free to live without fear of who they are.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a DEMOCRAT because it aligns with my sense of right and wrong. I believe the best thing we can do as individuals, the highest calling any of us has, is to make the world a better place for all. This can be accomplished by giving those less fortunate than ourselves a path to improve their lot in life. The opposite viewpoint, that everyone should be out for themselves and to hell with everyone else, strikes me as morally repugnant. We're all in this together, and by striving to give everyone an equal chance at success, we can make the world a safer, friendlier, more fulfilling place to live.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a democrat because I was raised a democrat. I believe in equal opportunities for all Americans, not just in pay rates and equal rights, but in education and opportunities to succeed in all aspects of life. As someone directly impacted by acts of gun violence, I am in favor of stricter gun control laws to cut down on as much violent crime as possible. I believe that healthcare is a right and not a privilege and should be available for all people. Women should have the right to make the best decision for themselves, regardless of how tough the decision may be, and their bodies regarding unplanned pregnancies.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a DEMOCRAT because the overall policies of the party generally reflect my political opinions. For example, I believe that climate change is real and government should do something about it and to protect the environment. Also, I believe in standing up for the human rights and civil rights of all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. I believe that health care is a right for everyone and not a privilege for those few who can afford it. The Democratic Party, although imperfect, stands up for these values and works to improve the lives of all people.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe that Americans should have to work for what they earn. I don't believe in giving free handouts to people who are lazy or not willing to put forth any effort to improve their lives. I am also Christian and very religious. I believe abortions should be illegal. I believe gun laws should be left alone. I also think businesses should not be regulated as much as they are, and the market should be allowed to balance itself out. I feel decisions should be left up to state governments more often and government should be smaller in general.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I think on the conservative side. I don't believe in government control and subsidies for those who aren't as good off. We are a company of opportunity and a country of patriotism. In the last 50 years or so, some in this country thought they could change our constitution to fit the needs of themeselves. This is not what this country is founded on. There are opportunities to be had but some groups of people think it's easier to just be handed things rather than earn them. Like those who don't even try to get a job, or go to school because something is keeping them from doing so. That is not the case at all. So, I believe in being an opportunist and not a vagrant and will always earn what I do in life, and not worry who is going to do it for me.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a DEMOCRAT because I believe in liberal ideas. First and most important thing is climate change. It is real, despite there being people that deny it and it poses a serious threat to future generations. I also believe in women's right, specifically that it is there choice on abortion. I oppose legislation that is intended to make the rich richer at the expense of the disappearing middle class. I also believe strongly on being well educated and seeing the world as a global place with unique culture, races and every person is an interesting individual with their own beliefs, even if they don't conform to societies version of 'normal'.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe in the rights of everyone living in the United States to be here regardless of where they came from or their status. I believe everyone in our country should be provided with a living wage and universal healthcare and that those with the most wealth should contribute more to ensure those at the bottom receive these things. I oppose fascism of all kinds and will stand up to anyone who promotes it and discrimination against those in the LGBTQ, immigrant, and other minority communities. I believe it is my job to support candidates that will work toward removing bigots and fascists from office and making sure that people like Trump never are in office again.
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