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 believe in my country and the democratic process. The free market and individual achievement is the backbone of our country and is the most logical choice when deciding on my political stances. Free market and captialism should reign free in order to ensure the American way of life is kept stable and sustainable. I also believe the government should stop their assistance programs (ie welfare) as that isn't the true spirit of America. The highest earners of the country also should not be taxed more than the lower half, it should remain equal among the citizens.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I support the people of our country above all. I believe in traditional values and upholding them against all threats. I believe hard work pays off for anyone who puts the effort into it. I have family in the military and I will support them with all my heart. I believe in protecting our country from foreign threats and supporting American made products. I am very much against gun control because it will take away vital protection from law abiding families. I believe all Americans have a right to free speech and deserve a chance to be heard.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I care about others more than I care about myself. I care about equal rights, gun control, and healthcare for all. I believe everyone should be treated with respect no matter their race, gender, sexuality, or culture. I care about reducing income inequality. It infuriates that some people have so much while others have so little. I wish I could do more to help others who are suffering. But, my resources are limited. So I vote democratically in hopes that it will lead to change. I am a Democrat because I want positive change for everyone in our country, not just those with power.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe that everyone- no matter what- deserves a chance to live life freely without condemnation. I believe that one's sexual preference has nothing to do with the stand that they take or the way that they view the world I feel that if a woman wants to have an abortion at any time during her pregnancy, she has that right. I know that governmental interference needs to be stopped and that everyone should have the liberty to live their life for them and how they want to live it. Those rights should never be taken away from anyone!
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
My parents have been faithful Republicans my entire life and raised me to follow those beliefs. I never really thought too differently until I was in college, started researching political beliefs/ideas and actually started following candidates. I found myself inching closer and closer to becoming a supporter of Hillary Clinton during the leadup to the 2016 Democratic elections. I absolutely loved (and still love) what she stood for, mostly LGBTQ rights, gun control, education and the right to choose. My political affiliation changed, and I became a Democrat. I arrive at my views based on experience, what happens in my life and what I see around me. I believe in a Country that shows togetherness and does not try to exclude races, genders or religions. The Republican party is only concerned about the welfare of the elite and do not work towards bringing equality to our nation and its people. I am proud to say I am a Democrat, even if it makes family dinners a little awkward at my folks house every know and then. I am confident in my beliefs and know that we can make a change for the better!
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because out of the two major parties, this one aligns most closely with my beliefs and values. I am a liberal free-thinker from a very conservative state in the South, and I've witnessed firsthand how corrupt and greedy Republican lawmakers/governors are. They have ruined my coal state's economy, yet endlessly place the blame on Obama and Democrats in campaign advertisements that focus more on name-calling than actual policy. And that is a smart move on their part, because their policies are downright un-American and do nothing to benefit the poor people of my state. I am surrounded by people who vote Republican and loathe welfare while they themselves subsist on food stamps. I am surrounded by people who vote Republican and ceaselessly condemn immigrants, Muslims, and any other minority. I am surrounded by people who vote Republican and deny climate change. I am surrounded by people who vote Republican and claim to be Christians yet act the opposite way. I don't know any Democrats who loathe welfare while benefiting from it, nor do I know any Democrats who espouse racist and xenophobic sentiments while claiming to be good Christians. Nor do I know any Democrats who openly deny science. And that is exactly why I am a Democrat.
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 am a democrat because I believe that the fundamental role of a government should be to aide its citizens. I believe that the democratic party stands for social progress, the celebration of diversity, and support for each and every person, no matter their political or religious ideologies. These core tenets of the Democratic party are selfless in nature and I believe that they best reflect the foundational principles of the United States. To me, being a democrat means supporting others and valuing the lives of other Americans more than the economic development of major corporations. I am a democrat because I love my country and I think that the United States should hold itself to the highest possible moral standard and protect the rights of its citizens and all people around the world.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican because I believe in core values that many republicans believe in. I fall on the conservative side of many things on the political spectrum. I believe in a strong sense of god and I approve of many political ideologies such as immigration, healthcare and economics that fall on the conservative side of the spectrum. This does not mean I do not think all democrats or people that believe in liberal politics are idiots as I think there needs to be balance for democracy to work. We need to follow policies that are moderate but leaning a little bit towards conservative politics.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in America and the constitution. I believe in the free market system and that it fairly guides our economics. I believe in the value of work and making your own way. I think hand-outs are bad for our economy and for the people receiving them because they would not learn the pride and satisfaction of work. I believe in immigration, but only for those who follow the rules and do so legally. It is very unfair to put those who didn't come here legally on a path to citizenship ahead of those who have. I believe in our forefathers and that when we follow the constitution and what they have taught us we will thrive.
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