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 the principles of freedom, liberty, and justice. While Democrats believe that government must intervene to make choices for people, I believe that individuals should have the freedom to make their own choices about things like how to spend their money, how to run their private businesses, and whether or not they want to purchase costly healthcare plans. When the U.S. Government has been led by Democratic politicians, the American people have been overtaxed, businesses have been overregulated, and illegal immigrants have been allowed to flow into the country in record numbers. Our country cannot sustain the influx of these low-skilled workers who want to take American jobs and use our social benefits.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican first and foremost because being Republican means freedom. We have strong religious and moral values, those of which our country needs to stay strong. We believe in lower taxes and a smaller government. It is proven that if taxes are lower then the country does better and if there is too much interference by the government in business, then the economy gets weaker. I am also pro-life. Abortion is wrong and should not be allowed. It is linked to mental illness, is dangerous to women's health and can also cause breast cancer. Another big issue is gun control. I support the second amendment, we have a right to keep and bear arms. With gun restriction, we are not safe. We need to be allowed to protect our families and with a Democrat in office, those rights could be taken away.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe that everyone should be treated equally and given the same rights no matter what their race, religion or sexuality is. I feel that the government should help the lower class by providing programs and assistance especially when it comes to health care as all Americans deserve the right to have quality health care. As a Democrat, I think that climate change should be a top priority and taken more seriously. Overall, I feel we should all be accepting of one another and willing to help those in need without judgment regardless of who they are and where they come from.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat for a variety of reasons. As working class people, my parents and grandparents were all Democrats -- my grandfather was a Teamster. I currently work in the field of education, and most of my friends and colleagues are Democrats. Beyond history and work experience, the Democratic party best represents my thoughts on core issues in our society: race and gender equality, educational opportunities, excellent and affordable healthcare coverage, compassionate immigration policies, and looking out for the average American. In contrast, the Republican party seems increasingly the party of greed and being mean-spirited. I am proud to be a Democrat, because it is Democratic ideas which have made America great and will continue to do so in the future.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a proud Republican because I believe our nation needs to take a step back, and honor those principles that this nation was originally founded with. I grew up on a ranch, and have seen what happens to our economy when we have liberal politicians voted in. I firmly believe in the sanctity of marriage, in the right to bear arms, and that we need more religion in this country. I want less government intrusion in my business, and reign in the government spending before we're all poor. I am a republican because this country has gotten out of hand, and it is time to put it back on track.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I value the vision of the founding fathers and the importance of the freedoms they fought for and the effort they put into writing the Constitution of our Republic. I believe that we should place an importance on family values and the structure, discipline and pride that instills in us as individuals. I value the rights we have that many other countries do not have and I understand that freedom comes at a price, it definitely isn't free. I believe that Government should be fairly small and that we should promote self-sufficiency instead of promoting codependency, every American should do what they can to stand on their own feet and to make their own way in life. I'm a Republican because I believe in loving this country and everything that it stands for instead of feeling a sense of shame and guilt.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I feel like I am a Democrat because I feel I share the same values as they do. I believe in freedom of commerce, and also the laws and constitution of America. I believe that fellow Democrats are a bit more Liberal and willing to accept changes in this country. Also I feel Democrats are not so quick to go to war, and cause conflict. I feel like the way that they do politics is the way I prefer it to be handled. The votes are more concise, and they take more time to accept other opinions as well. The reasons I stated are the main reasons I feel I am a Democrat.
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…”
My political ideology is related to my religious beliefs. I love Christ. I am a Republican solely because the beliefs of my religion, Christianity, are very similar with what Republicans value. I oppose abortions and gay marriage, for example. I don't agree with some of the basic tenets that Republicans have, but for the most part, I stand for what they stand for. I'm extremely passionate about the topic of abortion. I do not think it's right to murder a child in the womb. I think if a woman chooses to commit this crime, she should go to jail! If Democrats were primarily against abortion, I would probably be a Democrat. My religion defines my life. In the end, I choose my political identity based on which party is most similar to my religious beliefs!
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'.
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