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 Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe in social justice. I want open borders for any person who wants to come here. I am a democrat because America was built on white supremacy and we need to even the playing field for everybody and not just the rich white people. I am a democrat because rich people do not pay their fair share. We need to increase welfare and pass the green new deal to transform America radically. We need to change society so it is not recognizable from the way it exists today. I am a democrat because racism is the biggest problem with this country.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a REPUBLICAN and proud of it. I have a red ball cap although I don't wear it much. I intend to help ""Make America Great Again"". The Republican party, especially the one in office right now is determined to change the old wasteful way of running government and I am 100% behind that. We have had numerous years of waste and indecision and the Republican party is hear to bring that to an end. I can't wait for November 2020 so I can get my red cap and go to the polls and vote Republican (full ticket). I encourage all of you who are reading this to join the Republican party in ""Making America Great Again"".
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am Republican because it is the party of lesser extremes. When you look at the Democratic party, you have people running on the platforms that promote ideas such as abortion up to the last minute, redistribution of wealth, identity politics/PC culture & free college. The Democratic party has gone too far left. Additionally, I support our president Donald Trump, and I am greatly dismayed by how the left, and the media, have portrayed him. Similarly, I am a Republican because they are the party of conservative values. I am a devout Christian that believes in traditional values (i.e. a nuclear family, pro-life, etc.) I feel as though I am able to have nuanced opinions in the Republican party, yet still be welcomed. I can't say the same about the democratic party. I would be labeled a Nazi or white supremacist.
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 in fairness and opportunity for everyone. Too much of our nation's wealth has gone to a tiny group of billionaires that has not given back in proportion to what they have received. Meanwhile, many Americans struggle in poverty with limited opportunities to escape. We should be working to eliminate barriers such as discrimination and poverty that prevent each and every member of society from achieving their best. I believe that a strong America is one where everyone has access to safe and affordable communities with housing, food/water, healthcare, and opportunities to reach their highest potential.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a democrat because I strongly believe in equality for all people, black, white, female, LGBTQ, atheist, muslum, and christians alike. I believe trickle down economics of the right have failed our society, left our schools under-funded and our infrastructure failing while unfairly profiting the extremely wealthy. I strongly believe in a more equitable tax code for rich and poor alike. I think we should fight for stronger labor unions, better educational opportunites, opportunity for traditionally oppressed minorities, and gay and transgendered rights. I see rich people in congress passing laws that benefit their rich friends and paying lip service to Christian ideals while not actually being christians.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican because I am a very conservative person. I was raised a southern baptist in Georgia. I was very active in my church when I was growing up and I am very religious. Republicans tend to go along with most of my beliefs. I am totally against abortion because I believe it is a sin. I believe that people should work hard for what they get, and it if they work hard, they should be rewarded. I don't believe in eliminating student loan debt. I believe in hard work, in our country and to try to honor God. I believe marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Like I said, most of my beliefs line up with the Republican way of thinking.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am part of religion that has a lot of similar beliefs to what Republicans believe to be correct. We believe that there should be laws about those who come in and out of the country while respecting each individual person and their circumstances. And going along with that we especially believe that humans, even though unborn have the right to life. We do not believe that abortion is an option and should be illegal at any point of the pregnancy. We also believe in self sustainability and being able to get yourself into the best position without relying to heavily on any organizational help (whether government or not). These religious reasons along with others have helped me to identify as a Republican.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican. I believe in small government and low taxes. I believe in capitalism unfettered by unnecessary government regulations. I believe everyone can and should make their own way in life. If someone is not able to work they should be helped at the local community level through churches and other organizations, not by the government. I believe in traditional values and traditional families. I believe the Constitution was ordained by God and that the United States is an exceptional country and should be held up as standard for the rest of the world. I believe every life is precious and that life begins at the moment of conception. I believe in the real America.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in low taxes and limited government spending. I think the government should be less involved with the people, and we should have more freedom in business and in life. I think the government should stay out of our affairs, and not impose their views on the people. I am Conservative on issues like abortion, gay rights, and guns. I have a moral code that I wouldn't want to be broken, go to church, and believe in the Word of God. I think people should be free to choose what is right for them as long as they are not hurting anyone else, I do believe in America, and what's best for our country.
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