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 for various reasons. First, I believe strongly in same sex marriage and the right of each person to spend the rest of their life with whomever they want. Government has no right to not allow two happy people to be together. Also, women have the right to choose whether or not to bring their unborn child into this world. Also, the way Trump is handling immigration and the building of a wall is ridiculous and cruel. Finally, if we want our world to be sustainable in the future, we must find a solution to our climate change problem. Don't even get me started on guns. I'm so tired of people talking about how allowing people to use weapons is going to make things safer. No it won't!! Guns kill, no matter who has them.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
The state of the country needs change. Through the ashes of our 2 years of Trumps reign, we are finding moment of change. Our voice for equality and social change is being heard. I am a democrat because I am part of this moment where everyone will be heard. I am a supporter and echo the voice for the LGBTQ. My social media blasts the discriminatory actions of the policing of people of color. I'm part of the change and I can see a future with all colors. I myself being a minority Asian have seen the support of my fellow democrats. A elderly white woman came up to me one day and said, we're for you. I can see the change happening.
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 Democrat because…”
I am a DEMOCRAT because I believe in a more modern approach to politics and society. I feel that each person is their own self and should be able to make choices as such. I support gay marriage. I was actually a surrogate for a gay couple because I believe so strongly in it. I believe people should be able to own guns if they choose to do so. I believe that change can be very good in society and we should strive to modernize society and change as needed to reflect current beliefs and values. This is 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'm a very socially liberal person. I believe that there should be more restrictions on guns because too many innocent people are killed every year in mass shootings. I believe that marriage should be between any 2 consenting adults regardless of gender. I think that there should at least be some form of universal healthcare. If not a fully run healthcare system by the government (due to cost), then at least something that offers basic health coverage to all taxpayers with the option to purchase cheaper, supplemental insurance from insurance companies. I think that the government spends way too much money on the military and should instead redirect some of those funds to the educational field which is criminally underfunded.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe that the government in the United States has been getting too involved in the people's lives - and that we need less government interference telling us what to do. I believe that too many people in this country are benefiting from the hard working Americans that actually contribute. We have too many people on welfare and receiving social services who can no longer provide for themselves independently, and I think that is sad and terrible. I also think that the Democratic party has become totally corrupt and is moving further and further towards socialism which will lead to our country falling apart unless we do something.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican because i believe that we need lower taxes. I work hard for my money and do not want my money paying high taxes for useful spending. I also think we need to take care of our citizens first and by doing that we need to stop illegal immigration. There are so many americans struggling right now that can not get any help but we are currently going out of our way to provide benefits to illegal immigrants that actual united states citizens can not get and that is a huge problem. I fully support a border wall and although it might not be ""modern"" it can help a bit and anything that can help should be implemented.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
My values and traditions are very important to me. Being a Republican helps me to connect with more people that have the same values. I really like the way our country is right now and I support what our President is doing about immigration and foreign policies. I think that we need the leader that we currently have (Donald Trump) in order to be a stronger and more respected economy. I have seen that our country is getting better and stronger than ever. Being a Republican makes me feel proud about myself and about our country that really needed a radical change and we finally have it right now.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe strongly that we have to work on our social services in America. This includes health insurance, welfare programs, etc. I think all people should be treated equally and with respect. I strongly believe that we need stronger gun control laws, LGBTQ rights need to be honored and that the higher earners in our Country should have a higher tax than those who make less. I hope to see an increase in wages so that everyone who works doesn't have to work multiple jobs just to be able to afford the necessities in life.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe in all people. I believe that people from all walks of life, all races, all genders, all ages, deserve a chance to live a safe and fulfilling life in the United States of America. Who are we to say that certain people cannot live in the United States safely? Who are we to turn people away who are desperate and scared? I am a Democrat because we are all humans who have certain basic rights and necessities. I am a Democrat because I believe in the good potential of all humans on this earth.
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