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 support policies that provide equality and equity to all people who live in our country. As a minority citizen, I believe that it is essential that our country develops further recognition and appreciation for indigenous and historically oppressed peoples and groups. America was founded by immigrants of diverse races and this should continue to be upheld within our country's DNA. I believe that we should make it a priority to welcome immigrants of all backgrounds and give everyone a chance to U.S. citizenship. In addition to this, we must also concentrate on reducing the significant economic gap between the working class and the wealthy. No American should need to work more than one job just to support themselves and their families.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat, because the Democratic party is the party of compassion. I stand by the belief that every life has value and should be protected by our nation. I believe in universal health care, a woman's right to choose, same-sex marriage, gun control, compassionate immigration policies, fair trade, criminal justice reform, and I believe that black lives matter. These tenants are most strongly advocated for by the Democratic party. The Democratic party has long been the party of individuals who stand up for the needs of others, and that is the most important aspect of being a Democrat, to me.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a republican because I believe in traditional values. I believe that the founders of this country set forth rules and guidelines that were meant to stand the test of time. We have begun to stray so far from those original values. I believe that the Declaration of Independence should be respected and followed and not amended any further. I believe that the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and the best government is that which governs least. I believe the strength of our nation is based on the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I believe America is a country that shows fairness and justice for everyone. The Democrat Party holds the same values that I do. I care about making sure that people of all colors are treated equally. I care about people who want to come to America for a better life. I believe that women's rights should be protected and I am pro-choice. I also believe that Democrats care about the average person not just the rich. Being a teacher I believe that the Democrats care about education and teachers. For all of these reasons and more I am proud to be a Democrat.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I value all people. Democrats try to make sure every person in America is seen as worthy. We try to take care of those less fortunate and don't favor the upper class. We also value personal choice and think every person should have the right to say what is done to their own bodies. We also favor allowing immigrants to have a pathway to citizenship. I think it is too difficult for those wanting to come to America to be able to do so legally. We need to make sure these individuals have a safe and affordable way to become U.S. citizens.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a DEMOCRAT because I believe in moving with the time and not staying in one place. Things and people need to change with times and move with everyone instead of being only looking in one direction. Also I look to them for bettering the USA and making everything better, along with moving with times and looking toward bettering our country and moving forward instead of keep looking back at what happened. Look toward the future and how movements are going to look for the best of everyone in the world, not just the country and move to what is right.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a Republican because I believe in many of the core beliefs of the party. One of my main beliefs is that abortion is wrong and should be illegal. Life is sacred and according to my beliefs in Christianity, it should never be extinguished, regardless of the reason. Another core belief of mine is the right to bear arms. I feel that it is my right under the constitution to carry and keep a firearm. Yet another reason I prescribe to the Republican platform is my conservative leanings regarding fiscal and social matters. I believe that government should be small and non-invasive into citizens lives and freedoms. The Government should also limit its involvement into providing social services like the many welfare programs and subsidies. People need to take personal accountability for themselves and if needed, seek assistance from churches, family, or non-profit charities. Lastly, I am pro-military and believe there is not a more honorable profession than to possible give your life for your country. The men and women in the armed services are heroes.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Democrat because…”
I am a Democrat because I think rich people should pay their fair share. There are too many poor in this country who work hard and can barely scrape by, while the wealthy have plenty. Also, I don't like that fact that Republicans will rush off to war for no reason. Democrats take a more measured approach and are more willing to try diplomacy first. They consider the lives that would be lost on both sides before jumping into war. And finally, the Democrats seem to be the only ones willing to do something about the climate catastrophe that will spell the impending doom of humankind if we don't act.
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.
The following statement was written based on the prompt: “I’m a Republican because…”
I am a REPUBLICAN because I think Democrats are the reason why the country is a mess. They want to take care of everyone. They let people stay on welfare and abuse the system. Why is it fair that someone has worked hard their entire life is taxed higher than someone who just tried to get by and skate on the system. We work hard and pay for others to sit on their butt, have kids and do drugs. Our tax system is a mess and needs fixed. On top of that, lets take care of our own (VETERANS) and not worry about the rest of the world.
Before we show you your results, we have a few more questions for you that are for informational purposes only.
By submitting, you agree to the processing of the data above for further research means. See our Privacy Policy for more info