CNBC democratic socialism poll finds 46% favorable among adults 18 to 34

The CNBC democratic socialism poll found that 46% of U.S. respondents ages 18 to 34 had a favorable or very favorable view of democratic socialism. For investors and voters trying to read younger adults’ economic mood, the result sits alongside sharply negative views of the national economy and concern about housing and job security.

The survey was conducted by CNBC with Generation Lab, a research firm focused on Americans ages 18 to 34. CNBC said it collected responses from 1,088 people earlier in August and reported a margin of error of 2.97 percentage points.

Another 23% of respondents said they viewed democratic socialism somewhat or very unfavorably. CNBC did not report the views of the remaining respondents in the figures provided.

What does the CNBC democratic socialism poll measure?

It measures whether respondents held a favorable or unfavorable opinion of democratic socialism. The result does not establish how respondents would vote, whether they identify as democratic socialists, or support for any particular candidate or policy.

The poll is also a first-year survey, according to CNBC. That means its findings provide no prior result from the same survey for judging whether favorability has risen or fallen over time.

Economic pessimism was widespread

Respondents’ assessments of the economy were predominantly negative. CNBC reported that 45% called the national economy “bad,” 27% said it was “really bad,” and 6% said it could not be worse. By comparison, 3% called it “great” and 2% said it could not be better.

Looking ahead, 50% expected the economy to worsen, while 22% expected it to improve, CNBC reported. Those responses are economic-attitude findings from the same group, not evidence that pessimism caused views on democratic socialism.

Housing was the most frequently named financial pressure, selected by 45% of respondents. Finding a secure, decently paid job followed at 39%, according to CNBC. Student loans, credit-card debt and health care also ranked among respondents’ concerns, though CNBC did not provide percentages for those items in the reported results.

• 47% said their financial circumstances had led them to delay vacations.
• 32% said they had dropped plans to buy a car.
• 30% said they had delayed purchasing a home.
• 28% said they had gone without health care.

The survey arrives before the midterm elections, as CNBC has reported increased visibility for democratic socialist candidates in several state primaries. Still, the poll’s reported results are a measure of opinion among its 18-to-34-year-old respondents, rather than a projection of election outcomes.

This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.