This is a scary number

And a very sad number. But if you think about it, who was the last one to actually articulate and education the American public of Capitalism? Ronald Reagan. And that was 20+ years ago now. So it is no surprise that only 53% of us think capitalism is better than socialism.

Only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 20% disagree and say socialism is better. Twenty-seven percent (27%) are not sure which is better.

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. Thirty-somethings are a bit more supportive of the free-enterprise approach with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of those older Americans believe socialism is better.

Investors by a 5-to-1 margin choose capitalism. As for those who do not invest, 40% say capitalism is better while 25% prefer socialism.

There is a partisan gap as well. Republicans - by an 11-to-1 margin - favor capitalism. Democrats are much more closely divided: Just 39% say capitalism is better while 30% prefer socialism. As for those not affiliated with either major political party, 48% say capitalism is best, and 21% opt for socialism.

This just goes to show how much the Republican leader nears a true Capitalist as the leader of our party. Someone who will actually champion, explain, and education capitalism. McCain wasn't that candidate. And I am starting to think Sarah Palin wouldn't be either. I'm not sure who this person will be. But if we want to win in 2010 and beyond it won't be with another liberal-lite candidate like John McCain.