Residents of Portland, Maine, offered sharply different views when Fox News Digital asked what socialism means and how far they would go to embrace it. Some praised promises of economic equality, while others warned that government control would threaten property, business autonomy and individual freedom.

The conversations took place in Maine's largest city, which the report described as a progressive bastion. The questions moved beyond broad slogans and focused on collective control over businesses, factories, major industries and other means of production.

Socialism has become prominent in campaign coverage during the midterm election cycle. Candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America defeated more centrist rivals in several Democratic primaries this year, making the organization's influence part of the fight over the Democratic Party's ideological future.

Recent polling showed socialism remains unpopular with most voters, even as its favorable rating has risen. A Fox News national poll found that 32% of voters viewed socialism favorably, while 64% viewed it unfavorably.

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That 32% favorable rating matched the highest level recorded since Fox News began asking the question in 2019, first reached five years ago. A September Gallup poll found 43% of Americans had a positive image of socialism, the highest level since Gallup began tracking the question in 2010.

Lewis, a retired Navy veteran, initially described socialism as beneficial because it "looks out for people's needs.... and it's not communism." Socialism and communism both emphasize collective ownership of the means of production, but socialism includes approaches that permit private enterprise.

Communism traditionally envisions abolishing private ownership of productive assets and ultimately creating a classless society. When asked whether he would personally surrender private property to government or collective control, Lewis became more skeptical.

"I guess," Lewis answered before saying he had not considered socialism from that perspective. He said he generally associated it with meeting people's needs and programs such as national health care.

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Lewis then drew a clear boundary around confiscation. "I don't like government taking things away from you."

Nolan, who recently moved to Portland, said the country faces substantial wealth imbalance and could benefit from "some sort of leveling system." He said socialism exists to assist "people who aren't as, you know, benefiting in society."

At the same time, Nolan defended the rights of business owners and earners. He said "business owners should have their autonomy" and that "people deserve to earn their money."

Nolan directed his criticism toward wealthy corporations, arguing that some have accumulated more wealth than they need. He said some of that wealth could flow to disadvantaged people and those without homes.

Nola, another resident passing through Portland's Monument Square, offered an enthusiastic endorsement. She called socialism "a good thing" and said it means equity.

Asked about government or collective takeover of businesses and the means of production, Nola said she still "100%" supported socialism. She identified herself as the daughter of a small business owner and said she had witnessed how difficult operating such a business can be.

Nola argued that corporations can act with far fewer restraints than small businesses. She said increased government support for small businesses and moving more of the privatized market into public control would be beneficial as the United States has grown.

Ted rejected that outlook and issued a blunt warning about giving government institutions excessive power. "Socialism overall, I think it's a horrible idea," he said.

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Ted argued that history shows socialism can concentrate power and produce harmful results for everyone. He likened that concentration of authority to dictatorship and said socialism impoverishes people.

By contrast, Ted praised capitalism and the free market economy. He acknowledged that some people are extremely wealthy and greedy, but maintained that capitalism also creates wealth for other people.

The Fox News poll found capitalism held an advantage over socialism in public opinion. While 51% of voters had a favorable view of capitalism, 46% viewed it unfavorably, compared with the 32% who viewed socialism favorably.

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