Poll: Voters' support for ‘capitalism’ loses ground

Voters support the idea of "free enterprise" significantly more than they do the concept of "capitalism," according to a poll released Tuesday. 

The survey, conducted by Republican pollster Steve Lombardo’s consulting group, showed that 78 percent of voters have a very positive or somewhat positive view of “free enterprise” but that only 57 percent have the same thoughts about “capitalism.”

Nineteen percent of respondents viewed “capitalism” very negatively or somewhat negatively while only four percent had the same views of “free enterprise.”

The poll was commissioned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of the nation’s most influential business groups. 

While the poll shows that there is still support for capitalism, one of the core principles of the U.S. economy, its allure is somewhat lower. 

The results come amid lingering anger at business over the struggling economy sparked by the 2008 financial collapse. Throughout policy debates, Democrats have blamed big banks, insurance companies and oil companies for making matters worse. 

But the poll also showed frustration with the Obama administration in the face of prolonged high unemployment. 

Forty-three percent of voters polled responded that the administration’s policies are making the economy worse — 30 percent think they have had no effect. Twenty-three percent say the policies have made matters better. 

Lombardo surveyed 800 registered voters between July 6-8.