Amid the Elitist Media’s runup to tonight’s primary election, with a focus on the Michigan Democrat Senate race, viewers were exposed to a rare moment of clarity. NBC Nightly News actually aired poll data showing the unpopularity of socialism among independent voters.Watch as NBC News Chief Data analyst Steve Kornacki runs down the numbers, with 77% of independents holding a negative view of socialism: WATCH: A rare exposition of the unpopularity of socialism among the American electorate on @NBCNightlyNews TOM LLAMAS: I want to bring Steve Kornacki now on the big test for Democrats over what direction it will take for the midterms. On this issue of socialism, very different… pic.twitter.com/PKwKmkW2cs— Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) August 5, 2026 TOM LLAMAS: I want to bring Steve Kornacki now on the big test for Democrats over what direction it will take for the midterms. On this issue of socialism, very different views by Americans on how they view it.STEVE KORNACKI: Yeah, Tom. A number of Democratic candidates we have seen embraced this labeling. Within the democratic party, it’s actually more popular, 52% favorable, than not. Take one step outside the Democratic party, and things change quickly. Look at this. Among independents more than three out of four, 77%, with a negative view of socialism.LLAMAS: And we should point this out. Both parties go into the midterms with their own set of challenges.KORNACKI: Yeah. For Republicans all across the country running this year, the baggage is the president, a Republican with a low approval rating. This is an average of the recent polls. Lower, still, specifically on the issue voters say they care most about, the economy. 36% approval and the ongoing war in Iran. For Democrats, meanwhile, it may have something to do with that label “socialism” we just talked about. The image of the party among Americans here, look at this- less than one in three, 30% of voters say they have a positive view of the Democratic Party, a very low number, Tom.LLAMAS: Midterms could be tough for both parties. All right Steve, we thank you for that.The data report comes on the back end of NBC’s primary preview, wherein correspondent Shaquille Brewster deployed to Michigan to cover the election between Congresswoman Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.The report is balanced yet flawed. The race is framed as “establishment versus progressive”, as opposed to what it is: the hollowing out of the Democrat Party by the DSA and its allies. You’ll recall that DSA co-chair Megan Romer recently told Fox News that DSA members run as Democrats because it’s an easier pathway to ballot access. There is no mention of the DSA or of champagne socialist podcaster Hasan Piker (who said America deserved 9/11), who has campaigned extensively with El-Sayed. The only inferred potential link between El-Sayed and the DSA is his endorsement by Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.Brewster also downplayed El-Sayed’s position on Israel: “intensely critical” versus demanding a total military embargo of Israel, which would cut off all arms sales. In the spirit of “balance”, Brewster did gather soundbites from voters supporting both candidates.But the real balance came in at the end with the Kornacki segment. I do not recall such a specific mention of voter disgust towards socialism on the evening news. Quite to the contrary, the networks have focused on chronicling the socialist ascendancy- particularly in New York, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani is an apparent kingmaker that can do no wrong.For one night, at least, NBC viewers got to see that there are many, in fact, who reject socialism. And that is refreshing.Click “expand” to view the full transcript of the aforementioned report as aired on NBC Nightly News on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026:TOM LLAMAS: Now to the high-stakes primary night across five states with all eyes on Michigan. Will it be part of the recent wave of progressive candidates defeating establishment-backed Democrats? All as we’re seeing that deep divide among Democrats nationwide. Shaquille Brewster is there for us tonight.SHAQUILLE BREWSTER: Tonight, a test for Democrats deeply divided over the direction of their party. A critical Senate primary in Michigan pitting establishment-backed Congresswoman Haley Stevens against the progressive former health director Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by Bernie Sanders and AOC. What got you out today, then?VOTER: Abdul, specifically. (VIDEO SWIPE) This is the first time that I've actually gotten to vote for a candidate that excites me.BREWSTER: El-Sayed campaigning on Medicare for All and abolishing ICE. In the past, he has expressed support for defunding the police, though he has since backtracked. What do you say to someone who is skeptical that someone as progressive as you can win statewide in a state that’s as purple as Michigan is?(VIDEO SWIPE)ABDUL EL-SAYED: People are so sick and tired of establishments on both sides of the aisle that are bought off by corporate.BREWSTER: He’s also intensely critical of Israel.EL-SAYED: The difference between us is $46 million of AIPAC spending.BREWSTER: Stevens calls herself a proud pro-Israel Democrat with major backing from AIPAC, the American lobbying group focusing on supporting the Jewish state.HALEY STEVENS: I very much believe in a two-state solution. My democratic opponent doesn't.BREWSTER: She spoke with NBC's Julie Tsirkin.STEVENS: I have a record. Michiganders are going to be able to look at it and see I was chief of staff on the U.S. auto rescue, that I’ve stood up to Donald Trump…BREWSTER: This Democrat telling us she’s voting for Stevens.VOTER: I'm worried that Abdul El-Sayed cannot win in the general election.BREWSTER: And that’s your top priority.VOTER: Yes.BREWSTER: And while neither identifies as a Democratic socialist, President Trump blasting both.DONALD TRUMP: You have a communist versus a socialist. That’s the way I look at it.LLAMAS: All right, Shaquille Brewster joins us live from Detroit. And Shaq, any time you have a bruising primary like this one the question is: can Democrats unite?BREWSTER: That’s right Tom and both candidates are insisting that they will support the other if they lose tonight, but some voters telling me it will not be that easy for them, which could be a boost for Republican Mike Rogers. Tom?LLAMAS: Shaq Brewster on the campaign trail. I want to bring Steve Kornacki now on the big test for Democrats over what direction it will take for the midterms. On this issue of socialism, very different views by Americans on how they view it.STEVE KORNACKI: Yeah, Tom. A number of Democratic candidates we have seen embraced this labeling. Within the democratic party, it’s actually more popular, 52% favorable, than not. Take one step outside the Democratic party, and things change quickly. Look at this. Among independents more than three out of four, 77%, with a negative view of socialism.LLAMAS: And we should point this out. Both parties go into the midterms with their own set of challenges.KORNACKI: Yeah. For Republicans all across the country running this year, the baggage is the president, a Republican with a low approval rating. This is an average of the recent polls. Lower, still, specifically on the issue voters say they care most about, the economy. 36% approval and the ongoing war in Iran. For Democrats, meanwhile, it may have something to do with that label “socialism” we just talked about. The image of the party among Americans here, look at this- less than one in three, 30% of voters say they have a positive view of the Democratic Party, a very low number, Tom.LLAMAS: Midterms could be tough for both parties. All right Steve, we thank you for that.