General Discussion

"The general population doesn't like politicians who call themselves socialists."

I'm not so sure of that these days. If you were talking 20 years ago I'd be more inclined to agree with you but times have drastically changed and the ones who don't like the word "Socialism" are those who are older and were alive during the era of "The Red Scare". Those people, boomers and greatest generation are literally dying out (not to be morbid, just stating a fact). They lived in an age which is very different than today and they benefited from it. That age is long in the rear view mirror behind us.

Bernie is the person who brought Socialism into the limelight. He's also incredibly popular. I think that's quite a tell when you have someone who's a Socialist and also very popular. It seems what you said how "people dislike politicians who call themselves Socialists" doesn't actually apply when it comes to the world today. The ones who do think like that are older and likely would never even vote for a Democrat to begin with. Remember, the right called Obama a "Commie Socialist Marxist" for years. Of course we all know he certainly isn't but the hype train for calling people Socialists who are Democrats left the station long ago and is now seen as a "Boy Who Cried Wolf" scenario.

Millennial voters to Gen Z voters are now the majority & they see Socialism more positive than Capitalism.
The times aren't just changing. The times have changed. And that IMHO is a good thing.