A recently released published study in the Journal of Politics found that Americans’ perception of the two major political parties are surprisingly skewed in regards to significant representative stereotypes. The study notes, “For instance, people think that 32% of Democrats are LGBT (vs. 6% in reality) and 38% of Republicans earn over $250,000 per year (vs. 2% in reality).” When it gets down to party affiliation, the disconnect becomes even more dramatic. For example, Democrats believe that 44% of Republicans earn over $250,000 per year. However, the disconnect is understandable when political leaders regularly trumpet party lines, such as “Republicans are only concerned with helping the rich,” a favorite charge leveled by Democrats against Republicans every time the issue of tax cuts or government spending arises.

But these stereotypes don’t grow out of thin air; rather there must be some source (legitimate or manufactured) that works to support these party perceptions. Democrats are currently facing a growing perception that they are increasingly becoming the party of the extreme Left, the party of socialists. This perception was only strengthened on Tuesday when longtime Democrat Rep. Joe Crowley (NY) was defeated in his primary by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a proudly self-identified socialist.

Recognizing that the vast majority of Americans reject and loath the flawed system of socialism, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) sought dispel the growing and accurate perception that Democrats are becoming socialists, arguing, “It’s [socialism] ascendant in that district perhaps. But I don’t accept any characterization of our party presented by the Republicans. So let me reject that right now. Our party is a big tent. Our districts are very different, one from the other.”

The significant difference between the false stereotype that suggests nearly half of Republicans are wealthy and the accurate stereotype that Democrats are socialists is rooted in the stated policy goals of each party. Republicans have never proclaimed that their policy aims have been focused on promoting the wealthy — unless it’s to make more people wealthy — rather that charge has only always been leveled by Democrats. But it is Democrats themselves who have preached the message of socialism, as evidenced by the success of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign or the inability to distinguish between the Democrat platform and the Communist Manifesto.

Pelosi is now left trying convince Americans not to believe their ears, suggesting that Republicans are to blame for the increasingly accurate perception that Democrats have themselves promoted.