What do Americans imagine a Communist is?

I think all the other answers clearly demonstrate that the average American has no idea what communism is or is supposed to be. It is rather like the politically correct use of "racist", i.e. "anything I disagree with".

After all, when this question can produce an answer like bil's, who thinks the 1960s Wilson government was communist, we are clearly entering the realms of fantasy. Some education in what Marxist thinking actually IS seems clearly called for.

Now I DO know what it is, and having visited Romania years ago I've seen one example of how it never works, but I wouldn't want to queer the pitch for any more answers by explaining. My time would be much better spent getting a crash mat to ROFLMAO on next time someone says Obama is communist.

God only knows? Because they seem to think (wrongly) that most of Europe is communist but have forgotten that China actually IS still a communist country! Just because they manufacture crap for you to buy (while stealing American jobs) doesn't make them democratic. Y'know?

So a capitalist believes in the VOLUNTARY transfer of money....A communist (anti capitalist) believes that the government can PASS laws to take UNEQUALLY...It is just a matter of degree as to HOW communist the anti capitalists CHOOSE to be. In England of the 1960s the Commies made the top tax rate: 95 %...In America the Democrats have "granted" tax free FOUNDATIONS to "members" of the party, OR a 0 % "tax rate" to corps like GE, while taxing the competition OUT OF BUSINESS.

I think most people do. You have to take the accusations with a grain of salt. The "communists" also called the Tea Party "terrorists". The names are being thrown around as insults not as factual descriptions.

Presidents speech to the union. When he points to two white people. He says they work hard but need a new car and vacation. He wants you to fund that vacation through tax dollars. That would be equal

You have saved for years for your child to go to college through 529 funds. Because everyone does not have funds to go to college. He wants to equalize and take yours, tax.

Some people should have the opportunity not to have to work. So the people working has to give more so the lazy bums can sloth. Also in the state of the union address. Only decoded

A communist is a someone who believes in an Economic System where all property and business is owned by the government and the profits from the economy is distributed to the people of that country based on needs of the individual.

The most descriptive way to present it would be to List Obama, Bill and Hillary Clinton and all the other members of the CPA.

A communist is anyone who doesn't realize that he will eventually run out of other people's money.

"Communist" is used as negative, emotive buzzword by those with little else to offer in a discussion.

Come swim to north korea and see what real communism feels like you over priviledged white piece of sh!t SJW biatch.