53% of the voting population voted for socialism. That so many are surprised that we are getting the socialism promised is a bit confusing.
I share your angst but am at a loss as to the solution, other than a huge amount of civics, history and economic education.
The problem is that the needed education will not be provided in the schools we are all paying too much for.
It is up to all of us to provide the instruction at all possible opportunities
Remember that not all of that 53% knew what they were voting for. They fall into that gray area in the middle; the uninformed, apathetic masses.
They followed a guy who read speeches really well and looked like a fresh change from Bush. In fact, many have said that the 2008 election was pure Bush-backlash.
So no, 53% did not vote for socialism.