^ yes, in particular politicians (more often Democrats) stoke fear and hatred of the private sector -- companies are evil. Oil companies are out to gouge you, the cigarette companies want to kill you, the fast food companies want to make you fat. This way warm fuzzy government can step in and save you.
In general, IMO, the brand of socialism here some are pushing installs the government as parent and deity, therefore other societal institutions have to be torn down (free market, family, religion) that's why people get worked into a freny over $3/gallon gasoline and ATM fees but not a useless federal behemoth that takes 40% of your income.
Additionally there is something in the American psyche that fears faceless conspiracies.