Poll: Political affiliation?

[Dixie]

I've seen claims lately that Pelican OT is predominately populated by staunch Republicans. Is it true? Let's find out.

Which of the two prominent U.S. political parties do you align yourself with the most?

[KFC911]

I'm a registered Republican but simply despise the current "political machines" of BOTH parties equally well . I do not, nor will I ever "align" myself with either party, as both reflect my stance (to some degree) depending upon the subject matter at hand. Economically, I'm very conservative, socially, I'm all over the place (depending upon the topic), and basically, I think both parties are self serving entities whose primary focus is on retaining their "power". The two party system is broken imo, so I didn't vote

[lendaddy]

Democrats are less likely to admit they are Democrats given the failures of the party of the years and the public perception of tax & spendaholics. "Liberal" has also been tagged as a negative label and is another reason people are reluctant to admit it, hence the recent formation of the label "Progressives" as a more palatable term that means the same thing. The number of self proclaimed "moderates" that are clearly traditional Democrats/Liberals is quite large.

Just sayin'

[Moses]

You left out "Independent".

[legion]

Gee, I don't think many who are actually Dems will vote in this poll. It would eliminate their ability to claim victimhood.

[RoninLB]

80% of Democrats will be Republican when they grow up.

[Moneyguy1]

Agree with Moses; disagree with Daddy.

I wonder what a poll of vitriol from both sides would come up with.

I am Independent, will remain independent. Neither side holds the high ground. No way, no how.

[lendaddy]

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Agree with Moses; disagree with Daddy.

I wonder what a poll of vitriol from both sides would come up with.

I am Independent, will remain independent. Neither side holds the high ground. No way, no how.

I knew you would Bob

[mattdavis11]

Empirical evidence derived from political research shows that those who vote for the republican party are more intelligent than those who vote for the democratic party.

This being the case, I know I am not nearly as smart as the majority of you here in OT, so I can only conclude that I must be a democrat.

[Moneyguy1]

I am that predictable, ain't I.....

I will make, what is to me at least, an honest observation. You guys may disagree with it, but that is what makes the world go 'round. I can not understand how anyone can accept one point of view hook, line, and sinker without reservation. It reminds me of the "discussion" that has gone on for 500 pages on "Is there a God", with people on both sides saying: "I am right because I know I am right". Makes just as much sense. The similarity betwen religious beliefs and politics to me, cannot be denied.

Like I said, just a personal observation.

[lendaddy]

I am proud to say I am a Republican but under no circumstances do I agree with everything they do/stand for. The core economic and small government principles of the party are almost perfect...though they often fall short of their own standards. Ron Paul knows this, which is why he's a Republican. Dragging the Republicans back to where they belong is much more likely than completely changing the Dem party or starting another.

When people say I'm a Democrat but I'm fiscally conservative I always chuckle...that makes no sense at all. Neither the Core Democratic principles nor the current state of the party support it.

[Moneyguy1]

len

In some respects, I agree with you on Ron. However, the rest of the Republican pack are NOT adherents to the so-called core values of the party, nor is the current gang of incumbents in Washington. So.....What does one do who believes in those core values....Hold their noses when they vote? To me that makes little or no sense.
The very fact that neither party actually stands for what they say they stand for is what has forced me into the "Independent" category. I vote for an individual rather than a party.

And, despite what you or others may think, fiscal conservatism has very little to do with party affiliation. I think the years of one-party control from 2001 to 2006 should bear this out. I agree with the concept of low taxes, but I also believe in paying for things out of pocket, rather than debt. So, in my "philosophy", if billions are required to wage a war, perhaps a temporary "war tax" should be enacted. This might have the added benefit of making the public feel a bit more "involved" in this necessary fight. (When I say "necessary fight", I am referring to the overall battle against extremism, not Iraq)

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Neither.

I think party politics is for the weak-minded. Not to mention there is no provision whatsoever in the Constitution for the existence of political parties.

[baldman]

Originally Posted by Moses

You left out "Independent".

+1.

I feel sorry for the people who say "well, this guy's an idiot, but he's a (Republican/Democrat/Libertarian) so I guess I have to vote for him!"

[lendaddy]

Sometimes there really is a choice to be made between to evils. Complaining that it shouldn't be that way doesn't change the reality.

[Moneyguy1]

len...

Respectfully....That kind of thinking is a cop-out; accepting behavior in those you trust to govern that you find personally unacceptable. You should demand more from your elected representatives. Get involved in the process.

No big deal, but over the years I have campaigned with Republicans, Democrats, and Independents; each an individual who thought for him(or her) self. Someone with an internal compass which did not depend on some party superiors to dictate how they had to think.

[CJFusco]

I see nothing wrong with the Republican party as it existed for decades; the problem today is the crop of neoconservatives calling the shots. The Republican of the Bush administration is nothing like the Republican of Reagan's years. Ron Paul comes closer to the mark in this regard.

In short, the neocons are the worst thing to happen to this country in a long time. While doing research for my first book (on the evokation of Orwell's name in political arguments) I uncovered a lot of partially-hidden truths; chief among them are that the Dems might be manipulative, but the neocons are manipulative and deceptive.

I have political beliefs that fall on both sides of the fence - but I will never vote for the GOP as long as the neocons are running things.

[Moneyguy1]

Deceptive: An interesting observation. Reminds me of the old adage that a lie told often enough and with enough conviction ultimately becomes the truth. THAT is the problem with current political party philosophies, especially the far right.

Bring us more to the centrist position and I think the majority of Americans would be far more content.

[CJFusco]

I don't want to get too far into it, because I want people to buy my book and I don't want to spoil the surprises too much , but think about when the administration names initiatives things like "CLEAN SKIES ACT" when they actually relax pollution restrictions. War is peace, Ignorance is strength, Freedom is slavery, according to the Party. (believe it or not, but Karl Rove has ACTUALLY CITED ORWELL AS AN INSPIRATION in his newspeak/doublethink means of propaganda!)

The invasion of Iraq was predetermined and over-determined - there were invasion plans in place in the summer of 2001. Rove, Rumsfeld, et al just needed to sway the public, so they began to make claims that had no basis in reality. It worked. Fear is a powerful motivator, especially in a society where entertainment has superceded objective journalism. If it bleeds it leads, but if it thinks it stinks.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Reminds me of the old adage that a lie told often enough and with enough conviction ultimately becomes the truth.

this is the foundation for Republican Talk Radio.

you can find Liberal bias in the MSM, but Republican Talk Radio is based on lying.