"Protecting the Environment," the Democrats outpoll the Republicans by 39%

[Viking12]

It would appear that if Democrats could make the environment an issue that people cared about, they could do better politically...

From the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll:

On the question of "protecting the environment," the Democrats outpoll the Republicans by 39%. (Dems 49%, R's 10%, both about the same 21%, neither 13%, not sure 7%.) The difference was 27% back in 1992 and has risen fitfully ever since. After a small dip in 2002, it is now at its highest ever.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/poll20051109.pdf (PDF)

See analysis by Ruy Teixeira at:
http://www.emergingdemocraticmajorityweblog.com/donkeyrising/archives/001336.php

[Dead_Parrot]

1. It's always a tricky issue to use

Most people are quite enthusiastic about enviromental issues - unless it actually affects them. Reduce greenhouse gases? Sure, just don't tell me drive less (or slower). Renewable energy? I'm all for for it, but please put that wind farm somewhere where I can't see it. Threatened wetlands? That's terrible, but we really need that new drive-through...

Sadly, people have a tendency to be pretty stupid. :(

[phantom power]

2. Dems out-poll the GOP on *most* specific issues.

For various reasons, people often don't vote based on issues, period. Much of the GOP's success is attributable their understanding of this quirk of human nature. And much of the Dem's failure has been in failing to understand this same quirk.

All things considered, it amazes me that our country has lasted so long, since the entire theory of a healthy democracy is based on the idea that people apply enlightened self-interest to voting. Some voters even admit to not adhering to self-interest, never mind enlighenment.

[phantom power]

3. The Dem lead is *smallest* on...

"dealing with Iraq"
"shares your values"

Which are arguably the two categories that dominated voter thinking during the last election. But then again, it *is* an actual lead. Not good news for the GOP!