How long does it take you to take a political position on an issue?

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

Poll question: How long does it take you to take a political position on an issue?

For many, the decisions come instantaneously - it feels right or it feels wrong, and that's all there is to it. Others take longer to form their opinions. And some even prefer to have their positions evolve over time, never fully committing themselves to one side or another, always weighing the pros and cons as they are encountered.

How about you? How long does it typically take you to arrive at a political position? I know it probably differs for different topics, but just give me your general impressions.

[Cant trust em]

1. I'd be willing to bet that the time it takes DUers to form opinions is lower than average

Whether they'd like to admit it or not.

If Bush brought it up, it took me about two seconds. I'd like to think I'm a lot more critical in my judgment these days, but I'm probably wrong.

[ZombieHorde]

2. Depends on the issue. nt

[Xipe Totec]

3. It reminds me of a question about the French Revolution

Q: What were the long term consequences of the French Revolution?

A: It's too soon to tell...

[pscot]

4. Generally not very long.

I'm prone to snap judgements, but I often change my view over time. I know what I think. But it depends on the complexities involved. New information has an effect too. It took months for me to decide who I was voting for in the 2008 primaries.

[bigwillq]

5. Who did you vote for?

If you don't mind me asking.

[pscot]

6. At the time of our caucus

I was hors de combat with pneumonia, but I would have voted for Hilary at that point.

[bigwillq]

7. Thanks for the reply.

:hi:

I voted for Kucinich.

[lunatica]

8. I'm a Progressive. Progressives have very definite beliefs. We know right away.

Half measures are something we learn to live with and some of us even measure success in increments. As long as things are going in the right direction, we'll basically support it. But only if it goes in the right direction. There is no compromise. Just patience and the pragmatism to know that our views can only come about in baby steps in regards to the general population.

[ShadowLiberal]

9. Depends on the issue, but on most stuff your opinions should always be evolving

It really depends on the issue for how fast you take a position, and how it's presented.

On a lot of issues though you should keep an open mind and always be ready to change your position on something as the times and situations change. For example it's clear this current economic mess was caused by lack of government oversight and regulation. But that doesn't mean that you can't go too far, and in the future when the economy recovers from this, end up sinking the economy into a recession because you put regulations so strict up around things that it's no longer possible for businesses to make a profit and stay in business.

But there are certainly issues where times and situations shouldn't change your opinions, like gay rights for example, there's no reason to go from being tolerant of gays to becoming an antigay bigot, no matter the time/situation. Sure the time/situation may change how to advocate your position on the issue, but it shouldn't change your stance on the issue.