Center-Left Nation

[eridani]

http://theprogressivecynic.com/2014/05/02/is-the-usa-center-right-an-issue-by-issue-breakdown/

According to these policy polls, an “average American” supports the redistribution of wealth through taxing the wealthy more, wants to increase the minimum wage and environmental protections, thinks that unions are beneficial to society, and opposes attempts to cut anti-poverty programs or entitlements, even if those cuts are intended to balance the budget. On social issues, this theoretical American supports gay equality, reasonable abortion access, universal background checks for gun purchases, wage-equality for women and the legalization of marijuana.

In short, this “average American” holds views which line up almost exactly with a center-left political ticket, similar to what many European social democratic parties have run on. It is certainly true that this description of the average doesn’t take into account regional variations (ex. the south likely holds many extremely conservative Americans whose preferences are simply cancelled out in these national poll by the more populous coastal cities), but this is an accurate description of the aggregate opinion of the entire population of the United States.

While Americans tend to align with the left or center-left in terms of policy, a disproportionate number still vote for Republicans or self-identify as conservatives. These people are voting based upon their perception of the parties (ex. Voters can grow up “conservative” or “liberal” and will reflexively vote for a person who identifies themselves as part of that “tribe” over others) or other non-policy criteria. They are using heuristics and socialized cues (ex. religion) to decide who to vote for, rather than an objective assessment of which candidate better supports their policies.


This phenomenon was summarized succinctly in a recent working paper by Broockman from UC Davis and Skovron from the University of Michigan:

[djean111]

1. For me, the Democratic Tribe (Party) has changed.

and will reflexively vote for a person who identifies themselves as part of that “tribe” over others

Not going to do that this time. Voting for someone who reflects my values and interests and whose policies I concur with.
Bernie.

[Scuba]

2. Well, we've got a far-right party and a center-right party and 60% of the electorate stays home.

What does that tell you?

[newfie11]

3. This country is inundated with FOXNews propaganda

everywhere you go. It's carefully doled out for maximum effect. Given enough time the brainwashing is having an effect. People vote against their best interest.

Voting is questionable. Yes I vote but every time I wonder if it will be counted or will it be flipped. If I do an absentee ballot, will that end up shredded and in the trash!

Retread 1984, we are getting closer than you think.
If your not watching Free speech TV.

The for profit/crooked politicians are so firmly entrenched in our government and agencies I'm not sure we can get an honest government.

[Lee-Lee]

4. Unfortunately those issues don't exist alone in a vacuum

And the other factors affect votes too.

Union members vote against a candidate who is great for them on an economic level because of issues like gun control and religion- especially gun control in many areas.

And, of course, racism comes into play.