For Democrats, a Troubling Culture Gap

Washington Post ^ | 8/10/05 | Dan Balz

[Crackingham]

Dissatisfaction over the war in Iraq, the economy and rising health care costs might spell trouble for Republicans, but a study by Democratic strategists warns that their party's failure to connect with voters on cultural issues could prevent Democratic candidates from reaping gains in upcoming national elections. Democrats have expressed bewilderment over Republican gains among lower-income, less-educated voters, saying they are voting against their economic self-interest by supporting Republican candidates. But the new Democracy Corps study concludes that cultural issues trump economic issues by a wide margin for many of these voters -- giving the GOP a significant electoral advantage.

The study is based on focus groups of rural voters in Wisconsin and Arkansas and disaffected supporters of President Bush in Colorado and Kentucky. The good news for Democrats: All the groups expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of the country and with the leadership of the president and the GOP-controlled Congress.

Then came the bad news: "As powerful as the concern over these issues is, the introduction of cultural themes -- specifically gay marriage, abortion, the importance of the traditional family unit and the role of religion in public life -- quickly renders them almost irrelevant in terms of electoral politics at the national level," the study said.

Many of these voters still favor Democrats on economic issues. But they see the Democrats as weak on national security, and on cultural and moral issues, they view Democrats as both inconsistent and hostile to traditional values. "Most referred to Democrats as 'liberal' on issues of morality, but some even go so far as to label them 'immoral,' 'morally bankrupt,' or even 'anti-religious,' " according to the Democracy Corps analysis.

[chambley1]

One of the few remaining ways Democraps connect with voters is through male-to-male homozexual sex in the human sewer system.

[Cautor]

Thanks for posting. I hope the Democraps keep up with their leftist-liberal crap as it is their undoing. I don't think they can change since they are what that espouse.

[LS]

I think this shows an even deeper disconnect between Dan Balz/the MSM and the rest of America. The economy is pretty damn good. We have high gas prices, and that's about it. There are a couple of hot housing markets---but that's good. Employment? Up. Productivity? Up. Unemployment rate? Down. Interest rates? Well, slightly up, but still pretty low. Stock market? Could be better, but overall, up.

As for Iraq, I think once again this shows that most people think the war is going pretty well and that the MSM doesn't get it.

I agree the Dems are clueless on culture, but there is more to public dissatisfaction with the Dems (and MSM) than JUST culture. It's across the board.

[thoughtomator]

but some even go so far as to label them 'immoral,' 'morally bankrupt,' or even 'anti-religious,'

Must be those white Christian Republicans that Howard Dean "hates" sayin' that.

[minus_273]

heh paging capt. obvious.

[McGavin999]

Expect to see a lot of democrat candidates spouting bible verses. They are entirely unaware that believing people can spot phoney religion a mile away.

[umgud]

but some even go so far as to label them 'immoral,' 'morally bankrupt,' or even 'anti-religious,'

The dems are what they are. This can't be masked with fake propoganda.

[SolidSupplySide]

Democrats have expressed bewilderment over Republican gains among lower-income, less-educated voters, saying they are voting against their economic self-interest by supporting Republican candidates.

Perhaps these voters see something greater than their own self interest. I would suggest that they are voting for what is best for the country.

It is remarkable that Democrats admit that selfish voters would support the Democratic Party. Voters who make decisions influenced by unselfish reasons, the Democrats say, vote Republican.

[USA-Forever]

"a large chunk of white, non-college voters, particularly in rural areas, will remain unreachable for Democrats at the national level."---
What They Are Really Saying Is That Smart--Educated Whites Vote with Them!
These Nuts Will Never Figure It Out---A Sick group --Indeed!!!

[mlc9852]

No surprises here.

[slowhand520]

When stripped these internal Democrat polls contradict what the MSM reports. That is why, IMHO when elections occur the Dems and their pawns in the MSM are always stunned. They believe their own propoganda or get high on their own supply if you will

[Huck]

I pretty much agree with you. They are looking at their problems too narrowly. I happen to think the rise of alternative media is their real enemy. They just don't get away with as much as they used to.

[proxy_user]

"....saying they are voting against their economic self-interest by supporting Republican candidates.

And the irony is that is not necessarily the case. While the lack of a heavy-duty welfare state makes life somewhat more perilous for the lower classes, the additional economic opportunity can compensate.

If the Republicans could cut out their excessive rigging of the market in favor of large businesses, they could win this battle.

[rod1]

Ouch--to quote Bubba--better put some ice on that.

[clintonh8r]

Democrats have expressed bewilderment over Republican gains among lower-income, less-educated voters, saying they are voting against their economic self-interest by supporting Republican candidates.

Gosh, could it be that someone would actually vote in the best interest of the country? What a concept!!

[RetiredArmy]

Favor democrats on economic issues: equals stupid America. Vote in the socialists and life as you know it will end. Socialized medicine, higher taxes, higher unemployment, higher illegals voting, more homosexuals getting more rights to marriage issues/adoption issues, more anti-conservative, more anti-Constitution, anti-gun control. Right, vote in democrats. Then the USA as it exists today will fall into 3d world status, of which we ain't far off now as the 3d world continues to flood into this Republic.

[George W. Bush]

Democrats are still trying to edge around it but there's no avoiding it: until they repudiate their pro-sodomy/pro-abortion and anti-American reputation, they simply cannot win. This is why they keep holding these little what-do-we-believe seminars.

Their prospects get dimmer with each election because, as their numbers decrease, they can deliver less patronage of any kind. And they can't instigate legislation easily as minority party. As they become more feeble, it's more questionable why any lobby or PAC wants to buy their support even at cut-rate prices.

For better or worse (probably worse), the GOP now firmly controls the patronage system. And it will likely be decades before the Dims can take it back.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Ping.

[MadIvan]

Watching American news is educational in this regard. One really only hears from the Democrats if they are opposed to something; most of their statist ideas have run their course and found to be wanting. As such, all they have left is the shrill cry of infantile contrariness.

And who would vote for that?

Regards, Ivan