Affluent Voters Switch Brands

Wall Street Journal ^ | 16 November 2007 | JOHN HARWOOD

[shrinkermd]

In this newly competitive state and elsewhere, Republicans are struggling to reassure their nervous religious-right base, while Democrats are profiting from increasing support among high-income voters. And that support may be more impervious to warnings of higher taxes than some Republicans assume.

"The Democratic Party stands more for creating equal opportunity," says Mr. Kelley. He says the party "speaks more to me on issues of the environment, and even more to me on national security," while he criticizes Republican stands on "so-called moral issues" such as gay marriage.

As for proposals by Democratic congressional leaders and presidential contenders to raise taxes on high earners, Mr. Kelley says: "The pocketbook, the taxes, that's issue 11. And the balance has swayed so far in [favor of] the 10 other things."

In the 2004 election, exit surveys showed President Bush defeated John Kerry by 58% to 41% among those earning more than $100,000. In 2006, Republican House candidates edged Democrats among that group by 51% to 47%. Now the Wall Street Journal-NBC News poll shows Americans earning more than $100,000 want Democrats to win the White House next year by 48% to 41%, and want Democrats to win control of Congress by 45% to 42%.

Campaign-finance data represents another yardstick. The top five Democratic presidential candidates raised $242 million through the first three quarters of 2007, according to Federal Election Commission figures compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. The top five Republican candidates have raised $167 million.

[shrinkermd]

Conclusion: "...Scott Reed, who managed Republican Bob Dole's 1996 presidential campaign, sees three overlapping problems for Republicans among business leaders and high-income voters. One is desire to go with the winning side at a time when Democrats have captured Congress; a second is loss of confidence in the Bush administration's competence; and a third is "a sense that the leadership of the Republican Party is too beholden to a small group of self-appointed social conservative leaders."

In 2008, Mr. Reed adds, "Republicans have to go back to the basics and use the new presidential nominee to rebrand the entire party."

[Slapshot68]

“”The Democratic Party stands more for creating equal opportunity,” says Mr. Kelley. He says the party “speaks more to me on issues of the environment, and even more to me on national security,”

I think I just went blind reading this.

[zerosix]

"In 2008, Mr. Reed adds, "Republicans have to go back to the basics and use the new presidential nominee to rebrand the entire party."

Well, do ya think?

[GaryLee1990]

Come on...The real reason why the GOP is losing is this war. Believe me, I want to win this thing and I think things are getting better in Iraq, but I do think that us being in Iraq for so long is why the American people are punishing the GOP. Plus, you have a "pile-on" by the liberal media, saying that things are going bad in Iraq.

WatchingHillary.com

[NeoCaveman]

while he criticizes Republican stands on "so-called moral issues" such as gay marriage.

I think I found the root of this guys problem....

[Leisler]

Wealthy people tend to be neat freeks. Iraq is messy. It disturbs them.

[cardinal4]

The Democratic Party stands more for creating equal opportunity,” says Mr. Kelley. He says the party “speaks more to me on issues of the environment, and even more to me on national security,” I think I just went blind reading this.

Think nothing of it, anyone who trusts Nancy with National Security is just a dope, or a plant...

[4integrity]

‘...anyone who trusts Nancy with National Security is just a dope, or a plant...’

agree, EXCEPT, i think should read “ a dope AND a plant”.

[RockinRight]

Interesting theory.

I never understood the recent movement of affluence to the Democratic party...it seems too much like cows voting for Hamburger Helper or something...

[babble-on]

Maybe its time we got back
To the basics of GOP

Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas etc etc.

[xtinct]

Relax people:

Hillary is presently enjoying "cocoon syndrome." That is, she's protected by her husband, her campaign staff, many members of the media, e.g. Wolf Blitzer, Paul Krugman -See Played for a Sucker -- general theme Obama is being played for a sucker and a fool

It's all an illusion. Once the presidential election really gets going... Hillary won't be able to get away with the gender card, the Bubba card, the Staffer Card or any other way of insulating herself from the truth.

Refer to John Kerry ...lol

[bill1952]

taxes don't hurt the rich - they keep you from becoming rich

psst ...

[jwalsh07]

In 2008, Mr. Reed adds, "Republicans have to go back to the basics and use the new presidential nominee to rebrand the entire party."

Uh, this strategy has been tried before, it made the Republican Party the minority party for some 50 years.

Only when Reagan attracted the dreaded values voters and religious folk to the party did we win anything at all.

Now we may be headed back to minority party status but I think it will be only for a short period because the democrats will once again kill the goose that lays the golden eggs. Taxes will go up, the economy will suffer. Intel will be gutted and America will be the punching bag for the terrorists once again. Drilling will be prohibited and oil will go to 150/barrel. The libertines will prosper and folks will get fed up.

And then the Republicans will once again realize that they can not win elections from the country club.

[wardaddy]

Democrats are profiting from increasing support among high-income voters.

upwardly mobile GenX and echoBoomers are decidely leftist here in Nashville.....as left as I've ever seen and thoroughly emascualted and PC brainwashed on hot topics.

Their Gods are the environment and white guilt.

Their kids are like spoiled mice.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

I think I just went blind reading this.

(That's "me too" in Braille)

[longtermmemmory]

The Democrats are selling “I got mine” protectin.

Essentially they are selling protection from their own legislation.

[wardaddy]

Real conservatism works.

Howdy btw...neighbor.

[econjack]

In the 2004 election, exit surveys showed President Bush defeated John Kerry by 58% to 41% among those earning more than $100,000. In 2006, Republican House candidates edged Democrats among that group by 51% to 47%.

I think much of this changed is explained by the fact that Republicans could barely get a tax cut through when they controlled both Houses and they are spending like drunken sailors. I sure am disillusioned. While I've never voted a straight party line, I am really paying attention to the incumbents' voting record this time.

[Ann Archy]

Kelley is an example that even STPID people can get rich.

[JWinNC]

So... liberals are going to vote for dems... who knew?

jw