The Biggest Missing Story in Politics

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In August 2008, Americans answered that question this way:

(1) 20% of Americans considered themselves to be very conservative;
(2) 40% of Americans considered themselves to be somewhat conservative;

(3) 2% of Americans considered themselves to be moderate;
(4) 27% of Americans considered themselves to be somewhat liberal;
(5) 9% of Americans considered themselves to be very liberal; and
(6) 3% of Americans did not know or refused to answer.

Sixty percent of Americans considered themselves conservative. Does this mean that most Americans do not know what "conservative" means? No: The question specifically provides an out to people who are not sure about their ideology; it provides an out to people who want to be considered "moderate." Americans reject those choices. They overwhelmingly define themselves as "conservative." This is a huge political story - except that it is not "new" at all. Look at the thirteen Battleground Poll results over the last six years, and how do Americans answer that very question? Here are the percentages of Americans in those polls who call themselves "conservative" since June 2002: 59% (June 2002 poll), 59% (September 2003 poll), 61% (April 2004 poll), 59% (June 2004 poll), 60% (September 2004 poll), 61% (October 2005 poll), 59% (March 2006), 61% (October 2006), 59% (January 2007), 63% (July 2007), 58% (December 2007), 63% (May 200 and now 60% (August 2008.)

Actually it would be important to define "conservative" in this context. Traditionally, conservatives believe in smaller government, national sovereignty, a strong adherence to the Constitution, adherence to principle, and a strong belief in "traditional values". Many people who consider themselves conservative now, however, support larger government (specifically expanding the Executive, in the form of departments like DHS), are interested in direct interference of foreign affairs even going so far as nation building, are okay with Habeas Corpus being suspended in cases involving potential terrorists, and even support things like torture (under certain circumstances) which doesn't really fit in with traditional values.

I'm sure you can see the divergence of two, distinct idologies that happen to fall under the same title could end up being confusing to people.

Very true. There was nothing Reagan did that was Conservative yet Repubs call themselves Ronald Reagan Conservatives.

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And just where do you two (Rationalist & ConservativeDemocrat) place yourselves -1,2,3,4,5 or 6?

Again, it depends on what definitions one is using. I like power shifting from the federal level to the state level, I can't stand it when we stick our military noses in other people's problems, especially when we're not asked for help, and I adore the Constitution and BOR; those are all more traditionally conservative (or maybe even libertarian, from a certain perspective). Of course, I also believe that certain things (health care, military, space exploration, regulation of food and drugs) are better done by a government than a private corporation, I believe that taxing is okay when it's spent correctly with transparency, oversight, and accountability, I believe the maintaining and protection of civil rights are worth losing theoretical security, and I happen to think that the US should have only one intelligence agency, not dozens.

I'm liberal in some ways and conservative in others, like most people. Show me a person that follows an idology to the letter and I'll show you someone who hasn't asked enough questions of him/herself.

Then you're a 6......

This makes you Canadian.

This makes you a Liberal

A liberal telling us that Reagan wasn't conservative. Next you'll say Nobama isn't far left.

It puts me among [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. , but I'd probably be happy living in Canada, Europe, or Japan.
True, by most standards the whole "tax and spend" thing is pretty liberal.
Not really. I enjoy pretty good company on the subject:
Thomas Jefferson had a similar quote if I recall correctly. Of course there was probably lead in their wigs.

Reagan claimed he wanted smaller govt yet the govt was enlarged under him. Fiscal conservatism yet we went from the largest loaner to the largest borrower under him. Reagan granted sanctuary to illegals.Reagan was no conservative no matter how you look at him. Worship him if you must but at least open your eyes to him. Most if not all repubs are Conservative in name only. they like to pretend their party is the good guy, pro America while all others are evil and anti American. Once again..Repubs..Conservative in name only. A fail proof test is to ask them if they are Ronald Reagan republicans. If they say yes then they fail the Conservative test.

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