Thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in national Gallup Poll surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21% calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s. Full Story »
Posted by Walter Cox
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The polling is on labels, and there is much fuzziness in labels. If a republican is radically in favor of big business, war for empire, and unlimited global warming, is that a conservative view? If a democrat is in favor of defending the constitution, the rule of law, and a military only for defense, is that a conservative? Polling on issues finds people much more aligned with progressive views than their labels might indicate, and the youth seem to be seeing the dissonance. ... More »
The correlation between where voters get their selected news and views and how they self identify would perhaps inform of the misinformed who get ... More »
In addition to sampling error, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls. More »
A wonderful portrait of the political American. Every reader will recognize himself or herself somewhere in this analysis. What stands out especially is how middle-of-the-road Americans are politically, with very few self-identifying as "very liberal" or "very conservative." This is quite in contrast to the European political landscape, with its many far-left and far-right parties.
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