Quote:
Originally posted by Rudey
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/06/op...rint&position=
November 6, 2004
The Values-Vote Myth
By DAVID BROOKS
Much of the misinterpretation of this election derives from a poorly worded question in the exit polls. When asked about the issue that most influenced their vote, voters were given the option of saying "moral values." But that phrase can mean anything - or nothing. Who doesn't vote on moral values? If you ask an inept question, you get a misleading result.
He won because 53 percent of voters approved of his performance as president. Fifty-eight percent of them trust Bush to fight terrorism. They had roughly equal confidence in Bush and Kerry to handle the economy. Most approved of the decision to go to war in Iraq. Most see it as part of the war on terror.
The fact is that if you think we are safer now, you probably voted for Bush. If you think we are less safe, you probably voted for Kerry. That's policy, not fundamentalism. The upsurge in voters was an upsurge of people with conservative policy views, whether they are religious or not.
(snip)
But the same insularity that caused many liberals to lose touch with the rest of the country now causes them to simplify, misunderstand and condescend to the people who voted for Bush. If you want to understand why Democrats keep losing elections, just listen to some coastal and university town liberals talk about how conformist and intolerant people in Red America are. It makes you wonder: why is it that people who are completely closed-minded talk endlessly about how open-minded they are?
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The first few responses to this article are proof positive that most of you didn't get it. To make it easier to understand, I've left out where it says that religion had the same appeal in 2004 as in 2000.
I'll be the first to say that I voted my convictions in 2004, but I also did in 2000.
It is nothing new!!
And even though the thread has been deleted, James, you said that you'll (I assume the plural you) love me, even if Bush wins.
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