Barone: I See Purple People

As always, some interesting analysis from Michael Barone, suggesting the Red State / Blue State map we've grown accustomed to is gone ... for now, at least. While there's some truth to this below, I think it may be over stated. Personally, I'm not thrilled with some of the heavier-handed zealots of the religious right, but I think the debate over culture and values is a bit more nuanced than Barone's claims would make it appear. There's plenty of suburbanite rejection of extreme liberal positions on abortion and other issues, as well.

In these years, different groups of voters moved in different directions. Suburbanites in our largest metropolitan areas, repelled by the cultural stands of religious conservatives, trended heavily toward Democrats. Voters in rural areas in the South, Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, repelled by the cultural liberalism and environmental policies of the Clinton administration, trended heavily toward the Republicans.

Still, a few things are fairly clear. The American electorate is up for grabs and may be for some years before settling into any new longer term pattern. Both major political parties are struggling with their identity right now. On the surface, it would be easy to conclude the entire country is shifting at least slightly Left - but I'm unconvinced such a conclusion wouldn't be premature.

I think it more honest to admit that things are very much up in the air and domestic, economic and international events we currently can't predict are not only going to make the electorate volatile for some time, ultimately they'll have a big say in how things firm up, again, once they do.

Read it all.

Comments

[syn]

I'm an Suburbanite who does not want America to end up looking like dying Europe, what color would I fall under?

Alos, I'm one of those who lived the liberal life until I grew up and learned that much of what the 'religious right' is saying is turning out to be true.

I am confused however if there is a 'religious right' then what is the 'religious left'?

And if they're Leftist's believing in religion are they preaching God's words or Marxist's words? If Marxism is their faith, are they righteous? If they are not righteous are they then evil?

That said; I suppose I would support 'same-sex union between a man and a woman' if I had some idea of what that means.

[Dan Riehl]

There's a religious Left - and you're going to be hearing a lot more of it. And yes it is more socially and especially economically liberal. Hillary for instance actually is rather religious. Think New England protestant, or relaxed Cathlic, versus Suothern Baptist - which also has a growing liberal factions btw.

[Fred Beloit]

"Those who can't do, teach."

[syn]

I admit I haven't explored the social construct of religion in America much but when I think 'New England protestant' I think 'old money wealthy, intellectual snobs who feel superior over Jews, blacks and various other non-anglos'. I suppose this explains why quite a few ministers endorse politicans who support things like Planned Parenthood's "Negro Project" and with it the idea that 'poor people breed poverty so don't let them breed' the basic principle behind Planned Parenthood's philosophy.

I think I'm beginning to understand why Liberalism is determined to control education while altering words and meaning; for example, if black people really knew who and what it was keeping them on the plantation hapless, poor and ignorant I don't believe they would ever vote for a Democrat again even if it was an Obama.

I never could understand why it was that former President Jimmy Carter (former Southern Baptist sunday school preacher) was never ridiculed as a 'theocrat', he is considered a righteous man because he is one of those religious people who believe poor people should not be allowed to breed so they insist upon pouring money into those clinics designed to terminate the unwanted.

In the end whatever is the religious Left's faith, it is rather full of human arrogance, no?

[Dan Riehl]

"Took me a minute "

No problem, I have other slow readers. heh!

[daveinboca]

Barone is a National Treasure like those dudes in Japan, only Michael does it in prophesying political movements. Rush is great prophesying tactics, but MB has the strategic view down better than Newt or Karl or anyone else.

B. Obama has religious undertones in the hysteria greeting him everywhere he turns. HRC is personally a practicing member of the United Methodist Church, as is GWB, Dick Cheney, and John Edwards----so much for ideology aligning with Protestant sects.

[seekeronos]

"--- I am confused however if there is a 'religious right' then what is the 'religious left'? ---"

Usually I find that the UU's (Unitarian Universalists), some sections of the Anglicans/Episcopal/Church of England and PCUSA (Presbyterians) are very liberal in both their "interpretation" of the Word of God and also in their politics (favouring abominations like sodomite marriage and unrestricted abortion -- two concepts that have had a way of bringing many empire and nations greater than and existing before before the USA under God's wrath and judgment).

[Wahoo Willie]

"Usually I find that the UU's (Unitarian Universalists),some sections of the Anglicans/Episcopal/Church of England and PCUSA (Presbyterians) "

Dont forget the Methodists Seeker and a surprising number of Baptists who aren't SBC.

[seekeronos]

Yup, I missed those as well. Actually "Baptist" takes in a pretty wide spectrum, once you get away from the confines of the SBC. And the SBC itself has a few sections that are drifting away from sound doctrine as well.

The more conservative groups will tend to be the Independent Fundamentalist Baptists that tend to stick with the King James Bible.

Although "Evangelicals" in my experience (the ones most associated with Bush '43) tend to be the Pentecostals, Assembly of God churches, and some other "charismatic" groups, especially the MegaChurch/Pop Concert type churches (like that outfit in Colorado Springs pastored by Ted Haggard).

Sadly, the confluence of both Scripturally-based, Christ centered Christianity and political conservatism is on the wane.