Pragmatism vs. idealism?
Here's an interesting tidbit. CNN/Opinion research polled voters on this basic question:
Would you rather vote for someone who agrees with you on major issues -- or for someone who can win?
(I'm summarizing: See the whole thing here.)
The punchline is that Democrats preferred the candidate who can beat the other party by a wide margin (58%) over the candidate who agreed with them (38%).
For Republicans it was exactly the opposite, with most (51% preferring the candidate who agreed with them over the candidate who could win (43%).
Which basically sums up the state of the two parties, right? Republicans have a much more coherent set of "do-or-die" core values -- and Democrats have a massive majority.
posted by Brian Mann @ 11/19/2009 01:47:00 PM
9 Comments
9 Comments:
Or you could say the Democrats believe in nothing.
Isn't there a balance to be struck between winning elections and holding beliefs?
As a citizen, I only care who wins to the extent that the person advances or holds back the things I believe in.
One CNN/Opinion research poll does not universal consensus make.
This poll, taken at a particular point in time, after a very contentious local race went national, needs some studying. However, I do not believe this represents a trend.
For the well being of my political party of choice, I certainly hope not.
A few more polls need to be held once the dust settles and cooler heads prevail.
Wrong.
Both parties are pragmatic - majorities in both prefer electoral gains.
Brian, I have an idea for you. Blog on another topic than the "demise of the GOP". Count up your last several months of blogs and this is overwhelmingly the topic. Occasionally you'll write about something that's outside of this general discussion - the Crown Pt. Bridge, etc. - please do it more often.
After reading this blog entry and the two previous ones, I'm left wondering if you're really interested in the subject or just like to tweek people on the right, which results in a familiar cast of characters on this blog (right & left)that trot out old tired arguments.
It gets boring, very boring.
jpm
Anonymous - I think the 'boring' complaint is valid. I think we (I) do need to drag the In Box back out of pure politics mode.
That said, the motivation isn't the kind of nose-tweaking you suggest.
The bottom line is that Republicans in the North Country have been interesting, dynamic and troubled the last couple of years.
We've gone from a Republican orthodoxy to a very changeable an competitive world.
So that's interesting. But I do agree that it's time to mix it up a lot more.
Thanks for the feedback,
Brian, NCPR
Yes, Brian. Stop commenting on some of the most profound topics of our day.
May I suggest a few topics that will get The In Box away from those same old tired arguments -
Are NC residents worried about the increase in UFO sightings over Star Lake?
What variety of sweet corn do people of the NC prefer?
Should dairy cattle be kept in better barns during the winter? PETA wants to know.
Do we need a stoplight at the corner of Dollar Road and Line Road in the township of Heuvelton?
Enquiring minds want to know. :-(
I believe the Inbox is getting a little like a kid hitting one note on the piano over and over. However- would I feel that way if I was a Democrat? Don't know. And yes, I vote on my beliefs, with no sense of whether something can be won. When the thrust of your life is based on making wise, kind decisions- whatever that means to you- you better be prepared to lose an election over them. otherwise, how committed are you, really? i am not worrying about who rules the country, or who's in charge- I want to do my best to "love mercy, and walk humbly with my God". So it's not disrespect to anyone else- not a desire to push my personal beliefs into the political arena- but rather, to judge myself- my thoughts and my actions. I am way beneath the radar politically, but I vote. Not to win elections, but becasue my beliefs are that important to me.
Frank,
Once again you miss the point. I didn't ask Brian to stop commenting on important issues - I asked him to mix it up a bit - to get away from the GOP is dying theme. And btw, he's given quite a nice and measured response - thanks Brian.
In the future, Frank, you need to read more carefully and then take a deep breath before you write something.
JPM
Anon.
I've given it several hours and have reread your post several times.
Sarcasm aside, I've been reading The In Box threads for several months before getting to the point where I felt that I needed to throw my own two cents worth into the mix. And I admit, many would say that my comments are not even worth two cents.
However, getting back to the original topic of this thread, I, for one, as a democrat, do not want my party to win no matter who the candidate is. And if you read my first comment, you will see what I think about this 'one' poll.
Now, about NCPR and the topics they discuss on The In Box.
We just had a very contentious (and seemingly still ongoing) election withing the broadcast limits of NCPR.
For the staff of NCPR to not commit a major amount of time analyzing and seeking comments about what all this means to us wouldn't do justice to the voters in this area.
Not to say that you are wrong about wanting a mix of topics, and I could imagine that if Owens had been the loser, I wouldn't want people picking that scab over and over again either.
But, NCPR, nor I, nor the others who post here are the ones picking that scab. It is Doug Hoffman and his supporters who won't let bygones be bygones.
And in closing, if you look at the number of comments registered on so many other topics, I believe the posters are voting with their computers as to what they find popular or worth delving into.
Sorry I stepped on your prose. :-)
I've given up voiting for a partyman/woman. I'll vote for the candidate that at least claims to share my values. Voting for the "party" got us Pataki, Bush, Tom Nichols, etc. Enough.
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