The conventional wisdom of last November’s election was that Obama’s victory, historic though it may have been in several ways, was not transformative. Wewere mostly disillusioned with the current brand of Repugnantism, but we were still a “center-right” nation. Clearly, Obama himself does not share that interpretation, and there may be some proof to his analysis in today’s Fox News poll 3-5-09 .
A couple of progressive blogs have pointed out the news from the poll that people today prefer the policies of Obama over those of Ronald Reagan. Not surprising as most young people know little of Reagan’s policies in the first place. But a look at some of the answers challenges the notion that we are "center-right."
On most questions, the Democrats praise Obama and the Repugs denigrate him. That’s to be expected. But let’s focus on the independents.
- On the question about who would deserve credit if the economy recovers, a slight plurality of independents would credit government spending rather than the private sector.
- Seventy-one (71) percent of independents support the idea of raising taxes on people making more than $250,000 a year, with 60 percent thinking it “levels the economic and social playing field.” (Even 41% of Repugs support higher taxes on the rich but only 29% think it levels the field.) So much for the class warfare argument. Independents, the often called “moderates,” sound almost “socialist”!
- A plurality of independents think rich people are “greedy [and] only look out for themselves."
- Majorities of independents think the stimulus bill will create new jobs, stabilize the housing market and reverse the stock market decline, showing a remarkable confidence in Keynesian economics.
Even taken together, this portrait of independents doesn’t mean we’ll soon replace the stars and stripes with the hammer and sickle. But neither does it paint a portrait of a “center-right” country.
An added note: I wonder how long it will take before we hear some GOPer point out that “more people feel Obama is “falling below expectations” than “exceeding expectations,” conveniently omitting that a majority – more than the combination of the other two categories – feel he is “meeting expectations.” Of course, that’s a double edged sword. If you figured he’d fail, he’s meeting your expectations. But I’m sure some wag will use the argument to prove he’s failing. Believe me, GOPers have twisted evidence to greater degrees.
Another note: Between one-fifth and a quarter of all Dems, Repugs and independents agree that “government has its own money” while about two-thirds think the “government is funded by taxpayers.” Even a fifth is frightening.