Republicans, It's Not You, It's Just Your Image!
by Christian Stellakis on Oct 23, 2014 | Views: 115 | Score: 0
| Percent of registered voters that believe the party is ... More concerned about the needs of people like me | More willing to work with the other party | Able to govern in a more ethical, honest way | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Democratic Party | 54 | 50 | 41 |
| The Republican Party | 33 | 28 | 33 |
Sources:
people-press.org
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Despite the fact that much of the public believes Republicans would do a better job handling practical problems like the economy and terrorism, the Republicans are still perceived unfavorably by the plurality of registered voters when compared to Democrats on certain key image-related issues.
Why do you say that's just image? Perhaps perception reflects reality - that Dems really are more concerned, more collaborative, and more ethical.
While that very well may be the case, these three characteristics are speculative and nonspecific. While only 1/3 of the public believes Republicans are more concerned about them, there is really no concrete way to show it to be true. Plus the majority of the public trusts Republicans more to deal with practical issues, many of which concern the needs of the common man.
That's a poor circular argument. You're saying perception is weak and irrelevant for things like concern and collaboration but perception is accurate and meaningful for who is better at economy or security. You can't have it both ways.
Not quite. I was not explicitly claiming that either are accurate or reflective of the truth. I was simply pointing out the obvious discrepancy between how Republicans are perceived based on two issues: concrete problems (the economy etc.) and more abstract conceptions (ethics etc.). It goes to show the interesting dichotomy that while Republicans are respected for their problem solving abilities, they nevertheless falter significantly regarding personal issues such as trust. I am not asserting either to be the case in reality, just that the public equivocates on its perception of the Republican party.
... Though some might argue that "perception is reality," but that is a different conversation entirely.
Still incorrect, unless you cherry pick your facts and your timing. At different moments Dems or Reps are favored on lots of issues. Right now Reps are favored on budget, taxes and economy. Dems are favored on healthcare, climate change, women's rights. www.gallup.com/poll/178268/vo…
Exactly! So its not an issue of whether the Republicans are or are not more competent or ethical, it is simply public opinion and image. As you said, it depends a great deal on timing.