Here is some good news. It looks like fewer people are willing to identify themselves as conservatives than back in 2010. Back then, at least 51% of the public identified themselves as conservative on economic issues (issues such as taxes, budget deficit, national debt, etc.). That has dropped to about 41% currently. Could it be because Americans are uncomfortable aligning themselves with congressional Republicans (who claim to be conservatives) on issues like lower taxes for the rich & corporations, no jobs programs, no raising of minimum wage, and cutting Social Security & Medicare benefits. Both the moderates and the liberals have split the identifications lost by conservatives (with each increasing by 4 points).
And fewer people are also willing to be identified as conservative on social issues (such as same-sex marriage, equal rights, choice, immigration reform, etc.). In 2010, about 39% of the population identified themselves as social conservatives. That has now dropped to 35%. Interestingly enough, those identifying as social moderates has also dropped, from 36% to 32%. While people may still be reluctant to identify themselves as economic liberals (only 19%), that does not apply to social issues. Those willing to be identified as social liberals has jumped from 22% in 2010 to about 30% in 2013.
This is a very hopeful trend. It looks like the congressional Republicans with their policies of austerity in economics, and anti-women's rights, anti LGBT rights, and anti minority rights socially, are driving voters away. And with another year to go before the campaigns start for the 2014 elections, these numbers could get even better -- and spell a bad election for Republicans.
The figures are from a recent Gallup Poll (conducted May 2nd through 7th of a random nationwide sample of 1,535 adults -- with a margin of error of 3 points).
