Political Scientist: Republicans Most Conservative They've Been In 100 Years

**Foxrac** · 04-25-2012, 05:38 PM

When President Obama recently complained to news media executives about their ostensibly even-handed "pox on both of your houses" coverage of the partisan battles in Washington, it might have seemed like, well, a partisan shot from a Democratic president.

After all, his complaint was that the GOP had moved so far right, and intransigently so, that it was wrong to create a false "equivalence" by blaming both parties equally for the Washington gridlock. To a skeptic that comment, coming from a Democrat, sounded suspiciously partisan itself.

But while the president was making the kind of argument you would expect of the nation's top Democrat, he actually had the support of science — well at least political science research that maps that rightward GOP shift.

Keith Poole of the University of Georgia, with his collaborator Howard Rosenthal of New York University, has spent decades charting the ideological shifts and polarization of the political parties in Congress from the 18th century until now to get the view of how the political landscape has changed from 30,000 feet up. What they have found is that the Republican Party is the most conservative it has been a century.

In a recent conversation Poole, who's viewed by other political scientists as the go-to expert on this issue, explained that the data are very clear:

Quote:

"This is an entirely objective statistical procedure. The graphs just reflect what comes out of the computer. Howard Rosenthal and I, we've been working on something called Nominate. This does all the Congresses simultaneously, which allows you to study change over time.

"The short version would be since the late 1970s starting with the 1976 election in the House the Republican caucus has steadily moved to the right ever since. It's been a little more uneven in the Senate. The Senate caucuses have also moved to the right. Republicans are now furtherest to the right that they've been in 100 years.

Of course some, and not just conservative activists, will be quick to point out that Democrats also have their take-no-prisoner liberals who aren't prone to compromise on their core issues, either.

Karlyn Bowman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institution who studies public opinion, is definitely of the pox-on-both-house camp:

Quote:

"Clearly, I think both parties have moved to the extremes since I've been watching politics. I don't think there's any doubt about that. The Democratic Party has been pulled to the left and the Republican Party has been pulled to the right. Part of that is redistricting."

Poole acknowledges that Democrats have contributed their share to the polarization of the political process, especially, he says, through their use of identity politics, appeals to race, ethnicity and gender.

Democrats have also contributed by losing House and Senate seats in the South where moderate Democrats have been replaced by Republicans. Meanwhile, moderate Republicans have continued to depart the scene, with Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine being just the latest.

Buttressing a point that Obama has sometimes made, this loss of moderates and further rightward movement by congressional Republicans would have been a challenge to navigate for even the biggest conservative hero of modern times, President Ronald Reagan. Poole said:

Quote:

"Ronald Reagan was so successful because he made all these deals with these huge blocks of moderate legislators. That's why he had overwhelming majorities for the 81 tax cut, the 82 tax increase, where they had to go back and adjust the tax bill in 82 and the Social Security fix in 83. Then in 86 you had Simpson Mazzoli, which included amnesty and tax simplification. All that stuff passed with very large majorities. You cannot imagine anything like that happening now. Which is why the country is really in the tank.

"There's a lot of blame to go around. It doesn't look like there's any resolution of this anytime soon."

That said, Poole says the data are hard to deny; the polarization is largely due to how far and relatively quickly Republicans have shifted to the right end of the ideological spectrum. And he faults leaders of both parties for allowing the nation to get into a fiscal morass in which government spending on health care is unsustainable:

Quote:

"It is true that the Republicans have moved further to the right than the Democrats have moved to the left. That's absolutely true.

"On the other hand, there doesn't seem to be much impetus on the part of the leadership of either political party to really do something serious about our budget crisis. I doubt very seriously we'll see much improvement.

"People forget how utterly irresponsible our political leadership has been for the last 30 years. ... The current political class of the U.S. just isn't in the same league as Truman and Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. You just don't have that kind of leadership now, just when we need it.

This isn't meant as a knock on Obama, Poole said. But he's not very optimistic about what an Obama second term would bring:

Quote:

"The likely outcome of the election is that it's a very close victory by President Obama, the Republicans hold the House and may come within an eyelash of taking the Senate. I could see a 50-50 Senate. So good luck. After $2 billion gets spent on federal elections at all levels, how bitter will the atmosphere will be in January 2013? We're really up the creek."

Political Scientist: Republicans Most Conservative They've Been In 100 Years : It's All Politics : NPR

**Foxrac** · 04-25-2012, 05:40 PM

Not surprised, my parent were republican supporters until 1988/1992 but switched to Democratic Party after Republican Party became more right than ever.

Oceanbreeze · 04-25-2012, 08:19 PM

I don't believe that to be completely true. I believe that there is a segment in the Republican party that is very right wing political; that being the Tea Party. However, a lot of those that consider themselves Tea Party members are also libertarian.

I also look at a person's voting record (easily found online by doing a google search of the candidate.) Many who espouse certain beliefs don't always vote the way they believe. They will vote according to what will make their constituents happiest. Don't always believe what comes out of a politicians mouth. In fact, you can always tell when a politician is lying... Their lips are moving.

Waterboy · 04-27-2012, 08:58 AM

Not surprising at all. And believable, too.

Cowpuppy · 04-28-2012, 12:41 PM

Ha
Harry Ried too far left. ...Pelosi ok.
Another 4 years of Obama?....... hate it all you want but the republicans will not be able too afford shutting down US for another 4 years. I'm not sure they will get away with blaming Dems for present situation. remember it was a 'Great Recession'. they don't go away overnight. 4 years from now things can only be better. normal economic swings.
republicans win? they couldn't take credit in 4 years. it is natures economic swing.

**Reba** · 04-28-2012, 01:37 PM

Have the Republicans really moved so far to the right, or have the Democrats moved so far to the left that it just seems that the Republicans made the move?

rockin'robin · 04-28-2012, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Have the Republicans really moved so far to the right, or have the Democrats moved so far to the left that it just seems that the Republicans made the move?

Reminds me of that old, old Chubby Checker song..."Let's do the Twist"

rolling7 · 04-28-2012, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Have the Republicans really moved so far to the right, or have the Democrats moved so far to the left that it just seems that the Republicans made the move?

If they move any farther to the left, they are going to fall off the clift.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Have the Republicans really moved so far to the right, or have the Democrats moved so far to the left that it just seems that the Republicans made the move?

Democratic Party has been much shift since 1990's after numerous southern politicians switched to Republican Party, especially 1994 midterm election. It is very clearly that Democratic Party is more liberal and left than before.

I don't have to deal with confusion over political parties anymore and Republican Party lost much of liberal and moderate, same goes with Democratic lost much conservatives.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolling7

If they move any farther to the left, they are going to fall off the clift.

You got kidding that you claimed to be independent.

Waterboy · 04-28-2012, 03:30 PM

The Repubs are moving to the far right a lot faster than the Dems are moving to the far left.

**Reba** · 04-28-2012, 03:33 PM

The Dems had a head start.

Waterboy · 04-28-2012, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

The Dems had a head start.

So you are saying that the Repubs have always been more in the middle?

So you didn't mean it either when you said the Dems had a head start, I guess. Just kind of a joke.

**Reba** · 04-28-2012, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterboy

So you are saying that the Repubs have always been more in the middle?

I don't believe I said that.

Of course, "the middle" is prone to change also. It's a nebulous designation in the political realm.

kokonut · 04-28-2012, 03:57 PM

Nebulous indeed.

rolling7 · 04-28-2012, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrac

You got kidding that you claimed to be independent.

I'm making an observation as an independent. I'm right in the middle and the Reps. have mover a little right of me and the Dems. have moved a lot to the left of me.

rolling7 · 04-28-2012, 05:41 PM

Here is an idea. Lets all get into a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. As long as we stay in the lifeboat w wil be safe. Anyone goes over the right side drowns and anyone goes over the left side drowns.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

The Dems had a head start.

What?

Republican Party has moved to more right since 1976 and Democratic Party didn't move to more left until 80's or 90's.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolling7

I'm making an observation as an independent. I'm right in the middle and the Reps. have mover a little right of me and the Dems. have moved a lot to the left of me.

I disagree with you.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kokonut

Nebulous indeed.

Only for you because you see Republican Party as not extreme to you.

**Reba** · 04-28-2012, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrac

What?

Republican Party has moved to more right since 1976 and Democratic Party didn't move to more left until 80's or 90's.

No. The Dems were becoming more liberal long before that (they called it being "progressive"). They were definitely liberal in the 60's.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

No. The Dems were becoming more liberal long before that (they called it being "progressive"). They were definitely liberal in the 60's.

What about southern democrats? They are most conservative part in Democratic Party.

**Reba** · 04-28-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrac

What about southern democrats? They are most conservative part in Democratic Party.

It's all relative. A "conservative" Democrat is still politically liberal.

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

It's all relative. A "conservative" Democrat is still politically liberal.

It doesn't looks liberal to me but just DINO.

In past, there were some liberal climate in Republican Party.

Do you think that being liberal is bad thing?

**Foxrac** · 04-28-2012, 06:46 PM

Even, Democratic Party wasn't friendly to GLBT rights until 1980's-1990's.

Waterboy · 04-29-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I don't believe I said that.

Of course, "the middle" is prone to change also. It's a nebulous designation in the political realm.

Oh, so you were just making a joke when you said the Dems had a head start. You didn't really mean it.

Waterboy · 04-29-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

It's all relative. A "conservative" Democrat is still politically liberal.

And a "liberal" Republican is still politically conservative.

Waterboy · 04-29-2012, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

No. The Dems were becoming more liberal long before that (they called it being "progressive"). They were definitely liberal in the 60's.

Because they supported civil rights and social programs?

**Foxrac** · 04-29-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waterboy

Because they supported civil rights and social programs?

There are handful of republicans supported civil rights, however they are originally against welfare programs for many years.

Waterboy · 04-30-2012, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foxrac

There are handful of republicans supported civil rights, however they are originally against welfare programs for many years.

A very small handful. The Civil Rights laws and the social programs have all happened because of Democratic push.

04-25-2012, 05:40 PM	#2 (permalink)
Foxrac Need Stormtroopers? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Zaphias Posts: 32,400	Not surprised, my parent were republican supporters until 1988/1992 but switched to Democratic Party after Republican Party became more right than ever. __________________ In Moto We Trust

04-25-2012, 08:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Oceanbreeze Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: S. FL Posts: 9,967	I don't believe that to be completely true. I believe that there is a segment in the Republican party that is very right wing political; that being the Tea Party. However, a lot of those that consider themselves Tea Party members are also libertarian. I also look at a person's voting record (easily found online by doing a google search of the candidate.) Many who espouse certain beliefs don't always vote the way they believe. They will vote according to what will make their constituents happiest. Don't always believe what comes out of a politicians mouth. In fact, you can always tell when a politician is lying... Their lips are moving. airportcop likes this. __________________ "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

04-28-2012, 12:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cowpuppy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: On The Road Again Posts: 820	Ha Harry Ried too far left. ...Pelosi ok. Another 4 years of Obama?....... hate it all you want but the republicans will not be able too afford shutting down US for another 4 years. I'm not sure they will get away with blaming Dems for present situation. remember it was a 'Great Recession'. they don't go away overnight. 4 years from now things can only be better. normal economic swings. republicans win? they couldn't take credit in 4 years. it is natures economic swing. Waterboy likes this.

04-28-2012, 01:37 PM	#6 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,108	Have the Republicans really moved so far to the right, or have the Democrats moved so far to the left that it just seems that the Republicans made the move? airportcop and Grayma like this. __________________ Tell us the truth about Benghazi!

04-28-2012, 03:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,108	The Dems had a head start. airportcop likes this.

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

04-27-2012, 08:58 AM	#4 (permalink)
Waterboy Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States Posts: 455	Not surprising at all. And believable, too.

04-28-2012, 03:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
Waterboy Banned Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: United States Posts: 455	The Repubs are moving to the far right a lot faster than the Dems are moving to the far left.

04-28-2012, 03:57 PM	#15 (permalink)
kokonut Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 15,348	Nebulous indeed. rockin'robin likes this. __________________ Before AD. After AD. "Restriction on free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us." -Thurgood Marshall, former Supreme Court Justice "... turns out they are telling the truth."

04-28-2012, 05:41 PM	#17 (permalink)
rolling7 Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 3,340	Here is an idea. Lets all get into a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean. As long as we stay in the lifeboat w wil be safe. Anyone goes over the right side drowns and anyone goes over the left side drowns.

04-28-2012, 06:46 PM	#25 (permalink)
Foxrac Need Stormtroopers? Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Zaphias Posts: 32,400	Even, Democratic Party wasn't friendly to GLBT rights until 1980's-1990's. Waterboy likes this. __________________ In Moto We Trust

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode