The New American Center: Why our nation isn't as divided as we think

[sinkingfeeling]

http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/15/20960588-the-new-american-center-why-our-nation-isnt-as-divided-as-we-think?lite

At the center of national sentiment there’s no longer a chasm but a common ground where a diverse and growing majority - 51% - is bound by a surprising set of shared ideas.

The people of the center are patriotic and proud, with a strong majority (66 percent) saying that America is still the greatest country in the world, and most (54 percent) calling it a model that other countries should emulate. But the center is also very nervous about the future, overwhelmingly saying that America can no longer afford to spend money on foreign aid (81 percent) when we need to build up our own country.

The new American center has a socially progressive streak, supporting gay marriage (64 percent), the right to an abortion for any reason within the first trimester (63 percent), and legalized marijuana (52 percent). Women, workers and the marginal would also benefit if the center had its way, supporting paid sick leave (62 percent); paid maternity leave (70 percent); tax-subsidized childcare to help women return to work (57 percent); and a federal minimum wage hike to no less than $10 per hour (67 percent).

But the center leans rightward on the environment, capital punishment, and diversity programs. Majorities support offshore drilling (81 percent) and the death penalty (90 percent), and the end of affirmative action in hiring and education (57 percent). Most people in the center believe respect for minority rights has gone overboard, in general, harming the majority in the process (63 percent). And just one in four support immigration reforms that would provide a path to citizenship for those who came here illegally.

Explore Esquire magazine's coverage of the exclusive survey.


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I'm disappointed that there is strong support for drilling, the death penalty, and voter IDs within this group.
Be sure to take the 2-part quiz at the link. http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/center-interactive-quiz

I surprised my self by being even more to the left than I thought I was. Here's the result :

"It's Official: You're one of the bleeding hearts. You're part of the 10 percent of the electorate that believes in the full progressive agenda."

[tech3149]

1. Congrats! Me Too!