Hillary Clinton has shifted left, but so have Americans

[applegrove]

Hillary Clinton has shifted left, but so have Americans

By David Lauter at the LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-democrats-shift-left-20150522-story.html

"SNIP...............

But as Clinton advisors say -- and as Gallup's figures show -- something else is happening as well. Compared with 2008, when Clinton last sought the presidency, the country, and the Democratic Party, in particular, have become more liberal on social issues. On economic matters, the country is less conservative and more moderate.

In 2008, slightly more than 1 in 3 Americans described their views on social issues as conservative or very conservative in Gallup's surveys, while just over 1 in 4 called their views liberal or very liberal.

Since then, the number of self-described liberals on social policy has gone up, and the number of conservatives has declined. For the first time since Gallup began asking the question, in 1999, the two groups are at parity, with 31% on either side.

The move is particularly striking among Democrats. In 2008, about 4 in 10 Democrats called themselves liberal on social issues, now 53% do, compared with 31% who say they are social moderates and 14% who say they are conservative.



...............SNIP"

[still_one]

1. I guess Walker didn't win 3 times, or Joni Ernst isn't a Senator. Thanks for the

perspective on how liberal the country has become

[applegrove]

2. It is nice to have hope though. I don't know how it really feels to be American these days cause i'm

in Canada and sometimes I forget that. But we in Canada are usually way ahead of you on progressive issues and with the push for a $15 an hour minimum wage in LA you are ahead of us on that issue. So it is happening. Soon enough? Nope.

[still_one]

12. Unfortunately we seem to be slow learners down here sometimes

[Cha]

6. Certain sections where the brainwashing of majority is complete, no.. but, the country as a whole is

much different.

[still_one]

13. Hope you are right Cha

[joshcryer]

8. Midterms.

The Achilles heel of American democracy, particularly the Democratic Party.

Over half a million people didn't turn out in the Wisconsin elections between general election season and midterms. If only a quarter of the people who voted for Obama in 2008 or 2012 actually went out and voted Walker would've been gone.

(Yes, Walker was recalled but it again had similar turnouts to the midterms.)

[KMOD]

3. Yes, most Americans have.

Most Americans now support LGBT rights.

Most Americans are now anti-war.

Most Americans are sick and tired of racism, sexism, and bigotry.

Most Americans are sick and tired of the republicans trying to take away safety nets, and interfering in education and women's reproductive rights.

Republicans suck. Most Americans are very aware of that.

[joshcryer]

4. Clinton is going where the polls go.

Which isn't that big of a deal. You're not going to win the nomination of the party or the Presidency by not appealing to your constituents.

[Cha]

5. And, I think we have the Obama Admin in part to thank for that. Thanks Obama.

Mahalo apple~

[MaggieD]

9. Yeah, thanks Obama

https://m.

[Cha]

10. That is freaking Priceless, Maggie.. Mahalo!

he's so funny!

[MaggieD]

11. LOL! Love that guy

Mahalo to you too!

[applegrove]

14. Oh for sure. Obama has been masterful while his opponents were napalming governance and the country.

[Cha]

16. Grateful for those who appreciate that, applegrove!

[applegrove]

15. Bonsoir Cha!

[Cha]

17. Bonsoir, apple~

[MaggieD]

7. America - a bunch of damn flip floppers!

They're just trying to get elected.

Oh wait, never mind.

[L0oniX]

18. Any way the wind blows. Might as well be her trade mark or campaign slogan.