Which Issue Hurts The Democratic Party More

[THUNDER HANDS]

Regardless of how you feel about either of these two issues. If you were to put your political scientist hat on for a second, which of these two issues is more of a burden for the Democratic Party when trying to appeal to "swing" or "moderate" voters...

[Beer Snob-50]

1. Most swing voters are more conservative

on social issues such as gay rights and abortion IMHO.

[BayCityProgressive]

2. they are the right things to stand for.

if people would rather have republicans than I guess they will reap all that comes along with them.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. I love your signature!

;-)

[Beer Snob-50]

6. Thanks!

Going down to see the Sox for 5 days in the sun of Florida next week!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

9. Lucky you!

Hopefully you'll get to see Schilling or Pedro!

[On the Road]

3. The Landscape Changed with the MA Decision

A year ago, gay marriage or civil unions was a divisive and potentially disastrous issue for the democrats. Miraculously, a consensus seemed to be emerging with a small majority (55%) in favor of civil unions and a clear minority (<20%) in favor of full marriage.

Howard Dean, who some considered unelectable a year before because of the civil unions bill, suddenly looked like he was exercising foresight and leadership. The issue might actually work in favor of the Democrats.

The MA Court decision came at a very bad time politically. (I happen to think it was incorrect on constitutional grounds.) What used to be a progressive position with majority support (civil unions) became a reactionary position. On the other hand, full gay marriage remained unpopular. A win-win situation became a lose-lose situation overnight.

Whether it's more important than gun control I have no idea.

[Solon]

11. Neither, in my opinion

Most people care more about their jobs than if two stangers decide to get married to the same sex. That is the point, also the Court was right, constitutionally.

[maxanne]

5. what hurts the party the most

is not taking a firm stand on either. We must support equality for gays and lesbians, and we must support the US Constitution.

[terryg11]

7. gay rigthts is the more imprtant issue in my opinion but yet

it's also most likely the one to lose more votes. It's important in that it's about a select group of people who are being treated differently in an unfair manner. Over time with constant education it could become as acceptable to people as mixed marriages and even going back farther, desegregation.

[kayell]

8. How about a new poll: Is the Democratic party still the Democratic party

if it bends down to kiss the bigots asses in the vain hope that they will vote dem rather than stand up for human and civil rights?

[terryg11]

10. that's a decent question

and one many around here seem to ponder.

where do we draw the line in the need to win and the need to do the right thing? if the democratic party loses it's soul then what?

[Doomsayer13]

12. most people don't care much about gay rights

though they are opposed to gay marriage, in terms of issue importance it doesn't register very high on the scale unless you're a liberal activist or a hardcore fundie. I say gun control becuase a lot of people in the center are gun owners and sportsmen.