The new Gallup poll about most conservative/least conservative states tells us something we all know

[cali]

This was a self-identifying poll- not one based on voting or the result of voting or anything else. We already know that the word liberal has become so associated with the negative that people shun it and that the word conservative has a more positive connotation in the minds of people throughout the country. But many of those tagging themselves as conservative, don't vote that way or hold what's widely condsidered to be conservative views.

That said, I think this is a sadly conservative nation.

[vi5]

1. There are the opposite ones as well...

My parents always identify as liberal. And compared to most of their friends and family they really are. Mostly since they don't hate gay people and think they should be able to marry, and they think abortion is a woman's choice and the government should stay out (despite them being devoutly catholic).

But the fact is that economically they have become more conservative over the years. They came from humble beginnings and now in their 60's they do very well for themselves. But they are constantly complaining about unions, and about illegal immigration and things of that nature. Yet they'll constantly say "Oh, we're liberal."

I'd hardly say they were were conservative or right wing, but they are definitely not liberal, despite how they would identify themselves.