| That at least makes more sense, though it is still not demographically sound. There is an urban/suburban split, but it is not as simple as a contrast between the productive and the unproductive. Plenty of Democratic voters in Queens and Brooklyn are hard- working, family oriented, and religious. Yes, it is true, and has been known for a long time, that it is difficult if not impossible for Democrats to win without a monolithic black vote, but not even all blacks are in government or on welfare, plenty are in the private sector, enough to make the tilt of the vote somewhat curious. (By contrast, the Hispanic vote tends to cut 65- 35, in favor of Democrats). My thesis is that historical narrative has more to do with voting patterns than current social position. Those who see the Democratic Party in the light of the New Deal, trying to help the more economically and socially vulnerable gain a foothold on the American Dream, tend to vote Democratic. Those who see the Republican Party as the reformist party, taking on corruption in government and preserving the American Way of Life, tend to vote Republican. If you think of Republicans as a bunch of WASPS trying to keep control of the goodies, then you vote Democrat. If you think of the Democrats as a bunch of demagogues using immigrants and minorities to feather their nests, you vote Republican. Of course, some people have no deep bias, or adhere to one party or another on a different basis, I am merely trying to make broad characterizations....... |
