I hadn't seen this addressed yet, so I thought I would throw out a few highlights from the
recent AP Poll [pdf] on terrorism and government competence.
There were a few things worth highlighting because of how reality seems to impinge on the canon law "conventional wisdom" we hear from nearly every traditional media outlet.
[Note: Poll results formatted for easier reading]
Highlights below:
CW #1: "Americans just trust the Republican party more when it comes to protecting America/national security."
Reality Check:
Who do you trust to do a better job of protecting the country?
4/06 8/7-9/06
Total Democrats............................ 41 50
Total Republicans.......................... 41 39
CW #2 (or at least the stenography at work for the administration: "The war in Iraq is part of the war on terror and we're keeping terrorists out of the US by fighting 'over there'"
Reality Check:
In the long term, do you think there will be more or less terrorism in the United States because the U.S. went to war in Iraq?
More ........... 60
Less............ 31
Now...check how reality has set in since Dec. 2003:
More.......... 40
Less ......... 49
CW #3: "America is vulnerable everywhere and everybody is scared and all of us are whimpering little poodles" (paraphrase)
Reality Check:
How concerned are you that terrorists will attack the area where you live?
Total Concerned ............ 31
Total Not Concerned ........ 69
Finally here's a few numbers to chew on. Bring this up to your local wingnut and they will likely hoot and holler at this:
Do you consider yourself a Democrat, a Republican, an Independent or none of these?
[totals include 'leaners' whose 'values more closely identify w/ X party]
Total Republican............................ 39
Total Democrat.............................. 53
Buuuuuutttt.....
Generally speaking, do you consider yourself a liberal, moderate or conservative?
Very liberal .................... 10
Somewhat liberal................. 16
Moderate ........................ 35
Somewhat conservative ........... 24
Very conservative................ 11
Refused.......................... 4
Total Liberal.................... 26
Total Conservative .............. 35
We live in a complex country.