Here's a bit of polling data that suggests something I've been arguing for lately.
Mark this. This is a hugely important piece of data. In a little over a year there has been a huge shift in perceptions on this issue--a 32 point swing.
Let me repeat that: A 32 point swing.
What's clear from this question is that the obvious failure of Bush's policies over the past year and the the Democrats' criticism during the campaign have had a serious impact on how people view this aspect of the President. It lends evidence to my belief that the tide is turning on this supposed post-postmodern period of politics in America. My hunch, though I have no polling data to prove this, is that it speaks to a larger issue of how people are beginning to feel uncomfortable with leadership from the gut.
It lends oblique support to my idea that our best bet is to, in a sense, continue what we are doing--eschew ideology and claim to be the party of what works; debunk the Republican ideology's lack of logic or realism--people are starting to pay attention; and, unlike the right, continue developing an intellectually honest echochamber for our perspective.
If that 32 point shift is representative of a shift in public perception against faith based policies, whether they be faith in ideology or in God, my guess is that the public will feel much more comfortable with us than with the Republicans in '08, hopefully even '06. Especially if, as is likely, Bush keeps making our point for us and failing in the process.
[update] Sorry, my math sucks. 32 point swing. MoE is 3.
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