Ever wonder how political pollsters view us—the public. And why politicians sometimes say the things they do. It’s because certain segments of the population are naturally aligned with certain political parties. Here’s how things line up for the conservatives:
- serious businesspeople
- hard-working, blue-collars
- seniors
Serious businesspeople are a no-brainer because of their constant concern for the economy. Hard-working, blue-collars want to keep most of their hard-earned cash. And seniors adhere to the conservative adjective of not wishing for any revolutionary change. Stereotypical liberals include:
- government workers
- the economically weak
- naive do-gooders
Government workers are understandable because conservatives are always trying to outsource their jobs. The economically weak have the most to gain from increased government programs. And naïve do-gooders are those who just want to feel nice.
Tree-huggers are another team for the left—since they absolutely abhor business—and super-Christians are all for the right, but we’re leaving them out since they hardly waiver. (And, of course, not all teachers vote left and every serious businessperson for the right, but a majority of them do—so we’re generalizing.)
Now you see why conservatives openly talk about government cuts. People affected don’t support them anyway. Likewise, liberals are comfortable bashing the rich because that’s not where they’re getting their vote. It’s also not surprising that the Alberta NDP instantly raised taxes only on the wealthy and didn’t cut one civil servant job (or a penny from anyone’s pay) when faced with tremendous deficits. They’re appeasing their base. But who’s most important are the swing voters. Ones that either party can lose if they don’t play their cards right. These groups are hard-working, blue-collars and naïve do-gooders.
Hard-working, blue-collars
Hard-working, blue-collars (or industry workers) like leaders they can relate to. Not intellectual supremacists who talk down to them, or artsy-fartsy weenies like Stephane Dion. They like real people who speak their language. That’s why they love guys like Ralph Klein, Doug Ford, and Donald J. in the States. He or she doesn’t have to be a genius.
Naive do-gooders
Naïve do-gooders are emotional believers who can easily be fooled. As a group they don’t need protection since they’re typically strong and productive. As a matter of fact, they’re net contributors to the system—not looking for a handout. What they want is the social status of being nice. As long as you make them feel this way, you’re good.
Years ago, society shifted to a system where parents became more nurturing and these kids grew up to be great. Not only did they become good people but goodness became a core to their being. And this new social status has affected everyone. Modern left and right-wing political machines have tapped into this need and preyed upon it. They’ve created the stigma that nice people only vote one way, by flooding the world with documentaries that make you feel bad. And sure, some of this is justified but give me a break—any serious issue deserves to be looked at from both sides. Think people, think.
Summary
Today’s parties chose leaders who can bring home the vote. They don’t need to be stars who can actually run the country or issue wisdom from high above. What leaders need is the ability to relate to everyday people and then make us all feel good. And sure, not every reader likes to be labelled and placed into a slot, but don’t kid yourself—pollsters look at this stuff.