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Republicans Should Target Upscale Voters Unhappy With the Obama Economy

March 12, 2009 RSS Feed Print

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By Michael Barone, Thomas Jefferson Street blog

Very smart and subtle analysis of polling data by National Journal's Amy Walter about Barack Obama and his programs. Fascinating point: those who are watching his economic program most closely aren't very favorable. As Walter points out, those are upscale voters and tilt somewhat Republican. But as she also points out, Obama did very well with these groups in November 2008. This adds some heft to my recommendation that Republicans go upscale. That's where the votes are—or may be.

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Tags:: economy,; Obama administration,; voters,; Republican Party

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This is entertaining, because while I am well-educated and make a more than modest income, there is not way I would have voted Republican in the last election. The GOP is going to need to make some significant changes to their stances on Social Policies before I would even consider it. Fiscal responsibility is nice, but the GOP appears to have even lost their hold in that arena. There is a difference between being "Socially Conservative" and "Social Injustice," but recent Republican pundits have blurred those lines. The GOP is attempting to govern in an America that no longer exists.
Lastly, while for the GOP it may be 'interesting' to place me and others matching my demographics into a block of wishful voters, I can assure you, most of us don't look at America with those filters. We see all Americans for what we are - AMERICANS! We don't believe there is anything ethical about getting ahead, while leaving someone else with the burden; whilst still believing that personal growth and success can be obtained by a more collaborative/inclusive approach.

Justin of IA 3:07PM March 13, 2009

I am at the top 1%, and I am 100% supporting Obama.

julie of CO 1:53PM March 13, 2009

What ever happened to the "small government" concept?
Of course, that goes with lowered taxes because a small government does not "need" large taxes to function.
We need to hit the cited demographic, the over $250k's. But perhaps we ought to hit them with "get the government out of your face" a little more. Point out to them that the "cap and trade" programs are a serious tax on their lifestyle. Point out to them that the income redistribution makes their long hours, usually with no overtime because they're salaried workers, far less worth their efforts. All of it should have a "get the government out of my face" tilt to it.
The sad fact, though, is that this semi-retired techie from California would not believe a Republican who stood up and said he was going to turn the party into a small government party again. I would not believe even Romney saying he would be a rigorous small government POTUS. 65 years of experience indicates these promises are worth about as much as the survival chances of a nitrocellulose cat dancing in the Sun's corona.
{^_^}

JD of CA 9:37AM March 13, 2009

Republicans Should Target Upscale Voters Unhappy With the Obama Economy

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