'til politics due us part, many couples split politically

[ringmastery]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2003-12-17-gendergap-cover_x.htm

'Til politics do us part: Gender gap widens
By Susan Page, USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Lynne and Scott Albert readily agree on family finances, summer vacations and the perfect holiday gifts for their 5-year-old twins — Care Bears for Cammie, a toy monster truck for Josh.
But when it comes to politics, Lynne, an attorney, and Scott, a venture capitalist with an MBA, often disagree about candidates and issues. He's a Republican worried about taxes and government regulations who is "definitely" voting for President Bush next year. She's a Democrat concerned about policies that affect women and children, and she's shopping for the candidate with the best chance of beating Bush.

The couple from Chapel Hill, N.C., aren't unusual. Highly educated men and women increasingly view the political world in dramatically different ways: Men are mostly Republicans, women are predominantly Democrats. A modest gender gap among Americans who don't have college educations balloons for those with a college degree or more.

[eyesroll]

1. Would it be horrible of me to be happy that more women than men

are graduating from college these days?

I do wonder how the poll was asked, though. "Do you and your spouse vote the same?" My mom would be able to answer that question. My dad would not, and I wouldn't be able to answer it on their behalf, because although I know most of my dad's past votes, my mom is very, very secretive about her vote. I don't know if she's a closet Republican in a Democratic family, or if she just takes the sanctity of the secret ballot to an absurd level. (My parents are both college graduates; my dad has a masters degree.)

[no_hypocrisy]

2. This rift doesn't need to be a problem. Look at the marriage of

James Carville and Mary Matalin. Their political differences seem to be a spark in their relationship. If not, they'll talk about anything but politics. . .

[GreenPartyVoter]

3. My hubby and I are like that

He tends to be more Libertarian/Repub, I'm more Progressive.

He and I diverge a lot on both politics (and religion). So the best way around it to just not talk about it, then go to the polls and cancel each other out. (Well, we don't always, but I would not be surprised if we do more often than not. *l*)

[StClone]

4. Why is it more likely

The Male is the Publican and the Mrs. a Democratic leaner?

[Egnever]

5. MY guess

abortion and guns

[rucky]

7. My guess is what motivates them to get an education in the first place

$$$$ vs. knowledge

[msmcghee]

6. This is why.

This very interesting Buzzflash interview should be required reading - along with the underlying article referenced in the interview.

http://www.buzzflash.com/interviews/03/12/int03326.html

Enjoy.

[rucky]

8. Yep. Patriarchy.

good read... gotta click the links now

[smirkymonkey]

10. Interesting interview...I think that is

really the crux of the matter, isn't it? That's why these "educated Liberals" are such a threat to them. And women, of course.

How can democrats appeal to that though? It's purely psychological. Not rational at all.

[loyalsister]

14. Tendencies and strengths.....

I recently read about this. It seems that women are more inclined to think flexibly. They consider broad contextual information to allow for many possibilities.
Most men prefer to remove context so that only a narrow yes\no or right\wrong solution applies.
It's a matter of "thinking stlye." If you think about your conversations, you might be able to see these differences.
There are men who don't always manifest that "thinking style." Particularly educated men.

[1songbird]

9. I've heard that Clinton lost the white male vote both times that he won.

If this is indeed true then why aren't Dems focusing more on issues that hit home with women?

[1songbird]

12. OOps I didn't read the whole article. n/t

[RevolutionStartsNow]

11. My husband is a Republican

but he's a fairly harmless one. He voted for Clinton in 92 but is firmly anti-Clinton now. Hates Hillary.

He's a smart guy and is embarrassed by Bush. Party loyalty would probably keep him from voting Dem in 2004, but I expect he won't vote at all. Sad, but if I can't get him to vote for Dean, I'd rather he just didn't vote at all.

He has plenty of other good qualities, though, and for the most part our ideals are aligned.

[sleepyhead]

15. Mine used to be

But I have educated him and now he is a registered Democrat! Sadly, his parents will forever be Republicans (intolerant ones at that) but at least I don't have to deal with them often - they're 1500 miles away (whew).

[shanti]

13. more power to 'em

i sure couldn't have a dual-party marriage or relationship!

[Sir_Shrek]

16. I and my girlfriend are two polar opposites politically...

...but you know what? We don't care.

If something petty like politics (because when it gets down to it, politics is pettiness) is going to determine whether I or my girlfriend love each other and want to be together, then A) we were never meant to be with other in the first place, and B) we both have serious issues.

I took a stand a long time that I would never let politics choose my friends, and it's made my life better ever since.