POLL: Democrats (60%) are happier with their party than Republicans (35%) are with theirs.

[jefferson_dem]

Looking at the Democrats

You wouldn't know it from reading the blogosphere but liberal Democrats are actually pretty happy with the direction of their party right now. On our most recent national poll 76% expressed that sentiment.

The other wings of the party are not that content- 58% of moderates say they like where the party's headed but only 39% of conservatives do.

Those conservative Democrats unhappy with their party aren't complaining too loudly about it- they're just going out and voting for Republicans, as many of them did on Tuesday in Massachusetts.

On the whole Democrats (60%) are happier with their party than Republicans (35%) are with theirs.

Personally I'd like to believe that being more forceful and progressive and exciting the base is what would get Democrats out of the hole they're in right now but my job is to draw conclusions based on our polling and based on that I think things are generally fine with the base- the party's problem is voters, even within the Democratic ranks, who think the party's gone too far to the left. I think it's entirely debatable whether the party has actually gone too far to the left but the perception is there- even in Massachusetts 53% of voters said Congressional Democrats were too liberal. I don't have any easy answers for how you solve that problem while also having substantive policy successes- and I don't think anyone else does either.

http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2010/01/looking-at-democrats.html

[EFerrari]

1. Aim low!

[grytpype]

2. But Obama is a corporatist meanie!!!!!!!!

[CreekDog]

3. I know a lot of Republicans --they are generally less happy in general

And they spend a lot more time thinking of things and people they hate.

Ergo...

[niceypoo]

5. Republicans arent 'for' anything

They are only against things. You cant be all negative all the time and find happiness.

My friend at work always brags about listening to Rush. I ask him, "What is Rush limbaugh for?" He can never come up with an answer.

[leftygolfer]

6. what is happy?

My fundie brother-in-law says he's happy - but it seems it comes at my expense. He says he gives more to his church than I make every month, something he's pointed out to me in the past. Their entire life is about whatever exotic trip they can take or expensive toy they can buy. They think they're good people because they give money to their church and trust the church to do good things with it. I've asked for help (just a little in my most desperate times) and the absolute minimum is what they could offer me. I've only asked once and will never ask again. I really don't think they enjoy my pain, but they're not going to disrupt their fun to help me out, that's for sure. I don't want to be angry at their "fun", but it does feel like salt in the wound. So maybe the REpubs with money are the happy ones, I don't know. And I know life's not all about money. But i'd like to have the option of finding out.

Sorry to vent. it's beena very tough week for me. i know many here can say the same thing. I just need some good news i guess.

[niceypoo]

7. Ask him what he is for

Quickest way to shut em up

[Lifelong Protester]

9. Didn't he read that Bible verse about

doing these things (tithing, helping the poor, fasting) in secret or silence, and your Father will reward you? For him to be bragging about how much he gives his church is just like the hypocrites who pray loudly on the street corners.

Sorry he's treating you so badly; family can be great, and of course, they can go the other way too.

[Arkana]

4. Hey, look--more polling data that turns "conventional wisdom" on its head.

Betcha this won't show up in the "liberal media" though.

[Sebastian Doyle]

8. Where the Hell are they taking these polls?

Bruce Reed's country club? :shrug:

[HillGal]

10. Anyone know the breakdown of the poll? I went to the link and didn't see specifics. BT

NT