Email |

New poll shows conservatives now outnumber moderates and liberals

Published October 28th, 2009 | 3 Comments

According to a new Gallup Poll, thus far in 2009, 40% of Americans interviewed in a national surveys describe their political views as conservative, 35% as moderate, and 21% as liberal. This represents a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21% calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s.
These annual figures are based on multiple national Gallup surveys conducted each year, in some cases encompassing more than 40,000 interviews. The 2009 data are based on 10 separate surveys conducted from January through May. Thus, the margins of error around each year's figures are quite small, and changes of only two percentage points are statistically significant.

To measure political ideology, Gallup asks Americans to say whether their political views are very conservative, conservative, moderate, liberal, or very liberal. As has been the case each year since 1992, very few Americans define themselves at the extremes of the political spectrum. Just 9% call themselves "very conservative" and 5% "very liberal." The vast majority of self-described liberals and conservatives identify with the unmodified form of their chosen label.

CLICK HERE for the full report, and charts.

Discuss This Story

Be the first to comment: Sign In or Create Profile .

In other news, Republicans approval rating of Obama increased 8.8%....AND...Obama wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

Put that in your gallup pipe and smoke it.

Bobby Boback | 10/28/2009 - 6:32 PM - ( Comment

Suggest Removal )

A gallup poll also 'predicted' McCain ahead 48% to 45% back in Sept. 08.

Come back when you actually have news to report or a meaningful poll with 5% of our population participating.

Bobby Boback | 10/28/2009 - 6:28 PM - ( Comment

Suggest Removal )

Because 1% of 1% is a great representation of America's population of over 300,000,000...this poll means nothing...maybe to the editor...but not to any sensible readers.

Bobby Boback | 10/28/2009 - 6:24 PM - ( Comment

Suggest Removal )

To comment, you must register.

Comments are the sole responsibility of the registered user participating in online discussions. You agree not to post comments off topic, abusive, obscene, defamatory, vulgar, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.

Click here to review our complete user agreement.

Times-News Online on Facebook