Working class voters: why America's poor are willing to vote Republican

Liberals question why poor voters who use public assistance still vote for Republicans who want to cut those very services.


An interesting article, with a outside perspective, from the Guardian. Goes into the complexity of the issue.

Decent article from my skim, too long to concentrate on in the office though.

Because there are still hard working honest people in America whether poor or wealthy that believe life is what you make it.

It grinds my gears that the assumption is :

- Americans that are poor have to live off handouts
- As a result the poor will vote for those offering more handouts
- Democrats offer more handouts
- Poor vote democrat

It annoys me that it is the assumption that the general public on the lower end of the financial end of the scale think in that fashion. I vote on PRINCIPLE and fundamental core BELIEFS regarding what is better for AMERICA... NOT MYSELF. I'd like to think there are other like minded individuals that can vote for things other than what benefits their pocket.

- Americans that are poor have to live off handouts

What are they going to live off of then if they can't afford the basics of life (food, shelter, healthcare)?

- As a result the poor will vote for those offering more handouts

Perhaps they aren't voting for "handouts," as you so disparagingly call them, but a temporary hand up that will allow them to better themselves and attain greater wealth and self sufficiency.

- Democrats offer more handouts

See "hand up" above.

- Poor vote democrat

Because they understand who's policies are offering them a substantive support in times of need and a real hand up rather than a vague and increasingly empty "trickle down" hope and promise.

It annoys me that it is the assumption that the general public on the lower end of the financial end of the scale think in that fashion. I vote on PRINCIPLE and fundamental core BELIEFS regarding what is better for AMERICA... NOT MYSELF. I'd like to think there are other like minded individuals that can vote for things other than what benefits their pocket.

Perhaps they don't think in that disdainful fashion, seeing the various social services and supports as "hand outs," but rather as important social nets and supports to allow them to move up and become more productive and contributing members of our society. Given that perspective, they are voting out of principal rather than callous self-centeredness and believe those social programs and supports are better for America more broadly and in the longer term.

Would you, with similar callousness, consider upper income people voting for lower tax rates for themselves simply also to be acting out of self-centered greed to line their own pockets too? Or do such cynical motivations whither away above a certain net worth?

Because temporary is not 4 years. For Democrats that might be the case.

Don't kid yourself. America's poor vote republican because they're stupid.

Originally Posted by Green_Shine

Because temporary is not 4 years. For Democrats that might be the case.

This is exactly right. We no longer have a safety net. We have a hammock for the lower class that essentially reinforces unemployment, food stamps, and dependency.

Look at statistics on unemployment levels and the percentages of people who rise out of that safety net.. It's staggeringly low. We also have empirical data that suggests that reducing unemployment terms decreasing the time on unemployment.. If you tell someone their free ride is over, they'll quickly look for a job.

To say that our safety net isn't safe enough, and needs to be expanded, is, in my opinion, unmerited.

Answers:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/449001

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Originally Posted by 2000_328CI

This is exactly right. We no longer have a safety net. We have a hammock for the lower class that essentially reinforces unemployment, food stamps, and dependency.

Shouldn't you give credit when you quote Paul Ryan verbatim?

Originally Posted by 2000_328CI

To say that our safety net isn't safe enough, and needs to be expanded, is, in my opinion, unmerited.

You should try it.

Originally Posted by Lair

Don't kid yourself. America's poor vote republican because they're stupid.

I would expect a Democrat to vote for whom ever will give them free sh!t, thanks for proving the point.

Originally Posted by 2000_328CI

This is exactly right. We no longer have a safety net. We have a hammock for the lower class that essentially reinforces unemployment, food stamps, and dependency.

Look at statistics on unemployment levels and the percentages of people who rise out of that safety net.. It's staggeringly low. We also have empirical data that suggests that reducing unemployment terms decreasing the time on unemployment.. If you tell someone their free ride is over, they'll quickly look for a job.

To say that our safety net isn't safe enough, and needs to be expanded, is, in my opinion, unmerited.

Yup

Originally Posted by Green_Shine

I would expect a Democrat to vote for whom ever will give them free sh!t, thanks for proving the point.

Paul Ryan agrees!

Originally Posted by Green_Shine

I would expect a Democrat to vote for whom ever will give them free sh!t, thanks for proving the point.

Basically the same condescending and disdainful sentiment expressed by Romney in his 47% statement. We saw how well that went over, good luck with that in 2016.

I might suggest that the GOP, in their fervid post-2012 self-analysis and retooling, NOT treat half the electorate with such barely concealed contempt, derision and callousness.

anyone who votes based on a party, and not on what the person stands for as a whole, is stupid.

Because they lack principal.

Originally Posted by Green_Shine

I would expect a Democrat to vote for whom ever will give them free sh!t, thanks for proving the point.

Blanket, uber-general statements make you look smart. Every time.