Michael Medved checks in on the demographic that helped propel Obama to the presidency:
Considering the strident, hyperpartisan polarization in Washington, it may come as a shock that more than one out of five Americans who use the word “conservative” to define their ideology still think Obama does a fine job as president. Who are these conservative Obama lovers? The answer to that question points toward the second revelation that helps explain how an unequivocally liberal president maintains a chance to prevail in an increasingly conservative nation. The voters who support Obama in spite of ideology are to a great extent black, Hispanic, and Asian conservatives who feel drawn to right-wing ideas but remain allergic to the Republican Party.
Medved is right on the numbers, but surely still in denial about the reason:
Part of this unease stems from multigenerational family traditions, or from the GOP’s longstanding reputation as a closed country club welcoming only elderly, white, Christian males, or from cynical Democratic efforts to suggest that any criticism of Obama proves the presence of deep-seated Republican racism.
And the rhetoric about illegal immigrants, "anchor babies," and Arizona style laws for Hispanics?
And comments like Haley Barbour's that segregation was no big deal? And the actual demonstrations of racist imagery and rhetoric from many Tea Party rallies (almost entirely white)? And the repeal of the health care law, backed by Hispanics in vast numbers? And the unrelenting contempt for gay people and our families? Could these have something to do with it? And could the definition of "conservative" be different for different people?
My definition of conservative is a live-and-let-live, debt-phobic, small government pragmatism, with a strong but prudent defense policy. The current GOP's definition is a fundamentalist Christian, anti-government, war-making, torture-endorsing nationalism. Maybe the new brand has lost some of its lure – especially among minorities, and anyone with a gay family member or friend. Maybe Michael could imagine how some of us gays can be conservative too.
The Dish 