One of the more typical accusations that Kerry supporters will make against Bush supporters in moments of pique is that Bush supporters simply do not live in a world of reality. Of course, this is part of a series of name-calling and nasty personal attacks in both directions, and nobody wins.
Interestingly, a new study has come out that lends some weight to this particular personal attack. Now, I’d like to state right up front that I don’t generally subscribe to this position, and at worst I blame the leadership for misleading (lying) to the rank and file… but it certainly is an interesting result. Remember, this speaks to the statistical average, and not any particular Republicans by name.
Even after the final report of Charles Duelfer to Congress saying that Iraq did not have a significant WMD program, 72% of Bush supporters continue to believe that Iraq had actual WMD (47%) or a major program for developing them (25%). Fifty-six percent assume that most experts believe Iraq had actual WMD and 57% also assume, incorrectly, that Duelfer concluded Iraq had at least a major WMD program. Kerry supporters hold opposite beliefs on all these points.
Why do you suppose this is? Why do such large segments of the population believe factually incorrect things?
… how would the race for president look if everyone actually understood what the true facts of the matter were?
Comments (2)
it's my opinion that this group isn't exactly politically neutral. though, i don't completely doubt it's findings. and i do think there is a case to make for Bush outside of the misconceptions they hold.
Posted by jason | October 23, 2004 2:45 AM
Posted on October 23, 2004 02:45
Well, indeed - how *could* someone lay claim to neutrality with such a lambast of one of the sides? I mean, if you were neutral to start with, you'd pretty much have to become un-neutral once you'd completed your survey.
BUT - they document their polling methods (it's a link near the bottom of the page), and they don't look particularly suspect, so I'm willing to believe that their study is actually more than just a constructed insult.
You're absolutely right, there is a case to make for voting for Bush---I've heard it made several times. (I personally don't buy it, but there is a valid case.)
Posted by Kyle | October 23, 2004 9:57 PM
Posted on October 23, 2004 21:57