Washington (CNN) - A new national poll suggests that the Democrats may be the party of pragmatism and Republicans may be the party of ideological purity.
The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey's release on Tuesday comes just two weeks after internal party divisions led to the GOP loss of a seat in the House of Representatives that it had held since the 19th century.
The poll indicates that a slight majority, 51 percent, of Republicans would prefer to see the GOP in their area nominate candidates who agree with them on all the major the issues even if they have a poor chance of beating the Democratic candidate. Forty-three percent of Republicans say they would rather have candidates with whom they don't agree on all the important issues but who can beat the Democrats.
Democrats polled seemed to place a slightly higher priority on electoral victory: 58 percent say that they would like their party to nominate candidates who can beat Republicans, even if they don't agree with those candidates on all the issues. Fewer than 4 in 10 Democrats say they would rather see their party nominate candidates who agree with them on all major issues, but have a poor chance of beating the Republican candidate.
"One reason for the difference between the parties: the Democrats have a relatively even split on ideological grounds. Thirty-four percent of Democrats are liberal, 40 percent are moderates and less than one in four call themselves conservatives," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.
By contrast, 73 percent of Republicans questioned in the poll say they are conservatives, with only 26 percent describing themselves as liberal or moderate Republicans.
The Republican split that led to a victory by the Democrat in the special election in New York's 23rd congressional district could also be a factor in numerous Republican party primary contests next year.
"Some Republican groups say they plan to run conservative candidates in next year's primaries against GOP incumbents who vote the wrong way on certain issues. It looks like a majority of grassroots Republicans are fine with that tactic," says Holland. "Some Democratic groups had suggested that they may mount their own primary challenges. The poll indicates that rank-and-file Democrats may not be happy with that."
The CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll was conducted November 13-15, with 1,014 adult Americans questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points for Democrats and plus or minus 5.5 percentage points for Republicans.
–CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
From CNN Politics
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"Democrats may be the party of pragmatism and Republicans may be the party of ideological purity."
No, really? The party that blindly followed GWB for the six years it controlled Congress under Bush, never asked a question, never challenged a decision, even when GWB decided to invade a country that had done nothing to us and posed no threat? The party that spent like drunken sailors in lockstep with GWB until it was kicked out of power? They value ideological purity over what's best for America? Say it ain't so!
Republicans (at least the ones running the party) are 100% party first, then maybe they'll consider what is good for the country.
So glad we went with the smart one this time!
This is the party that is considering censuring Lindsay Graham (Lindsay Grahm, of all people) because he voted his conscience on a few issues rather than with the party line. Party first, country last.
Sooo glad we went with the smart one this time!
The republican party is the big tent of diversity: we have birthers, deathers, tea baggers and Fox news.
No just one's smarter than the dumbest democrats in office.
Republicans are just like their party mascot, their heads are full of ivory, they have long memories, and each one follows the one ahead of it by holding onto it's tail. I don't need a political party to tell me what to think or how to vote.
The big-tend Democratic Party is obviously good for electoral victory but it makes it harder to get legislation through the Congress. However I would rather have a mixture of opinions and experiences that be forced to follow a lock-step ideological agenda set by the party bosses.
I am outraged that Obama would bow to the Japanese Emperor. Other than Eisenhower bowing to Emperor Hirohito, Nixon bowing in China, and Bush kissing and hugging Saudis, no other republican showed respect for any head of a foreign government.
The Greedy Obstructionists want only the people that march in lockstep with their PaRTY rules.
This is the USA – vote them out, unless they vote to help US.
(Looks like the republicans all need to go – they are PARTY FIRST)
Idealogical purity.
1930's Germany, anyone?
That's what it means to be conservative. No changes ever. Most of them still believe the world is flat....
Ideological Purity – does this mean go to church every Sunday, read your bible, take your vitamins and then turn around and vote for the ‘Republican Values' that fired missiles into civilians during shock and awe?
Where do I cast my vote for more 'values'?
GOP's ideologically pure stands for wingnuts who can't even spell
"ideologically"
I don't know if it's considered "pragmatism" when the Democrats don't really care who they get as long as he has a "D" after his name.
We see this in Chicago all the time. If you have a "D" after your name, you're getting elected. Look up Todd Stroger and you'll see what I mean
Obama is another great example. He accomplished nothing of importance while in the Senate, he is the farthest thing from Bill Clinton and JFK, and still he's treated like the second coming.
They are stunned when the republicans reject someone like McCain and Dede because of what they stand for rather than what party they represent.
Why? Because we know what works for America.
That's...well...just plain old stupid strategy, GOPers. Nose, spite, face...kapiche? Claptrap minds will get you nowhere. Either they open or the GOP continues to suffer.
"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
I'll settle for either republicans or democrats that does not make it their lifes goal to generate new bills that cost money so they can feather their nests. Show me in the constitution or bill of rights the section that covers health care, I must have missed it in civics class back when they used to teach that boring stuff, before all the touchy feely PC courses displaced them.
The Rebirther Tea Party members are all inclusive, however anyone that cooperates at all with Obama is dead meat.
Whether the GOP wants ideologically pure candidates or not is irrelevant. The right wing of the GOP does and...as the events that unfolded in NY-23 demonstrated (soon to unfold in the Florida GOP Senate primary and other GOP primaries), that's all that matters.
The GOP has been hijacked by its right wing.
I can only say that the wingnuts are the type of people who would have denied Joseph and Mary room at the inn because they were Jewish.
Knowing how polls are worded, I'm sure there is a problem with answers.
The question should be- Would you vote for a candidate with simliar, if not exact , views if it meant your party would win the seat?
you want a result of 98% – there's your question.
What the article gave us was two distinctly different questions and act as if they were the same.
CNN. Now in competition with MSNBC, ABC, CBS and NBC to see who can best kiss the Obama rear.
Shoddy journalism without courage will eventually lead to censorship, and you and the left will support it all the way until it closes its vice around your throats.
The biggest difference is this: the Democrats believe that the govenment can help make life better for people. They do everything they can with varying degress of success to make this happen.
The Republicans believe that government is the problem. They do everything they can, with varying degrees of success to make this happen.
So in the end improvement is made only when the Democrats are right and Republicans are wrong. Fortunately this is not infrequent.
Did anyone see the look on Limbaugh's face today when Failin-Palin was talking about her policies?
Speaks very loudly when Limbaugh is worried and "ashamed".
The truth is, BOTH parties are demanding ideological purity; it's just the party out of power that seems more ideology-driven at this time. Don't forget; Democrat Maxine Waters was demonizing the blue dogs for opposing the healthcare bill. I still believe the Democrats are far more polarized: if you are anti- abortion, gay marriage, or union, you have NO CHANCE of beccoming the Democratic nominee for president. If I'm lying, I'm dying.
No, GOP, as a general group does not want ideological pure candidates. However, CNN, as a network does want to spin it to distort the truth so it creates a perception that the GOP is seeking ideological pure candidates.
Talking of pure, is it like how CNN pushed Lou Dobbs out in order to have a more ideologically pure liberal view to support the network's political agenda?
See how I spin that issue? silly willy wabbit!!
The GOP/Republican brand is the victim of self inflicted wounds. It has confused fear and xenophobia with patriotism. The last republican president with an ounce of courage and thoughtfulness was Eisenhower.
The GOP hasn't stood up for average americans since the 1950's, since then it has been nothing but an outlet for corporate interest at the expense of average americans. i.e. opposition to health care reform at the expense of americans, even though it is obviously needed.
GOP=Chicken hawk !
Exactly the reason Democrats won the election: Americans want pragmatists who will solve problems, not rigid extremists who put ideology before Country!
So that's why Nancy Pelosi threatened Democratic Congressmen that she'd find substitutes to support if they failed to back health care? And that's why the democratic Party forced Leiberman to become an independent because he supported the Iraq War? Face it, the 'big tent' only includes those who toe the party line.
Here's the reasons. Republicans stand for individual freedom, and limited government interference. They also stand for life. What does a democrat stand for? anyone? democrats really are just people who like the name "democrat" because that name is more electable than the name "republican". When it comes to democrats vs. republicans, there are more registered democrats. However, more people see themselves as conservative than as liberal. Really, people don't exactly know what a democrat stands for, whereas, a conservative stands for limited government and the social conservatism of being pro-life and pro-man/woman marriage.
No DUH! The GOP has really lost its way ... I have so many moderate Republican friends and family who are socially progressive and fiscally conservative who are tremendously offended by the litmus testing and intimidation the GOP uses these days, not only to vet their candidates, but to prove party "loyality."
Here's another trait of the GOP: They constantly accuse their opponents of their own bad behavior (psychologists call it "transference"). It's a sign of an insecure and immature personality, one incapable of being accountable and admitting wrong doing.
For example, they accuse the Democratic Party of wanting to take away our freedom, and yet it's the Republicans who won't tolerate any differences of opinion when it comes to their party's goals and platform.
Frankly, I would be happy to have someone serve as my rep who Believes in a LIving God, is not interested in reaping the bucks through deception, is honest in his/her evaluation of what is good for the people, is truthful in all things, seeks moderation in all things,
and refuses to over tax the population with reveiw of it's impact...that is a starter..and there are many good people out there with these values yet have restrained themselves because of the ugliness of fundraising and politico loyalties.
I now believe the number 86 is the I.Q. of most of the right wing wackadoodles who post here. Some even use the number in their moniker.
We sure do, ya betcha!
I laugh at Democrats saying the GOP has been hijacked by the right wing but are all set to go after anyone from their own party in next year's elections who does not vote for the Pelosi/Reid public option. What a bunch of hypocrites!
Further proof of the GOP's intolerance of differences: People are posting here that CNN is in President Obama's pocket, simply because it has written an article that is potentially negative about the GOP.
The GOP is incapable – like George W. Bush – of admitting mistakes and taking responsibility for its and its candidates' actions.
For a group of people who thump their chests about how patriotic they are, they seem to have completely missed the boat on why our country was founded (religious freedom) and the freedoms guaranteed in the First Amendment (speech, assembly, religion and press).
GOP = Party Before Country
Like saying one thing and doing the opposite!
I wonder how 'fred' would explain the 8 years of Bush/Cheney.
Republicans stand for individual freedoms except for women's bodies which they think government should control. Wiretapping citizens is OK if you are a wingnut. Being pro-life is not being pro-war.
These Republican nut jobs are obstructing progress in America whether it's a good idea from the Democratic party or their own.
It's doesn't matter if it benefits all or most americans – only if it benefits themselves.
These people are dangerous and would be a Christian Taliban or allow a 1930's Germany atomsphere if in power again.
We all need to be aware of these Nut jobs and only vote for canidates (both republican or democratic) that are willing to work together and compromise for the better of the American people
No, Republicans stand for government interference in our lives, giving trillions of tax dollars to greedy corporate CEOs and ripping up our Constitutional rights. If you were to shred the Constitution and leave only the amendment allowing non-felons to own a gun, they'd be happy.
That would allow them to spy on Americans with impunity, force their religious ideology onto everyone and forget that we are a nation of immigrants, including those that emigrated from northern Europe countries like myself. They had the most anti-freedom, communist-like government ever seen this side of China or the old Soviet Union.
Cruel and unusual punishment. Separation of Church and State. Search and Seizure without a warrant. Even the right to see evidence against you or the right to know what you've been charged with. All these things the Republicans abandoned. These were people who swore to uphold the Constitution and every one of them, from the President to those that voted for the Patriot Act, broke that oath.
I had been a registered republican all my life. I am now a independent. I was hoping the W. years was just a bad patch, and the republican party would get it's head together. Unfortunately the last 6 months has proven to me that the party has changed. It is now run by lazy, ignorant, do-nothings who have no ideas on how to fix or run this country. NO is not an idea. I may not agree with the Dems on some issues or ideas, but at least when they go to work, they work.
The folks that will do their duty at the polls in 2010, will be called Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, Rednecks, Christians, and Fed Up. But they'll band together to take back America. Obama will stay longer but with no support.
Republicans? Pure. It is an oxymoron , they are the most corrupt politicos.
Ideologically pure candidates??? What ridiculous liberal psycho-babble. Conservatives want conservative candidates who are actually conservative. What a weird, scary, radical, dangerous, malicious, crazy concept that is.
No, we want Canidates that go to DC and will do no harm to our country and our way of life. SIt on their hands if they have to.
Stay "pure" – that just means with only 20% of Americans willing to admit they are republicans ...and some of those more rational that "pure" – the Democrats will be in power for a long, long time.
republicans: party first – what is best for America a distant second ... never compromise -never open your mind .... just keep that calendar tuned to 1980 ... never look back to see that no one is following ....
I love how all these Democrats know just exactly what Republicans and conservatives are thinking. There were a lot of us during the Bush era that didn't agree with the spending or the scandals; we knew it was counter to the fiscal and personal responsibility that Republicans traditionally stood for. And guess what-they first lost the Congress, then the Presidency. Many are now regretting voting for a candidate or candidates just becaust they "weren't Republican". Extremists and wingnuts on both sides are dangerous. I don't know the whole story behind NY-23 but I do know the Republicans violated Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment: Thou shalt not speak ill of another Republican. By regaining party unity-with conservatives, moderates and even "Rockefeller Republicans" the GOP will have a hope of viability in the future.
Of course if Obama, Pelosi, Reid and company continue their wasteful ways, that will help the GOP as well!
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,[1] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ”
What part of establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility and promoting the general welfare do republicans not get ?
The GOP is quick to tell americans that health care as a right is not in the consitutional, however they are wrong as usual, read the preamble above
BTW-count me in the 43%!
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,[1] promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ”
The GOP is quick to tell americans that health care as a right is not in the consitutional, however they are wrong as usual, read the preamble above.
The only part of the constitution the GOP wing nuts allow themselves to read is part about defense which they still get wrong.
What the GOP better START wanting are candidates who are not simply wanna-be democrats who find it easier to get nominated and win elections as a republican (Scozzafava, Schwarzenegger, Graham, McCain). The republicans had better get back to basics and remember the principles that made it a major political party (limited government, fiscal responsiblity, pro-business, and the will to effectively take on America's enemies abroad).
This country does not even need ONE democratic party, much less TWO!!
I hope the GOP pick Palin so we can really put an end to their hate and their so called greater than thou attitudes.
The REPUBLI-CAN'T's "ideas are NOT PURE!!! This is what they THINK they represent and it's not true! If that were the case, there will be diversity in the party.... LQQK at them!!! The majority of them are WHITE and they LQQK like MEN!! The REPUB women are exploited and led to believe they have a FUTURE in the party............... NOT!!!
"People seem to think that they are citizens of the Republican Party and that this is patriotism and sufficiently good patriotism. I prefer to be a citizen of the United States." - Mark Twain
I would vote for the Dims before I would vote for a "Republican" that I consider a RINO. I can live with a right- center Republican, but only a little right-center and even then there are certain things like killing an unborn child that will not compromise on. This is a deal breaker, no matter what. I'm sure that some of the Dims who strongly believe in a womans right to kill her unborn child would also not compromise his or her beliefs.
Do as I say and not as I do. Now, that is the true GOP motto!!!!!
And, best, lielike he!! if they questions you.
The GOP see themselves as God, so, yes, they only want the purest...trouble is, they are the dirtiest.
"The folks that will do their duty at the polls in 2010, will be called Republicans, Conservatives, Independents, Rednecks, Christians, and Fed Up. But they'll band together to take back America. Obama will stay longer but with no support."
Take back America? Then what? More tax cuts, unregulated capitalism, teaching "intelligent design" in science classes, increased income disparity, cuts to social programs and edumacation, more no-bid contracts to cater illegal wars? Thanks but no thanks. America is better off without a bunch of corporate tools who believe in a big invisible man in the sky running things. Have a nice day!
I wish we had a two party system were there were checks and balances but its impossible to reason with republicans. These people are so out of touch with reality, the needs of middle america, the acceptance of responsibility; that one would have to be insane to make any attempt to deal with them.
We need intelligent opposition to the democrats but not the circus that is currently the GOP
How are all those wealthy tax cuts working for YOU?
There's your choice in a nutshell: the party of tolerance, or the party of intolerance. Less and less difference between the Republicans and the Taliban. They both hate infidels.
Good luck with that position in a pluralistic democracy.
Ron Paul 2012
Since "Ideologically pure" is such an oxymoronic phrase- (the Nazis were ideologically pure, but so not-pure in practice,) I can't imagine how you can think it applies to a group of confused tea-bag toting, ideologically befuddled and nay-saying critics like the party that lost the last presidential election. Go figure.
One doesn't need a poll to know that Democrats are all about winning at any cost, regardless of what is right or wrong.
At least Republicans are more apt to stay with their beliefs, than to abandon the people for greed. I can live with that, then to sell out for power.
Intolerance is not acceptable if it coming from the Taliban or some of these purist Republicans. It is everything their way or not at all. What a thing to teach our children.
There are two kinds of republicans: those who believe what they say and are actually representing their constituents, and those who just parrot Rush Limbaugh. The latter has been suppressing the earlier for years. They think being stubborn and close minded is equivalent to being 'strong.' Well, that intolerance within even their own ranks is what led to their historic downfall in 2006, and further marginalization in 2008. If the GOP wants to get back into power, they need to purge Limbaugh and all his followers!
As if there really is a difference between democrats and republicans... They are all spoiled, irresponsible partisan hacks bent on preserving the status quo, slaves to corporate interests. Despite what the media has been trying to sell you, Obama's policies are direct continuation of Dubya's presidency. There is barely any difference between the current government and any other we had for the past 30 years! If you want real change, vote libertarian!
It will be refreshing when 2010 finally gets here and the Republicans lose even more seats in both houses of Congress. Maybe then they'll finally get the hint that "we the people" just aren't that into you or your bulls**t! Apparently NY-23 wasn't enough of a red flag! A seat that they dominated and held since the days of the CIVIL WAR, gone just like that!!! A sign of things to come for the GOP, you can count on it! Oh by the way, I live in what some would call a RED STATE.........What's that tell you?
The only problem is, there is no "purity" to the Republicans' "ideology." They are incredibly inconsistent and hypocritical. They believe in less government–until it's time to meddle in people's personal business, like their bedrooms or their bodies. I could go on, but we all know the issues. The reason they are splintering right now is that they have no real commitment to their ideology–and they know it.
No! At this point they are eating each other alive so it really doesn't make any difference! The GOP as we once knew it is now history!!