"In more than 13,000 interviews conducted so far in 2012, 35% of registered voters identify with the Democratic Party, 28% with the Republican Party and 33% as independents. The share of Democrats has fallen three points since 2008, while the proportion of Republicans has remained steady.
"When the leanings of independent voters are taken into account, the closing of the Democratic advantage is even more noticeable. Currently, independents lean slightly more toward the Republican Party than the Democratic Party (15% vs. 13%). Four years ago, the reverse was true (13% leaned Democratic, 11% Republican)."
http://www.people-press.org/2012/08/...rties-in-2012/
I don't know why there is a desire to attempt to portray the Republican Party as "crumbling," but I assume that there is some psychological motive to demoralize the more conservative folks in this Country ... in the status shown there is no "Teawipe" Party or even "Tea Party" ... looks not to far apart actually, even with the independents factors into the mix. If that makes some feel good, I wouldn't rest on that notion. The next election cycle just started about 2 months ago.
Originally Posted by LexusLover
Here's your problem as quoted from your article:
>>>Over the past four years, the shift in party identification has occurred almost entirely among white voters. <<<<
I don't think white people voting Republican is much of a trend. Also, I don't think that the independent "leaning" numbers mean much...do you? 15% to 13%? When the opposite 2% swing was true 12 months before? And when it could obviously flip back the other way 12 months from now.
I get your point though. I don't agree that the GOP is crumbling. It wouldn't surprise me to see them gain ground in the 2014 mid-terms in both the house and the senate. And, who knows about 2016? You'll be OK if you can avoid putting up the same cast of buffoonish candidates that you fielded last year. Careful though....the word down here in Texas is that Rick Perry is polishing up his finely honed intellect for another run at the GOP nomination. God bless Texas!
You can certainly do better than you have been doing. You guys need to polish up your act when it comes to women, blacks and hispanics, among many other things. And, your attitude....that everything is just fine, is one that's not likely to precipitate much change in what your party stands for...or, more importantly, how what you stand for gets communicated.
So...keep it up.