In 2010, Conservatives Still Outnumber Moderates, Liberals
While liberals and moderates combined still outnumber conservatives, conservatism is set to reach historic highs if current trends continue the full year. The question remaining is how many center right Republicans self identify as “conservative” even where Teapartiers would label them “RINO” or “Vichy-Republicans?”
Bottom Line
The ideological orientation of Americans seen thus far in 2010 would represent a record-high level of conservatism (since at least 1992) if it is maintained for the full year. This follows an increase in the percentage of conservatives in 2009 that was fueled by heightened conservatism among independents, a pattern that continues today.