The BlogAd for Pew that just started running in my left sidebar has already gotten results, as I’ve clicked on it and nosed around a bit. A took their Political Typology Test and, while I thought several of the questions very problematic, the results are quite nuanced and accurate.
Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you most closely resemble survey respondents within the Enterpriser typology group. This does not mean that you necessarily fit every group characteristic or agree with the group on all issues.
Enterprisers represent 9 percent of the American public, and 10 percent of registered voters.
Sounds right so far…
Basic Description As in previous studies conducted in 1987, 1994 and 1999, this extremely partisan Republican group’s politics are driven by a belief in the free enterprise system and social values that reflect a conservative agenda. Enterprisers are also the strongest backers of an assertive foreign policy, which includes nearly unanimous support for the war in Iraq and strong support for such anti-terrorism efforts as the Patriot Act.
I’d say this is a little off at the margins. There wasn’t much on military and foreign affairs in the quiz. These questions were somewhat problematic:
I think there’s little doubt that “Relying too much on military force to defeat terrorism creates hatred that leads to more terrorism.” At the same time, it’s probably true that, “Using overwhelming military force is the best way to defeat terrorism around the world.” Certainly, nothing else seems to work.
My social values are generally conservative but, from the standpoint of public policy, I’m largely libertarian.
Defining Values Assertive on foreign policy and patriotic; anti-regulation and pro-business; very little support for government help to the poor; strong belief that individuals are responsible for their own well being. Conservative on social issues such as gay marriage, but not much more religious than the nation as a whole. Very satisfied with personal financial situation.
I’m rather substantially less religious than the nation as a whole. The “responsibility” questions are poorly crafted.
This statement is bizarre: “Poor people today have it easy because they can get government benefits without doing anything in return.” While there are people who would rather suckle at the public teat than work, the idea that “poor people have it easy” is laughable. On the other hand, the alternate choice is just as absurd: “Poor people have hard lives because government benefits don’t go far enough to help them live decently.” Poor people have hard lives because they don’t have any money. They don’t have money because they lack the skills, knowledge, and abilities to get and hold down decent jobs.
Who They Are Predominantly white (91%), male (76%) and financially well-off (62% have household incomes of at least $50,000, compared with 40% nationwide). Nearly half (46%) have a college degree, and 77% are married. Nearly a quarter (23%) are themselves military veterans. Only 10% are under age 30.
I am indeed predominately white, a veteran, have numerous college degrees, am over 30, and 100% married.
Lifestyle Notes 59% report having a gun in their homes; 53% trade stocks and bonds in the stock market, and 30% are small business owners — all of which are the highest percentages among typology groups. 48% attend church weekly; 36% attend bible study or prayer group meetings.
If a burgeoning blog empire counts, then I’m a small business owner. I think trading stocks is a fool’s errand but have had money in the stock market via mutual funds since graduating college. Otherwise, not so much.
2004 Election Bush 92%, Kerry 1%. Bush’s most reliable supporters (just 4% of Enterprisers did not vote)
Party ID 81% Republican, 18% Independent/No Preference, 1% Democrat (98% Rep/LeanRep)
Yup.
Media Use Enterprisers follow news about government and politics more closely than any other group, and exhibit the most knowledge about world affairs. The Fox News Channel is their primary source of news (46% cite it as a main source) followed by newspapers (42%) radio (31%) and the internet (26%).
Not much doubt on the first part. Internet, radio, then television are my predominant news sources.
