Labeling Political Parties

Labeling Political Parties
Stamford, Conn., 01/07/2004
 
Just in time for the political mudslinging that traditionally accompanies presidential elections, a national survey uncovers some surprising facts about the way voters “label” their own politics – as well as the views of their political rivals.
  The new study, commissioned by DYMO – the leading producer of labelmakers for the home and office – polled Democrats, Independents and Republicans across the country and examined the many labels associated with political affiliation.
  The People Behind The Labels

Three-quarters of Americans reveal that they are a member of a traditional political party – registered as either Democrats or Republicans. Surprisingly, upwards of twenty-five percent of registered voters label themselves as Independent.
  Independent voters are almost evenly divided along gender lines, but the traditional parties aren’t nearly as uniform – while Republicans are more likely to be male, 2 in 3 Democrats are women. In terms of age, Republicans average three to four years older than their Democratic and Independent counterparts (50, as opposed to 47 and 46, respectively).
  Labels We Love

Defining Democrats

Democrats overwhelmingly see themselves as “idealistic” and “patriotic” – nearly 80 percent choose these descriptors to define their point of view. In describing their political nemesis, 2 in 5 Democrats are quick to label Republicans as “pro-military.” Their view of Independents? While 40 percent of Democrats feel that Independents are “unpredictable,” many apparently don’t know what to make of the party – 39 percent claim not to have any opinion of Independent voters.

Republican Reputations

More than half of Republicans feel the label that best describes their party is “patriotic.” Nearly one-third of Republican voters view their Democratic rivals as “idealistic,” while a significant minority (16 percent) also view their liberal counterparts as “pacifists.” While nearly half of Republicans see Independent voters “unpredictable,” 31 percent just don’t have an opinion of the group.

Enigmatic Independents

The majority of Independents – 40 percent – don’t think about labels, though a full third of the party is quick to label itself as “unpredictable.” Not surprisingly, 2 in 5 Independent voters don’t have an opinion of either traditional political party. Among those that do, Democrats are most commonly seen as “idealistic,” and Republicans are considered “pro-military.”
  Labels We Love To Hate

‘Traditional’ party labels (including “right wing” and “liberal”) can be a point of contention for all political parties. Republicans dislike the “neocon” and “right wing” monikers, while Democrats are sensitive to being called “left wing.” For their part, Independent voters feel the “undecided” and “wishy washy” labels associated with their party are unfair.
  Labeling Politics By Geography

Surprisingly, the deep South isn’t the Republican stronghold many assume – Democrats are more likely to be found in the Southeast than their Republican counterparts. For their part, Republicans have a significantly higher likelihood of living in the Southwest than their Democratic rivals. And Independent voters? They are most likely to call the Northwest home.
  About DYMO Corporation

DYMO Corporation has more than 40 years experience as a leading manufacturer of labeling and identification tools. DYMO produces a broad range of innovative identification products for home, office and commercial use that help people organize their world. The company is a division of Esselte, a $1.2B office products company. More information on DYMO is available at www.dymo.com.