As a Southern Democrat, I Am Sick of Being Labelled "Red" and "Conservative"

[Lizzie Poppet]

34. That's a valid and important differentiation.

While there's some indication that a lot of Democrats have switched party affiliation to vote for Trump, that's not remotely limited to the South, nor is it indicative of the general Southern Democrat voter.

I think it is, however, fair to say that Democrats in the South are generally more conservatively-inclined. Not "conservatives," per se, but not as far left as, say, I am. I don't have a problem with that, as the Democratic Party is intended to be a big tent. I wouldn't expect all of its members to be as far left as I am (and to be fully forthcoming, I'm not a Democrat anyway...I'm an independent and a socialist). But I would be very surprised indeed if Southern Democrat opinions and polling trends were not a bit more conservative that average for Democratic voters. That the more-conservative option would have more appeal is only natural.

Do I think these voters are making a mistake in not favoring the more-progressive candidate? Of course I do. I think any voter who is not a member of the financial elite is making a mistake not supporting Bernie Sanders in this election...if I thought otherwise, I wouldn't be a progressive. But I also don't think it's remotely fair to characterize someone who is in my opinion making a mistake as "stupid" or a "redneck RW'er" or what-have-you. That's unfair (and arrogant).