Red and blue DNA
Study: Politics not logical but biological
Posted on Mon, Sep. 22, 2008
http://www.philly.com/philly/health_and_science/29231989.html

Forget about a candidate's issues and character. You may be biologically driven to lean toward John McCain or Barack Obama, a new study says, depending on your involuntary response to threat.

From a random sample of 1,310 residents of Lincoln, Neb., researchers selected 46 with strong political opinions that diverged on the intensity with which they sought to protect the long-term survival of the group. Views on the Iraq War, gun control, gay marriage and illegal immigration were among 18 variables separating the pro- and anti-status quo.

Two months later, the volunteers were shown 33 photos - including a few shockers, such as a large spider on a frightened face - while equipment monitored their skin conductivity, a measure of physiological response to threat. They were also startled by loud noises while machines tracked involuntary eye-blink responses to fear.

The results, published in the current issue of Science, showed that people with the greatest physiological responses took political positions most protective of the existing social structure, and vice versa. Age, income and other demographic factors that often influence political leanings made no difference. (Military service was not considered.)

Although they did not investigate reasons for varying physiological response, the researchers speculated that it may be inherited. And while the scientists emphasized there was no right or wrong, how we perceive threats may explain why neither liberals nor conservatives can fathom the other.

"People experience the world differently," says lead author John R. Hibbing, a professor of political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, "and this probably affects their political beliefs."

I am new to this site, I dont really know the in's and the outs but I really wanted to try and get the word out about democratic congressional candidates. I thought I could do one a day. So... Here is my first, his name is Rob Hubler and he is running against Republican Steven King in the Fifth district in Iowa, here is some information and a link to his site, get a hold of me, or his campaign if you want to help. I have no affilation with this campaign but am very hopeful that he can win. http://www.hublercongress.com/home.html   Read More »

The Mark B. McCracken for Congress official campaign blog is now live! PA's Blue Fifth will bring you news and updates from the campaign as well as pictures, events, and opinion. We welcome everyone's comment. The blog can be found at http://pabluefifth.blogspot.com/. There is a link from the main campaign web page at http://www.mccrackenforcongress.com.

In 2006, when we took back the congress, I was among the people that expected the republican minority to help out in a bi-partisan way to achieve many things that did not get done in the last 5 years. I was wrong. What happened next I don't think anyone expected.
Like a spoiled child who is forced to share there candy the republicans refused to do absolutely anyhting, even things in which they had there eye on when they thought they would be able to keep the majority. It was simply amazing how these people acted. They completely tied our hands with the end goal to be using the congresses lack of progress to move republicans back into majority.
There are a few states where we have almost a guarentee to keep it Democrat, however we do need a positive turnover.
I may be a little bias, but I think that my district, the fourth congressional district of Iowa is win-able for Meyers.
However, he may need help from outside sources, I'm hoping those who read this will try to contribute. Not only to the Meyers campaign, but also to all districts who may need help.

Lets keep it together and keep it democrat!

Come and check out BLUE REVOLUTION USA to refute conservative Republican rhetoric here in Wisconsin and across the USA.

To be a Democrat was never a choice it was the only choice; my beliefs would let me go no where else. But I am sometimes a bit disappointed when I her phrases like a 'blue state' or a 'red state'.

This really angers me; no American should associate with one color or the other separately. The flag we all live and die under is red, white and blue.

Yes I vote Democrat. Yes I think the Republican Party is wrongheaded. But when we work together, as Americans the best in all of us comes out.