Bill Maher says it and I agree: Y on Earth would a poor person vote Republican?

Question

This question has always plagued me. I grew up in the upper south in an area that was almost 99% white and poor. There were about 3 democrats in the whole county. What is up with that?

It's good to hear these opinions so different from my own and learn the different perspectives. I'm almost inclined to agree with the people who say poor people are being dignified when they vote Republican because it sounds so good....BUT, I am certain that is not the case. The fact is, they HAVE been duped with the moral majority issues (gay marriage, abortion, etc). And these issues have very very little to do with how to run a country.

Answer 1

Because they're suckered into believing that two guys marrying or a woman having an abortion is more important than their own well-being. It's nothing about "gov'ment welfare" and the conservatives know it. The Republicans come up with diversionary tactics to dupe poor people into voting against their own interests.

That's the real reason. I know there are a lot of straw man arguments ("The Democrat party just wants to give handouts at poor, oppressed millionaire's expense!"), but they're not based on reality. In fact, not only will that dog no longer hunt, but it was put down years ago.

Most people--including conservatives--know that Democratic programs like the New Deal have in fact helped the poor. In fact, a Democratic president, Bill Clinton, presided over a thriving economy and low unemployment.

Thankfully, the GOP is now losing support in rural areas. Kansas' ultra-right wing GOPers have driven some GOP candidates to switch parties because these people are sick of the extremism.

Answer 2

Aside from all the inane banter on this question, it is a good question. It has nothing to do with pride or any of that nonsense. It has to do with the American Dream. It is the greatest propaganda ever sold in the world (and that's not supposed to be an insult). The belief that your luck will change, you work hard and you will benefit, you can do it yourself, etc. is the explanation. You can actually see it in all of the answers (well most) above this one.

From a pure economical standpoint (although this is not all that is concerned in party affiliation), they vote Republican because they believe (like 75% of Americans) that they will be in the richest 5% in 5 years. There is no way that me, my family, or anyone we know will be in the multi-milionare club anytime soon, but we all think theres a chance. And when we go to the Deluxe Apartment in the Sky, we definatley don't want all those icky social programs holding us back. It's a fraud, but maybe it is useful, maybe it keeps us working. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Now I gotta get back to my menial job and work hard, because someday they're gonna appreciate me around here.

Answer 3

The majority of those that vote republican are rural folks (this is no secret). They would rather be "left alone" than anything. They don't want anyone telling them how to hold what gun... what types of crops to plant and they rarely deal with things like "High speed rail or cutting edge technology" Please don't take this as an attack on them, it isn't. It's just the truth. The downside of this, they don't get what they want most of the time even when voting for the GOP. Things that will benefit them in the long term are another thing the GOP is against. Oh.. and they hate taxes.. but honestly... don't we all?

Answer 4

I have to believe its because religion is all many poor people have to cling to ... and the fat rich churches in this country are little more than cults that turn politics into 'a question of faith'

and Churches strong arm their followers into voting the way they want, not so much in their followers best interest, but in the Churches best interest

Answer 5

Its more than just that too it. Ask around your town The republicans fool most of their white voters with buzz words(like fox does) Affirmative action, same sex marriage, abortion, we will keep you safe( but not safe from them) We are conservative we want to stay the same or move backward to old times like Jim crow. Reverse discrimination blacks are taking over and they look up and their were Hispanics.

Answer 6

Bill Maher is an idiot. His show should have been called "Politically Inept." To answer your question: Poor people who don't want to be poor forever vote Republican. Poor people who want to sit on their lazy behinds for the rest of their lives vote Democrat.

Look at it this way: The Democrats have been saying Republicans don't care about the poor and just want to take away their welfare for the past 50 years. Now, in the past 50 years, has the situation with the people on welfare gotten any better? Let me answer that for you: NO!!! Why? Simple: The Democrats have found a way to keep the ignorant poor people under their thumbs.

Here's how it works: The Democrats have manipulated the welfare system so the poor people will remain dependent on the government and will always be poor. See, if you're on welfare and you get a job, whatever you make at that job gets deducted from your welfare check. So what's the point of working if you end up with the same amount of money at the end of the month as your neighbor who says home all day? Where's the incentive to work and make a better life for yourself and your family?

The problem is this is no secret. Anyone who bothers to take a close look at the welfare system can easily see that it's set up to create and maintain a permanent under-class. But do the poor people bother to investigate? Not for the most part. The vast majority of them simply believe the litany of lies told to them by the politicians that supposedly care about them. Ditto that for hard-core Democrats who have the gall to call themselves more enlightened and free-thinking than their conservative counterparts.

Is it starting to make sense?

Answer 7

I strongly agree with the first guy, the gubmint. People can still take pride in their lives when they are poor. That is not a distinction that makes one less of a person than one with money. They don't want the government to pay for them to live. Whereas your typical democrat wants the government to pay for anything from housing costs to health insurance.

Well my friend, I am by no means rich, but I get along quite alright without the government stepping in and telling me what they are going to pay for. I need no special assistance from them because frankly I believe in my ability to do it myself and I believe in the system that says when one does it themselves, they are better enriched for life and can pass the lessons they learned onto their children, who in turn will also be able to make it.

Answer 8

Maybe they are sick of being poor! All i have ever seen from a Democrat is a hand out, at someone Else's expense. Maybe you like to live like that, but I don't. And I live in the south as well, but it is the opposite here, 54% unenployed, dem. town gov. dem. county gov. and dem Governer. tax the workers tax the workers, thats all they scream. While the lazy get their checks, thier fuel assistance, thier cardinal food cards, their medicare. You may like this cycle of " vote for me and I'll take care of you" I don't I work hard, just let me keep MY money, and I can take care of my family and my self WITHOUT their handout, which I paid for in the first place. In addition, you can be poor, and still have morals, not every poor person is a baby killing, criminal freeing fool.

Answer 9

Y on earth would anyone get their political information from a comedian? Unemployment is at an all time low at 4%, I have a house for the first time since loosing it during the Clinton administration, and at least he is doing SOMETHING to fight terrorism. Clinton had three terroristic attacks during his eight years and he did nothing. Its popular to bash the president and make him look stupid. It sells commercial time. The next president will probably be a democrate and he will be bashed also, most likely by a new set of Hollywood's B list.

Answer 10

So tell me just Have have the Dems done for the poor?

If you can find any thing then are they still poor after the the dems helped?

If so just how did they help?