Where does America fit in?

On the front page of the Denver Post today (okay, I know reading an actual newspaper is outdated these days), there’s a pretty striking graphic on America’s new political spectrum.

The pie chart that divides America’s political leanings isn’t just divided into three, for liberal, conservative, and moderate, but eight sections.  Not one of each of these sections comprises more than 15 percent of the population either.

The data comes from the Pew Research Center, and provides some interesting insight to the future of politics in America.

Notably, those in the middle have some of the strongest and most well-defined points of view.  The middle of the spectrum is quickly become the largest, and also most diverse area of American political beliefs.  No longer is the middle just for uncertain, or impartial voters.  The findings suggest that just because a voter doesn’t completely associate with the views of staunch liberals or staunch conservatives, it doesn’t mean that they don’t hold strong political values.

Take for instance, two groups the research puts in the middle: the “Post-Moderns” and the “Disaffecteds.”  The “Post-Moderns” genuinely believe that both government and big business can work together, and are fairly supportive of both, while also more hold liberal beliefs on social issues.  The “Disaffecteds,” on the other hand, are  socially and religiously conservative, but remain critical of government and especially Wall Street.

Both of these groups could be considered in the middle compared to staunch liberals or conservatives, perhaps even “independents,” yet they are truly opposite on the political spectrum.  Politicians trying to appeal to the middle are going to soon have to realize that the middle can be just as diverse and ideological as those voters on the fringe.  Moving more towards the middle no longer means an easier path to election or re-election.

The data also shows the rifts growing in both of the parties.  Both the “Disaffecteds” and the “Post-Moderns” show that people don’t have to be against government to be in favor or business, and vice versa. Likewise, there is a growing movement of “Hard-Pressed Democrats,” who are both critical of business and don’t believe in the effectiveness of government either.

The political spectrum of the American voter is changing rapidly, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how this affects future campaigns, and also the direction of the parties.  Voters define themselves much differently than in the past, and it’s going to take very big tents from either party to keep the voters involved and supportive, especially the growing, and increasingly ideological middle.