Does it exist? If so, what is its primary source? The answer to the first question is obviously yes. Proof of this can be found in the number of local offices Greens hold; however, the answer to the second question is somewhat more elusive. Sometimes it's easy for all of us to get caught in the trap of assuming that simply attracting enough self-styled progressives from the Democrats is the yellow brick road. Although getting this lot to wake up and smell the coffee is definitely part of the mix, recent polling data suggests that Green horizons may be somewhat broader than most think.

More below the fold.

Scott Rasmussen is on the Repug payroll probably for no other reason than it pays better than the Dems'; nevertheless, this operation is pretty fearless in terms of its polling efforts and publication of findings which are not necessarily consistent with the assumptions of its natural audience (something the Green Party desperately requires) which is the primary reason I tend to trust their findings.

According to one of this firm's most recent polls, more unaffiliated voters trust the Democrats over the Republicans. Check it out:

But unaffiliateds are also quite likely to say they don’t trust either party on any particular issue. For example, on the issue of Government Corruption, 29% of all voters can't say that either party is more trustworthy. Among unaffiliated voters, the proportion jumps to 46%.

On Health Care, 57% of unaffiliated voters prefer Democrats, only 24% prefer Republicans. But 19% are not sure either is more deserving of their trust, compared to 10% of all voters.

On Social Security, the Democrats' 20-point edge among unaffiliated voters is practically identical to the size of the margin they enjoy with all voters. But almost a quarter (24%) of unaffiliated voters are Not Sure, versus 13% of all voters.

Of the ten issues we asked about, the five most important to all likely voters are the Economy (Very Important to 73%), Government Corruption (73%), Health Care (63%), Social Security (63%) and National Security and the War on Terror (62%).

For unaffiliated voters, the five top issues are Government Corruption (69%), the Economy (66%), Health Care (63%), Education (60%), and Social Security (59%).

Just 57% of unaffiliated voters say National Security and the War on Terror is a Very Important issue affecting their vote. Taxes are Very Important to 48%, Abortion to 27%.

Wow. Are you hearing fire alarms in your ears? You should be. Why would anybody trust the Dems over the Repugs? Take the first finding that most unaffiliated types don't trust either corporate party. These people would be right at home with all of us on that particular question.

Secondly, look at the the top five issues for unaffiliated voters - All are natural Green issues. Why would anybody trust the Democrats on these issues? Despite ample opportunity and resources, the Democrats have failed time and time again to successfully address these issues. Furthermore, they are actively engaged in taking money hand over fist from the same corporate interests as the Republicans. Again, why would anybody possibly believe the Democrats will handle these issues in any manner significantly different than the Repugs?

If the findings of this poll are believed accurate or even reasonably close, it stands to reason that Greens have as much if not more to gain by appealing directly to unaffiliated voters over those currently affiliated with the other corporate party. This may be the way to accomplish inroads in areas of the country where the Green Party hasn't caught fire as well as those where registered Independents comprise a plurality of registered voters. The primary question is how Greens appeal to these voters without compromising the core values of the party?

I believe the answer is fairly straight forward - Develop policy initiatives which will appeal to these voters that are consistent with our own values. Single-payer healthcare is a good example. Numerous polls have demonstrated that a significant portion of the voting public desires universal healthcare yet neither corporate party is on board with the idea of putting the huge sucking sound which is the health insurance mafia out of business.

Is there a Green education policy? This is a huge state and local issue, arenas where Green candidates have proven they can hold their own against candidates from the corporate parties. I've been hanging around a little over two years and I'm not familiar with any specific Green education initiatives beyond those of a limited amount of local candidates.

Some really good folks in this forum are already commenting on the economy and tax policy. I hope these peoples' efforts will lead to a larger discussion among Greens on these topics as the development of distinctly unique policy initiatives which can actually be implemented is central to any discussion of attracting unaffiliated voters to the party.

Government corruption? The Democrats and Repugs jointly hold the patent on that one. I don't think we have a lot of work to do to convince people of this fact. The key is to convince voters that Greens are different on this issue. Give Ralph Nader some credit on this one. His Green presidential campaign in 2000 probably went further in this regard than any other to date. The party needs to further capitalize on the effort initially began by Mr. Nader who I consider the greatest consumer advocate in modern history.

In conclusion, there's ample kindling scattered around on the political landscape to start the fire. The question for Greens is developing the means through which to harness its natural audience and turn the party into a viable alternative to the corporate parties.

Enjoy your Sunday.

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