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Poll: Do you think you're part of the "Washington elite" or "cultural elite"?
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Anonymous
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Lots of railing against these "elite" segments of society during last night's GOP convention. When you hear these terms, do you think they're referring to you? Why or why not?
As for me, I'm not sure -- probably not part of the Washington elite as I have no political connections or involvement other than voting, but I would guess most of "small town America" would consider a DC lawyer to be part of the cultural elite. |
Anonymous
I consider myself neither, although I have siblings who call me both. I'm moderate, pro-choice, vote across party lines. Spouse has job that some consider elite. We live in an elite zip code, send our children to elite private school. Voting McCain all the way. |
jsteele
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Site Admin Offline
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The irony is that McCain has been the heartthrob of the "Washington Elite". This was said quite clearly by Chris Matthews in 2006:
http://www.thechrismatthewsshow.com/html/transcript/index.php?id=22&selected=1 "Every time I look at a poll--and I expect McCain to win every one of these polls. The press loves McCain. We're his base.." The love affair between John McCain and the New York/Washington press is well known. Its reflected in the opinions of "liberal" columnists such as Richard Cohen who can devote an entire column to McCain's detriments, but conclude with a preference of McCain over Obama. It was reflected when he held his famous barbeque for the press corp. Watch these guys go bonkers over McCain's grilling skills: The elite has loved McCain, Democrats -- for reasons I could never understand -- have loved him. The only group with whom he had issues was the far right of the Republican party. This time around, he decided to capitulate to them. Choosing Palin instead of Lieberman was the final capitulation. As he has reversed himself on issue after issue, the press has begun to question him. At first, they kept reassuring us that even though McCain was bending over for the fundies, he didn't really mean it. Then, they started to think might be going a bit far. At that point, McCain cut off relations with them. No more barbecues! Now, McCain's "base" is his new enemy. Palin has not taken a single question from the media. Oh, and "no", I'm not part of the elite. |
Anonymous
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Do I think of myself as part of the "elite"? No. But I do realize that I live in a completely different world than most of the country. I am a liberal, non religious, big city East Coast dwelling, product of private schools who drives a Subaru station wagon, thinks $1 million for a house is reasonable, shops (occasionally) at Whole Foods, reads the NYT and WP, immensely enjoys The Daily Show, Colbert Report, Keith Olberman, The Office, Project Runway, etc. But, I think Starbucks Lattes are a waste of money!
That said, I still have a lot of the same concerns as most people, I believe. We still worry about money for retirement and our kids' college educations, I want to live in a better world, have good schools, safe neighborhoods, etc. Yes, I have been given many many more advantages than most people but it doesn't shelter me from problems nor does it make me oblivious to others' problems. Having lived in cities my whole life, I see every day people from all walks of life. One could even argue that I am much more in touch with the "real world" than those living in a small rural town. I hate this label "elite" because it is silly. I also just have to laugh Republican pundits and politicians call Dems elites. Rush Limbaugh looks pretty elite to me sitting in his Palm Beach mansion, flying around in a private plane. Ditto for McCain, Romney, Giuliani, etc.. |
Anonymous
| Not elite, but having traveled fairly extensively to four corners of the US over the past 6 months for work, there is clearly a difference in attitude, outlook and perspective between the east coast/west coast, and the "fly-over" states. |
Anonymous
| Not elite either, but when I go home to my small town in PA I could see how I (or others like me, which probably means you) could be viewed as an elitist. |
Anonymous
| Yes, absolutely, no question. |
Anonymous
| Yup. And mighty proud of it if I do say so meself. |
Anonymous
| Yes. Anyone participating on this site or who has been following this election with great interest for over a year is probably also included. "Average" americans are busy focusing on day to day living, working, raising kids, planning weekend BBQs, and all that stereotypical americana stuff. Honest ... when I go back to my hometown, they REALLY DO live like that still! Sometimes I miss it and other times I thank my lucky stars to be here! |
Anonymous
| By "their" definition, both. And guess what, I'm a citizen of this country too, and my vote counts just as much. Frankly, I've been complacent but not anymore. Today, I put my money where my mouth has been because I'm sick and tired of being governed by people who do not share my beliefs and values. |
Anonymous
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I am absolutely positive I am not one of Washington's elite.
However, as a college-educated lefty Jewish feminist single mom making $65K, I am pretty sure I'm at least part of who they're talking about. |
Anonymous
| It is funny, b/c I think I am in the elite now due to lifestyle but I grew up low to middle class and that is who I relate to (most of the time). I find myself in a HUGE love-hate with this city and my own lifestyle... |
Anonymous
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A couple of weeks ago I got lost in WV (because a supposed hostage situation closed one of the main roads for three days), and stopped for directions. A fellow called me over to his house to set me straight. As I was walking back to the car, a young woman who had been sitting there cried out something like "Pretty nice for a bunch of rednecks, huh?" I grinned back at her and waved, not thinking of anything to say. Now that I think of it, though, the fact that she said that, when the conversation had been about nothing other than directions, is perhaps an indication that she saw me as part of that elite.
Besides, I have a bachelors from Columbia and a PhD from Harvard; shades of Barack! |
Anonymous
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Yes in terms of relationship and influence.
Not really in terms of finances. |
Anonymous
| Look, the "Washington Elite" is a fake construct trotted out when convenient. |