Middle Class Supports Key Progressive Policies, Study Shows

ThinkProgress is touting an encouraging study from the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy that indicates that wide swaths of middle-class Americans support a broad array of policies that are typically written off as being out of the mainstream. Furthermore, that support is not confined to self-identified Democrats.

From DMI:

DMI's first annual survey on the Middle Class and Public Policy reveals that America's middle-class households are fearful families - overwhelmingly pessimistic about the direction of the country, especially the economy and high gas prices. Most have little flexibility in their own economic situations and have little if anything left over each month after meeting basic expenses. The middle class is disgruntled with the direction of the country and politicians and see little coming out of Washington that would give them cause for optimism.

Middle-class Americans do know what policies they would like to see enacted. Despite media depictions of a sharp red and blue divide, the nation's middle class displays broad consensus on a range of public policies aimed at easing their economic squeeze...

According to the study, a "National health care plan available to all Americans at an affordable cost" is deemed an "excellent/good idea" by 75% of middle class Americans, including 57% of Republicans. Employer-paid family and medical leave also garners strong support (71%), across both sides of the aisle (63% Republicans/84% Democrats). One number that should leap out, however, is the broad consensus on whether "individuals who entered the U.S. illegally as children" should be allowed to "apply for legal residency if they go to college or serve in the military and have no criminal record." As it happens, the middle-class seems to value the notion of fairness strongly: 61% find that to be an "excellent/good idea," including 55% of Republicans.

Naturally, you can expect policies such as national health care and fair immigration practices to continue to be depicted by the media as ideas that draw their support from some limited faction or fringe, because that looks good with their big red-and-blue map of the United States in the background. But now, you will know that this is wrong.

Comments

[WorkingClass]

Both parties and the MSM are owned by the same corporate masters. The "middle class" has no representation in Washington. Repeat after me. If its good for the Bull Moose its good for the nation.

[rollingdivision]

Socialist study group finds people want socialism.

[Phil123]

...as long as they don't have to pay for it.

[jmpurser]

So, we've got a study showing broad support for progressive/liberal agenda while the allegedly progressive/liberal party runs away from supporting such an agenda.

Anyone else think this is yet more proof that the Democratic party is either strongly suicidal or really a front organization for the GOP to head off the formation of any real progressive/liberal party?

[demfriend]

Gawd it is nice to see something on a study which isn't painted ugly by MSM and might be the actual truth about what people believe. It hasn't been easy looking at the liar studies and polls and try to look past them at what reality tells me isn't correct.

[Bettysdad]

Good morning, Jason.

For about 40 years, every poll has shown that progressive policies are supported by the overwhelming majority of Americans. Until they're told they're "liberal" ideas.

All through the Reagan years, he had consistently high marks personally. But his policies were approved only by a minority.

[darthdarcy]

Obama is blowing it by not being more of a progressive and populist that's one reason he can barely keep ahead of McCain in the polls..!

If this election hinges on 1-3% the republicans will steal with thanks to Diebold and ESS..maybe even if it's with 5%..!

14 states still have electronic voting with no way to verify or paper trail...!

[chronic]

Conservatives (whatever that means-over $9TRILLION debt and $500 BILLION deficit under CONSERVATIVE ADMIN.) are some truly "sick" people. They have NO FACTS to back their logic-only sound bites and name calling. Elect McCain and see America "CONTINUE" to DESTROY ITSELF!

[ConcernedAboutRFuture]

Not if McSame gets elected.

[booksnmore4you]

It must have taken the surveyors a long time to find people in the middle class to ask questions of. There are so few left.

[TrumanHugh]

You mean all those people making less than $5 million?!

[CAPTAINSKIPPY]

How were survey takers able to determine middle class membership??

[booksnmore4you]

Self-reporting by income guidelines

[AussieJim]

But the battle is to allow the voter to approach the voting booth free of an overburden of fear and so let them make an informed decision. Without fear the voter is a rational being chock full of compassion and good will. Just add fear and you have a Republican voter.

[Phil123]

Of course everyone wants to be generous if no one has to pay for it.

But Obama's "progressive" policies add up to about a trillion dollars of new spending in the coming decade. Do you really think that "the rich" and/or "big oil" are going to pay for this? Think again. You are going to pay for it, unless you make nothing. And if you make nothing, you will pay for it in increased living costs.

[Annette]

Glad to pay more taxes, and yes we pay quite a bit in taxes. But as McCain wants to continue Bushies borrow and spend policies, giving additional tax breaks to the oil companies while borrowing the money for his additional wars what is the option.

Let me give you a clue, low taxes and borrowing money is not a viable way to run an economy. Borrowed money is more expensive than paying for anything with cash. Let me give you another clue. If the Republican wars are not important enough to pay for they are a scam. If the wars were actually necessary for the survival of America Americans would pay. But they are not, Americans know it, however you candidate just wants more wars, lower taxes for the wealthy and more borrowing. The middle class what there is of it will end up paying for it.

[alienufo]

America still has a middle class?

[kellygrrrl]

touche !

[TrumanHugh]

Yes, according to John McNineHomesand$520Loafers they make just under $5 million!