[conservatism_IS_compassion]

He says that self-identified "conservatives" outnumber self-identified "liberals" 40%-20%. But that leaves another 40% who do not so self-identify. And I think that the reason for the election of Obama lies there.

That, and conservative vote suppression by John McCain . . .

[secret garden]

Agreed,

[Windflier]

...self-identified "conservatives" outnumber self-identified "liberals" 40%-20%. But that leaves another 40% who do not so self-identify.

And I think that the reason for the election of Obama lies there.

You're exactly right.

Two major factors elected Obama.

1. Most of the squishy moderate middle bought his "Hope & Change" baloney, and

2. Many conservatives stayed home, even with the addition of Sarah Palin to the Republican ticket.

This same squishy middle are the ones most acutely afflicted with buyer's remorse right now. They're also the ones who will guarantee a return to sanity in the upcoming mid-term elections and the 2012 presidential election.