Is Syriza #39;s Victory in Greece Good News for U.S. Progressive Democrats?
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Is Syriza's Victory in Greece Good News for U.S. Progressive Democrats? - Video
In the last 24 hours, the public debate over whether vaccinations for children should be mandatory has been overlaid with partisan politics, with both President Barack Obama and possible 2016 GOP candidate Gov. Chris Christie weighing in with different takes on the issue. In a pre-Superbowl interview with NBC News, Obama urged vaccination skeptics to "know the facts," while Christie had to backpedal after telling reporters he believes parents should have "a measure of choice" in the matter.
While vaccination skeptics don't fit into a single political categorization, a deeper dive into poll data can show us a little bit more about how Americans from both parties look at this issue.
A survey released last week from the Pew Research Center showed that 68 percent of US adults believe that vaccinations of children should be required, while 30 percent say that parents should be able to decide not to vaccinate their kids.
Education level, gender and income don't seem to make too much a difference in how Americans view vaccinations. But age does matter: 41 percent of young adults say that parents should have a choice about vaccinating their kids, while just 20 percent of seniors say the same.
Republicans and independents are more likely than Democrats to advocate against required vaccinations.
Thirty-four percent of Republicans and 33 percent of independents told pollsters that parents should be able to decide about vaccinations, versus just 22 percent of Democrats who said the same.
And, within the past five years or so, Republicans have become LESS likely to say vaccinations should be required, while Democrats are now MORE likely to advocate for the mandatory shots.
In 2009, 71 percent of both Democrats and Republicans said vaccinations should be required. By last August, that number decreased to 65 percent for Republicans, but it's increased to 76 percent for Democrats.
The scientific community falls squarely against the "choice" crowd. Pew's recent survey of scientists connected with the American Association for the Advancement of Science found that 86 percent advocated for required vaccinations.
First published February 2 2015, 10:14 AM
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Republicans, Democrats and the Vaccination Debate
Less than halfway through Virginias annual legislative session, many of Democrats top priorities are already dead.
Attempts to regulate gun possession, roll back abortion restrictions, better enforce equal-pay laws and codify gay marriage have failed, most without a vote on either the House or Senate floor.
With Republicans in control of both legislative chambers, the frustration of progressive policies isnt a surprise. The only question is whether, in a year when every lawmaker will face voters in a state growing more liberal, Democrats will win outside the Capitol what they could not win inside by forcing votes on issues some Republicans would just as soon ignore.
Virginia is purple and moving blue for statewide elections, said Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Jones. It appears to me that these are things that play out differently in localities than they do in the General Assembly.
In contrast with past years, Democrats are the ones aggressively pushing these hot-button issues. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) highlighted all three in his first State of the Commonwealth address, making a particularly forceful push for gun legislation. It was a reminder of the liberal-oriented campaign that brought him to office in 2013.
While conservative Republicans have filed a smattering of bills to expand gun rights, limit abortion, block undocumented students from receiving in-state tuition and allow government employees to refuse to perform gay marriages, the party has done nothing to amplify those ideas.
Weve had a lot of discussion down here that you should really deal with kitchen table issues, said House Majority Leader M. Kirkland Cox (R-Colonial Heights), a conservative who co-sponsored the states 2006 marriage amendment.
Democrats, by contrast, have organized news media conferences and sent reams of news releases highlighting what they call Republican obstruction.
In a memo circulated to members before the session began, House Minority Leader David J. Toscano (D-Charlottesville) encouraged his caucus to create dilemmas for our Republican colleagues, especially those in targeted seats.
Republicans are crying foul, saying the other side is too focused on the elections this fall. Three moderate senators are retiring from seats that will probably have hot competition from both parties, and Democrats are hoping to gain a few seats in the overwhelmingly Republican House.
Originally posted here:
For Virginia Democrats, will short-term losses in Capitol mean long-term gains outside it?
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Democrats are speaking out against various parts of Gov. Scott Walker's budget the day before the Republican releases his entire plan to the Legislature.
Democrats on Monday say what is known so far about Walker's plan would not create opportunities for people to succeed in Wisconsin. They say Walker is crafting his budget to appeal nationally as he looks ahead to a possible presidential run.
Democrats are taking particular aim at Walker's call to cut the University of Wisconsin System funding by 13 percent, or $300 million, borrowing more than $1 billion for roads projects and requiring drug tests for public aid recipients.
Democrats are calling for raising the minimum wage, accepting federal Medicaid money and restoring cuts Walker and Republicans made to public schools.
Walker releases his budget Tuesday.
Obama, the Democrats, and the Progressive Push Forward...
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By: Sam Seder
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Obama, the Democrats, and the Progressive Push Forward... - Video