Do you know the politics of your town?

[Mac1337]

I must admit I don't. The only outward indications of how my neighbors vote are the occasional yard signs. It is mostly blue collar, catholic with some professionals in newer developments so you can make some broad brush generalizations, but beyond that it is hard to say. I do see more Toomey/Corbet signs than Sestak's but I don't know if it means anything.

[cbelt3]

Yes I do. All politics, in the end, is local. And it's important to understand your neighbors. At the very least, you can avoid getting beaten up in bars for opening your mouth.

[kanesa]

I live in Madison, Wi. I don't think I have to add more. :-)

[Mac1337]

kanesa wrote:
I live in Madison, Wi. I don't think I have to add more. :-)

Sure, but I know that too just reading the papers. Question is what do you know first hand; your neighbors, store owners, parents, church goers, school?

[Pops]

It's hard not to get a sense of the politics of people you work with or have befriended. What one does with that knowledge rests with the individual. As to casual acquaintances, store employees, etc. I would no more engage them in potentially unpleasant conversation about politics than I would about their religious persuasions.

This also is good advice for conversation with in-laws.

[the_poochies]

I generally avoid national politics. Just perusing the forums here will show you why.

Then again, I make a living in local politics, so I can tell you every sordid detail about my small blue-collar town.

I'm amazed about how many people can prattle on about predicting the breakdown of the House & Senate after Election Day, but they have no idea who their councilmember or Mayor are. I guess that the disintegration of local newspapers and the preponderance of garish crime and celebrity bulletins on TV stations has focused the public's energies differently. Local issues will effect your daily routine far more than any obtuse shout-fest that the cable news stations are obsessing over that day.

[$tevie]

the_poochies wrote:
I generally avoid national politics. Just perusing the forums here will show you why.

Then again, I make a living in local politics, so I can tell you every sordid detail about my small blue-collar town.

I'm amazed about how many people can prattle on about predicting the breakdown of the House & Senate after Election Day, but they have no idea who their councilmember or Mayor are. I guess that the disintegration of local newspapers and the preponderance of garish crime and celebrity bulletins on TV stations has focused the public's energies differently. Local issues will effect your daily routine far more than any obtuse shout-fest that the cable news stations are obsessing over that day.

Hear hear!

[$tevie]

PS: reading your local election results the day after an election can be a way to learn which way folks lean, or at the very least display a glimpse of that moment in time.

[kanesa]

Dakota wrote:
[quote=kanesa]
I live in Madison, Wi. I don't think I have to add more. :-)

Sure, but I know that too just reading the papers. Question is what do you know first hand; your neighbors, store owners, parents, church goers, school?
I live in probably the bluest blue-color Democratic ward and district in the city. I base this on election results posted in the newspaper. I see Feingold, Baldwin, and Barret yard signs. I have never seen one Republican yard sign in my ward.

editted for capital D.

[Dennis S]

In rural Arkansas you assume the Democrats are Republicans.