What exactly is your snotty little phrase "lifestyle liberal" supposed to mean?
Posted by Frank at 10:03 am on August 26, 2005
Well, Frank, we live in an age in which the major political divisions are not over the classic left-right issues of economics, labor, environment, peace, education, etc. The dividing lines are all about social and moral issues -- lifestyle issues. It's the age we live in.
Thus, I often refer to "cultural conservatives" in GetReligion posts, even though that number would include some old-line Democrats and populists, when it comes to the old-fashioned issues of liberalism. I also use the term "lifestyle left" to talk about those who are lifestyle Libertarians, even if they are in the GOP.
When the U.S. Supreme Court hearings get rolling, watch carefully and you'll see this dynamic at work. Then watch how people vote.
For a previous discussion on this topic, click here. Or you might even take a look at my Scripps Howard News Service column this week, which focuses on how this is affecting Democrats and even James "It's the economy, stupid" Carville.
Does this answer your question?