(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Many Americans are aware of some characteristics of conservative voters, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. At least 70 per cent of respondents say they think of conservatives as people who support moral values and cutting taxes.

During the 2000 United States presidential campaign, Republican nominee George W. Bush defined his ideology as "compassionate conservatism." As president in April 2002, Bush said his "philosophy and approach" is designed to "help our fellow citizens in need" to "make a real difference in people's lives."

Roughly half of all respondents think of conservatives as opponents of gun control and affirmative action, and more than 75 per cent say they are against abortion rights, gay rights and same-sex marriage.

Conversely, more than 60 per cent of respondents say they think of liberals as people who support abortion rights, gay rights, same-sex marriage, affirmative action and gun control. 54 per cent of respondents say liberals support moral values, and 39 per cent say they back cutting taxes.

In the presidential debate held on Oct. 13 at Arizona State University, Bush criticized Democratic nominee John Kerry's ideology, saying, "There's a main stream in American politics and you sit right on the far left bank. As a matter of fact, your record is such that Ted Kennedy, your colleague, is the conservative senator from Massachusetts."

Polling Data

Thinking now of the political climate in the United States, do you think of conservatives as people who support or oppose.

Thinking now of the political climate in the United States, do you think of liberals as people who support or oppose.

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