[FLGator487]

Phrased another way: Why do we look like California or New York in terms of the diversity and composition of our population, but have a political culture (e.g. Rick Scott, right-wing extremists running the Legislature, etc.) that looks like the one in Nebraska?

It really does puzzle me. When you look at the political balance of power in this state - and the types of hardcore, anti-government, religious fundamentalist, generally extremist Republicans we tend to produce - you would logically assume that Florida was some 95% white, farming dominated, small town-centered state. You would never assume that we have one of the nation's largest Jewish populations, or one of the largest African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population, or extremely densely populated areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale. It's as if there is a total disconnect between our demographics and our voting habits - as if 85-year-olds in Charlotte County are the only ones showing up to vote.

It CAN'T all be because of old people, Cubans in Miami, and conservative Southerners north of Ocala!

[bbronston]

I think your question actually reveals a bias that you don't realize you have. You assume that only "white, farming dominated, small town" residents could be "hardcore, anti-government, religious fundamentalist, generally extremist Republicans" and you further assume that "Jewish populations, or ...African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population, or extremely densely populated areas" would all be liberal. You've already answered your question but I'll say it...you are applying stereotypes where there should be none, and perhaps it might open some eyes to realize that, when the population is basically split down the middle (conservative vs liberal), there will be fairly well represented populations of all groups in each camp.

[FLGator487]

Originally Posted by bbronston

I think your question actually reveals a bias that you don't realize you have. You assume that only "white, farming dominated, small town" residents could be "hardcore, anti-government, religious fundamentalist, generally extremist Republicans" and you further assume that "Jewish populations, or ...African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population, or extremely densely populated areas" would all be liberal. You've already answered your question but I'll say it...you are applying stereotypes where there should be none, and perhaps it might open some eyes to realize that, when the population is basically split down the middle (conservative vs liberal), there will be fairly well represented populations of all groups in each camp.

The bold is mine - and in a lovely fantasy world where every single individual has the same life experiences, there is no war, everybody loves everybody, and folks all get along - I would agree with you.

In reality, different socioeconomic groups have (generally speaking) different priorities. This does not mean that being a member of any particular group guarantees a certain belief system or pattern of behavior - any group is composed of individuals, after all, and individuals are free to do as they wish - but it does mean that it is well beyond silly to try and pretend that 25-year-old inner-city African Americans vote the same way, in general, as 65-year-old rural Whites. Or that secular gay men vote the same way, in general, as Southern Baptists, etc. etc.

Which is the point of the question - just about every other state with the diversity of Florida votes one way, while Florida votes another. And that is legitimately curious.

[OrlFlaUsa]

@FloridaGator: Actually our political registration numbers do reflect the population of Florida as Democrats outnumber Republicans with a fair number of Independents and Third Party that give us that swing factor. However, the Democrat party of Florida is not very well organized and their base isn't as motivated to vote as the Conservatives who literally "FEAR" anything liberal occurring. Don't worry, I think the those registered as Democrat, Independent, and some Republicans are beginning to realize that we all share a common enemy in the Tea Party and the anti-government ideologues. All it takes is everyone voting along party lines and Florida would see an incredible and needed shift to the left since it's right of center policies that have driven this state into the ground.

[chopchop0]

Originally Posted by FLGator487

Phrased another way: Why do we look like California or New York in terms of the diversity and composition of our population, but have a political culture (e.g. Rick Scott, right-wing extremists running the Legislature, etc.) that looks like the one in Nebraska?

It really does puzzle me. When you look at the political balance of power in this state - and the types of hardcore, anti-government, religious fundamentalist, generally extremist Republicans we tend to produce - you would logically assume that Florida was some 95% white, farming dominated, small town-centered state. You would never assume that we have one of the nation's largest Jewish populations, or one of the largest African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population, or extremely densely populated areas such as Miami-Fort Lauderdale. It's as if there is a total disconnect between our demographics and our voting habits - as if 85-year-olds in Charlotte County are the only ones showing up to vote.

It CAN'T all be because of old people, Cubans in Miami, and conservative Southerners north of Ocala!

Because not every state needs to have a cradle-to-grave welfare state mentality in order to have diversity.

I'm grateful that FL is able to exist as a more economically moderate/conservative state as opposed to places like NY and CA, where big taxes and monster spending rule the day.

[hashbrown]

Originally Posted by bbronston

I think your question actually reveals a bias that you don't realize you have. You assume that only "white, farming dominated, small town" residents could be "hardcore, anti-government, religious fundamentalist, generally extremist Republicans" and you further assume that "Jewish populations, or ...African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population, or extremely densely populated areas" would all be liberal. You've already answered your question but I'll say it...you are applying stereotypes where there should be none, and perhaps it might open some eyes to realize that, when the population is basically split down the middle (conservative vs liberal), there will be fairly well represented populations of all groups in each camp.

According to my economics professor in college, gerrymandering is at least part of the reason Florida's electorate has been at odds with the political leadership. (FLA Politics:: Gerrymandering, Florida style (http://www.flapolitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3515 - broken link)) It is not because "Jewish populations, or ...African American populations, the 3rd largest LGBT community, a huge immigrant population" etc are voting conservative. But it would be great if that were true. Maybe some day. I have a dream.

[Jimrob1]

With a population from literally all over, one would think Fla politics and elections would reflect that diversity but they don't. Election after election Fla retains its conservative political culture. I don't know how that happens or whether its good or bad, but people do notice it.

[citizen000483]

i think the republicans are overplaying their hand here...i have always voted republican...for all 17 years that I have been 'legal' to vote...and if the elections were held today i would likely be voting for a number of non republicans... from misguided immigration 'reform' to the attack on teachers its just one stupid tone deaf move after another...i mean how do you get on TV and say teachers are greedy to make 45k a year and then make the case that the CEO's who got bailouts are properly compensated making 10's of millions per year?

[vaughanwilliams]

The legislature has gamed the districts (gerrymandered) to ensure they win re-election. Now they want to game the Fl. Supreme Court to ensure that Amendments 5&6 are weakened so they can continue to game the districts to ensure they win re-election. This current group of vermin have no interest in representing anyone but themselves and their corporate masters, so don't expect their political beliefs to resemble the majority of Floridians.

[OrlFlaUsa]

It's true about gerrymandering. The districts are designed to split the urban vote as you'll notice them including huge swaths of rural areas and little slivers of the cities.