A recent Gallup poll (found here) was conducted and found that 40% of  Americans label themselves conservative, while 35% think of themselves as moderate, and 21% identify as liberal. There is constant political commentary about America becoming a center-left nation, but this poll suggests otherwise. My own speculation, largely unfounded, is that while the media incessantly reports that American’s economic-political ideology is tilting to the left, this poll is likely more of a reflection of American’s thoughts on the political culture war, and their stance on social issues. Who knows, maybe the Tea-Party energy and some of the Obama Administration’s reckless fiscal policies are beginning to resonate with Americans.

But, what does polling really tell us anyways?