Thomas Sowell's column published recently in the Omaha World Herald (and elsewhere, I'm sure) begins like this.

"A Gallup poll last week showed that far more Americans describe themselves as “conservatives” than as “liberals.” Yet Republicans have been clobbered by the Democrats in both the 2008 elections and the 2006 elections.

"In a country with more conservatives than liberals, it is puzzling — in fact, amazing — that we have the furthest-left president in U.S. history as well as the furthest-left speaker of the House of Representatives.

"Republicans, especially, need to think about what this means. If you lose when the other guy has all the high cards, there is not much you can do about it. But when you have the high cards and still keep taking a beating, then you need to rethink how you are playing the game."

Thomas, allow me to enlighten you. Having read the actual Gallup Poll article by Lydia Saad ("Conservatives" Are Single-Largest Ideological Group) I note the combined strength of Liberals and Independents to be 56% of the electorate. Conservatives are 40%. Conservatives lost the last election 56% to 44%. Independents do vote, Thomas, and their votes count.

Secondly, while I do not doubt Gallup is accurately reporting what people tell them their political views are, my experience tells me few people can definitively define the view they claim.

In addition, the term "liberal" has achieved such a pejorative status people are unwilling to call themselves that, even if their views are really in that category.

Here is a link to Sowell's article. I tried to find one for the Gallup article, but was unsuccessful. If anyone does find it, then please post it as a comment.

http://omaha.com/article/20090626/NEWS0802/706269994