Those internet questionnaires usually put my political and social views just a tad bit southwest (liberal being west and libertarian being south) of centre. That is probably accurate IMO. What I was talking about is style, tact, vision, etc. It really has nothing to do with personal differences on views. Did Reagan talk like Coulter calling political opponents faggots, etc for example? Would he have gotten to where he was and been popular had he done so? Not a chance. He was popular because he spoke inspirationally and respectfully. There are rakes of conservative pundits who I enjoy reading and they do effect my opinions by being well grounded. I find considerable agreement with you on the rest of your comments. To me it is likewise concerning that people often get their opinions from propagandists and activists who are often also untrained sources. For example, to me it is both comical and concerning to watch things like Sean Hannity and Daryl Hannah fight political talking points (the real purpose) on FOX over global warming when neither are trained in the science field to render a qualified opinion and with both having political agendas overriding and clouding the debate. This is where people often get and form their views on global warming, though.