It’ simple Jack!

Conservatives have the bulk of the wealth in this country!
So they follow the party line, hit the talking point’s, contribute their money, and that’s one less stress they have to deal with!

As long as their taxes are as low as possible they’re happy!

Liberal’s are the bleeding heart’s of the world, noble but stressful!
It’s hard to be happy when you can see the world beyond your wallet!

There’s no time to be happy!
Alway’s a new cause!

They don’t know any better.

Jack
Liberals are always looking for something for nothing, to support these liberals you have to have a lot of money for them and many government programs to assist them. On the other hand conservatives work hard and are not always looking for hand outs. Conservatives make more out of less to get by.

Its easy Jack. Since conservatives have sex so fewer times in their lives, when they do, it makes them verrrrrrrrrrrry happy.

Ignorance is bliss

The conservatives are happier because they have no clue. If they knew that the republicans, that they vote for, continually hold them down, socially and economically, they would be very unhappy. They are also very religous, thinking that god can help their lives. However, things would improve much faster if they voted for competent leaders of our government, instead of twice for Bush.

Who cares Jack! Conservatives, liberals, republican, democrat, independant, left, right, who really cares. Why can’t we all just agree to be American and make our country great as a result. Unity is the key and all these different labels we put on each other are the reason we never agree. Besides, how does one become liberal? Is there a beat down initiation like they do in the bloods or the crips? As an outsider to all this political BS that’s what it seems like, gang wars. But I guess all the bickering makes us great role models to our children.

Conservatives know that people can think for themselves. The elephant never forgets. Conversely liberals assume that people cannot think for themselves and thus have the burden of having to do it for them. Forget the donkey. Chicken Little is their guy.

The conservatives are so happy because they know full well in their black little hearts that they have caused an economic situation that the quarrelsome, in-fighting, out of control and leaderless Democrats will spend decades trying to correct without a prayer of success. What a time to be a NeoCon. Destroy the economy, give the Oval Office to the loyal opposition and then blame them for the entire mess when they show they have not a clue as to how to fix it all. Makes a man proud to be a Republican.

Ignorance is bliss and Nero fiddled while Rome burned. There’s nothing wrong with rationalizing inequalities, but rationalizing greed, corruption and the profiteering from social inequalities is no way to make a living.

Jack,
I have to say it, you have way too much time on your hands!
95% of all mental therapists got in to the field to get help for their own mental afflictions.
The notion that they’ve been able to poll all these republicans can only mean one thing: More Republicans need mental help and Democrats!
Democrats are just as happy, but we just make friends with the voices.

Jack,

As I read that article the only thing that kept crossing my mind about economic inequalities was the fact that baseball players’ minimum wage is three or four times higher than the starting salary for a teacher, police or fireman. Only a Republican could make sense of entertainment being more valuable than the people who guide our kdis toward their futures, or those who protect us when we are most in need.

This thought does explain why it is that John McCain keeps saying he doesn’t know anything about the economy.

In my opinion, conservatives are more concerned with themslves or those in their immediate vicinity which may affect them. Liberals tend to take on a more global image. While things may be going well for them personally, they can not feel the same level of joy knowing that others in their communiy or world are suffering.

Well now I know the REP have better rules. LIFE LONG DEMOCRAT GONE REPUBLICIAN. thanks DNC and peloci!!

Why are conservatives happier? They have all the money and power. What’s not to be happy about?

Ignorance is bliss.

I guess it’s Friday. Ignorance is bliss. Conservatives are idiots (they voted for the biggest idiot on the planet twice) hence they are too dumb to see what is going on around them. Liberals, on the other hand, are far more intelligent and thus are painfully aware that they and our great country are being led over a cliff – what’s to be happy about?

It’s not that they’re happier - they just are popping pills so they can continue to maintain a false reality, where their perfect children never give in to temptation, their spouse would never cheat and their pastor would never hire a gay prostitute. Ignorance is bliss right…

Easy Jack,
Liberals have had to suffer 8 years of George W Bush. while conservatives embrased him. By the way that 47% of conservatives make up the 28% who still think that Bush is doing a good job! What we have here are the blind leading the sublime!

Michael in Skowhegan, Maine

Because the conservatives are too stupid to know they are bitter and unhappy.

I don’t trust the test.

Look those of the so-called RIGHT way, whether it be political conservative or fundamentalist, have to say their happy– their whole rationale of being better than others is based on this very premise!

Those who claim to know all the answers can’t admit to having questions, Jack!

Come on Jack, most conservatives aren’t happier, they are more miserable than as us liberals. The only difference is that they have better Poker faces. They’re miserable that they have to keep themselves in the closet and also keep their bathroom stalls, congressional page escapades on the down low…….not like us liberals we are pretty much in your face.

Nice to see that this has given everyone to take veiled (or maybe not-so) shots at each other.

I think the reason conservatives are more happy has to do with the feeling that things are the way they should be. by definition a conservative is resistant to change from the status quo. If one resists change then one must be satisfied to a certain degree..right?

Liberals on the other hand tend to think more about how things could be better…thus leading them to feel that there is something wrong with the way things are.

What ever happened to “love thy neigbor”? As long as republicans have the “**ck everybody else” policy they will be happy. Look beyond your life, Jack, and you may be troubled too.

Wonder who funded this study? Great propaganda for the Republican Conservatives who’s reputation is clearly that of plying the trade of hate, dirt mongering and fear. ( Limbaugh, Colter types)

These people are ‘lock step’ thinkers so they don’t even know about the economy. They still think the war can be won because their leadership says so. It is easier to ‘not think’ and accept what ever comes your way than to actally analyze information.

Not all conservatives are loaded. But most have no concience or social concern for the welfare of others in need. Witness the mess we are in now.

Because they have figured out that “working hard” involves lounging around the pool with their Blackberry…

Perhaps the conservatives feel better because they don’t worry about those who need to be feed, find a home, and the liberals are more concerned about their fellow citizens, not quite so selfish as conservatives. - Anne

Liberals do NOT care more about anything other than themselves and what others think of them. Reality is that Conservatives always donate the most money to charities. Look up The Gores vs the Bushes, for instance. You libs should be embarrassed.
Get a grip Lefties.

Because Conservatives are used to being part of a flock. Whether it religious or political. They do as other sheep do and follow the flock. Not having to think or question makes them happy. Ignorance is bliss.

On the other hand. Liberals want to live and let live but are constantly stressed about others. They worry way to much about the other guy so no matter how great their lives are they are constantly aware that there are less fortunate. So they focus on what they can’t control and loose site of the blessings in front of them.

Most people in America should be the happiest people in the world, we are truly lucky.

Because Liberals can’t stop complaining!

Of course conservatives are happier. Ignorance is bliss. “Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.” — The Beatles

Take a look at the responses from some, who would probably define themselves as liberal. These are definitely unhappy people!

Conservatives are relatively lack of self-examing ability. If they win, they think the result is directly frim their personal virtue. Most of the time, it is simply not true. If they lose in one area, they can always find another area to feel good. Conservatives are generally more individualistic, more selfish, more self-righteous and lack of empathy and sympathy. Dick Cheney is much more willing to attribute his suceess to his personal virtues than Warren Buffet will.

I am neither a conservative nor a liberal.

Jack, I’m not sure but…..Conservatives most likely are richer and better off than Liberals. I would say most people I meet who are wealthy are conservatives (Right). And most of the people I meet who are blue collar and middle cast (rapidly declining) are liberal (Left).
By the way who came up with right or left????

Redfoot, Hazlet,NJ

From my experiences, I notice that conservatives tend to judge people less than liberals do. Maybe it’s because of lowered expectations of how society should be. Liberals tend to have an idealistic and sometimes irrational view of how the world should behave.

Oxycotin

Well, let the conservatives be happy now. I’m sure the French aristocrats were well-pleased with their lot in life before the social inequalities led to the French Revolution. We are seeing the results of inequality all over the world: food riots in Haiti and Egypt, riots over a lack of political representation in Kenya, Zimbabwe, Los Angeles (!!) If I were a conservative and believed that all this madness is simply due to the victims lack of motivation and industry, then yes, I’d be happy as a self-satisfied clam. But no, I’m a well-educated liberal and I can see the handwriting on the wall, and our days are numbered.

Have you ever heard the saying “Ignorance is bliss,” Jack?

I love all the gross generalizations that go on here and the vitriol everyone seems to have for the other side. I am a conservative. I do not agree with Bush on everything and am not an idiot. I do work hard, own a company, fend for myself and my family and live a happy upper-middle class life. I expect that others will do the best they can and not depend on the government for assistance. The government is not here to take care of you especially with my money.

John Adams, before ink was even dry on the constitution, saw the two party system as the ruin of this great democracy. Viewing the way you people think about each other, he was right.

Pretty simple, Jack. They believe in and have faith in God.

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands!

John J

Hackensack NJ

This question is clearly meant to start a flame war between liberals and conservatives. Can we please give it a rest?

Conservatives live in a world of black and white — where if someone doesn’t succeed, it’s his fault for not trying harder; where if someone is different (whether by nationality, sexual orientation, etc.), then she doesn’t deserve the same level of respect and compassion; and where if someone prays to a different god, he is a lost soul. In this clear-cut, absolutist worldview, happiness is easy to attain: just do what’s clearly right, encourage others to do the same, and leave your worries behind.

Liberals live in a world of relativism — where it’s harder to blame, disrespect, or demonize others. There’s always mitigating circumstances that can be used to rationalize the worst crimes or take the luster off the most impressive feats. So in these shades of nuance, liberals can never be fully confident that what they’re doing IS 100% right. As this worldview humbles someone into thinking as a “we” instead of an “I”, empathy naturally follows. And, regardless of how successful they individually are in this world, empathizers can’t be completely happy unless everyone is completely happy.

one more thing, jack cafferty is a refreshing realistic figure in the media, thank you for making the news more bearable. its seems there’s nobody else in the American media (fox and friends) who has the guts to be cynical about the government.

What’s to be happy about giving all your hard earned money away in entitlement programs. Sure many need it, but many more are just too lazy to work. Health care for all….even the lazy?….I don’t think so.

Ignorance is bliss.

Could it be that “lberals” take jobs on the “front lines” of inequalities and injustices?
Won’t it make sense that a corporate, making big bucks be happier than someone working as a public defender or on the Justice Projects.
Or a cosmetic surgeron vs a emergency room doctor?
Sometimes your values lead to professions where you confront the very issues that make you depressed/unhappy/sad.
While others go bithley along believing people some how deserve the things that happen to them.
(Sometimes they do, but sometimes life craps on you)

Apparently, by these posts, liberals whine alot more too.

As for teachers; fifty thousand people will not pay $25 apiece (cheap ticket) to watch ten teachers give a lecture.

The same cannot be said for 10 basketball players playing a game.

Thats economics.

It seems that liberals tend to think that they’re smarter than everyone else. So they become frustrated when other people don’t see things the way they see them. I can tell that just by looking at the comments that liberals have made to this question.

As the saying goes. Ignorance is bliss.

Because they aren’t Liberals who think they are better than everyone else. Conservatives are “I’m OK, your OK” and Liberals are “I’m OK and your not.”

I’m Liberal and VERY happy! I’m thrilled we have 255 days until BUSH IS GONE! I’m happy our soldiers will be able to come home soon after Bush is gone, I’m happy this country has figured out what a joke Cheney and Bush are, and I’m happy the republiucans have once again made fools of themselves. I’m happy Jack, and so will the rest of the WORLD when Bush is gone from OUR White House!!!!

Jack, here is a simple answer to why?

Us Conservatives get our paycheck, and think I could be making more, what service can I provide, what product can I create to increase my earning potential.

The liberal on the other hand, looks at their check, thinks the boss is screwing them over, they think they deserve a raise every time the calendar changes, and becomes bitter because the conservative in the office is making more, because of productivity.

They are bitter, unhappy people, I personally have never met a happy one, 37 years old, and they are always b*tching about something!

Interesting study. I would imagine that anyone who understands that superior effort can bring superior results (the basis of the American Dream, i.e. a conservative) rather than trying constantly to make the results the same for everyone regardless of effort except themselves (a socialist/marxist liberal) knows their future is substantially under their control and are thus happy. Leftists believe “The Man” keeps them away from the nirvana they envisioned while smoking pot in the 60’s. Bush is not a conservative now nor was he ever; conservatives don’t condone Bush’s blood feud with the Iraqi dictator or the vast majority of his policies. A NeoCon is not a conservative, it’s a lesser evil (we thought) than a liberal.

haven’t you ever heard that ignorance is bliss?

you know what should NOT have been news: when obama won North Carolina over some demographics, in a RED state.

obama’s college student support is a joke. all of those kids are wasting their parent’s money

it doesnt matter if obama is the delegate, GOP would whip out the big guns in the fall, run a million commercials where obama says he’s for making ( ) legal. it would be over. micheles husband can never get elected.

After reading this article, I’ve decided that conservatives are happier because they have cookies. That could be the picture at the top and my sweet tooth talking though.

I would tend to agree with that theory though, to me conservatives are often better at justifying inequalities. Which unfortunately perpetuates said inequalities, be it for women vs men, blacks vs whites, rich vs poor etc…

I love comments like my fellow New Jerseyan, Michael. To paraphrase - If the Republicans only knew that they were being held back by their elected offiicials and citing “voting twice for Bush”. Quite amazing being that rationale applies to the State of NJ where Democrats rule and we have the highest property taxes, fees and corruption in the nation. But no one votes the Democrats out of office here.

Conservatives are happier because they understand that life isn’t fair, you get out what you put in, you can’t make everyone happy and have consensus, and that for every entity there are good and bad parts.

Liberalists believe no one is at fault for their situation, people shouldn’t be punished for wrong behavior, everyone should make the most amount of money for the least amount of work and that there is a solution or explanation for everything.

You can’t reason with unreasonable people. Most liberals are so caught up in being offended for others and championing their causes, yet if you try to make them understand your perspective, they don’t want to hear it. Free speech for their reasoning only. They are never happy, are they?

Conservatives tend to be happier in their roles as they define them. Liberals always seem to want change, often for changes sake. Conservatives aren’t always trying to change rules and standards. Liberals,as soon as they approach their goal, want to increase the bar, and if the goal proves to be less than desired, refuse to admit they might be wrong. Liberals determine what programs are needed and then they and their associates staff the programs. It is kind of like shrinks setting mental health standards, when their livelyhood depends on mental illness. Need a new boat? broaden the standards, get those payments thru new treatment.

Activists are always unhappier. With unfulfilled causes, what else could you be? People who are content with the world are bound to be happier. This report is just rehashing the cliche, “Ignorance is Bliss.”

Must have been conservatives conducting this study……………..

Honestly - I think it’s a matter of perspective.

People who are Conservatives look at the status quo and think “all is good.” Liberals look at the status quo and think “something is wrong here - let’s fix it.”

If you see the world as flawed, you will naturally be less happy about it. If you don’t, you won’t. It’s not a matter of ignorance, religion, wealth, or ideology. It’s simply a matter of perspective about the world around you.

The problem is that both parties are polarizing people more and more, in an attempt to cater to their vocal minorites. Where in previous generations - “reaching across the aisle” was considered “Statemanship” - now it has become “traitorous”.

Both viewpoints have something to offer. Pure “meritocracy” led to the abuses of the powerful against those less so (think the robber barons of the 1800s); as though who have power begin to think they have a divine right to it. Pure equality - on the other hand - leads to the failed utopian dreams of the true marxist communists. Not all people ARE equal at everything. I am not, nor will i ever be - a good basketball player.

But liberalism brought about the laws that allowed unions to help create the middle class (home of so many modern conservatives) and eliminate sweatshops and child labor. And one of the core conservative tenets -hard work makes one wealthy, was the engine that made the US a superpower.

Both viewpoints have their value - and the truth is often somewhere in the grey areas between. Sadly - this message will probably be lost in the noise of the partisan shouting.

Nice, with an election season coming up we have yet another phony poll to force people to make distinctions between eachother rouse the rabble. It’d be way more constructive to talk about the issues… you used to be a newsman (WPIX NYC nightly news).

Anyway, put up a photo of Dick Cheney side by side with a Tom Hanks headshot and tell me who looks happier.

More importantly why is there no spellcheker bilt into this wordpad?

Dee - damn straight. get off your bum and make some money to support your beloved welfare programs

In short, Liberals tend to be unaccepting of human nature.

“Pigs In Zen”. Yep conservatives have a lack of empathy so problems in the world don’t make then depressed. That’s a sign of a good person. They said Jesus was a liberal, and I am sure he’d be depressed in this society too.

The angry comments kind of reinforces the article don’t you think?

Wow, that’s a great euphemism : Rationalize away. I have a couple better expressions for that: Ignorant, self-centered?

And my question to you is: Any even better expressions?

Read the comments. So much anger in the left. Somehow, blaming others for your problems doesn’t lead to happiness. Who woulda thunk.

Geez, anyone see trend from the previous posts? Might CNN’s readers be a bit left-leaning?

Conservatives are happy because they trust themselves and take responsibility for their own actions instead of passing the blame along to the government when something goes wrong. Having pride in your work and accomplishments is what makes a person happy - and as a result that is why a conservative (not necessarily a Republican) is generally happier.

Conservatives are happier because they realize that happiness is something that arises from inside one, Nothing outside of yourself has your happiness. So, happiness is readily and at all times available if you choose to tap into an inexhaustable supply you have deep inside yourselr..

Liberals always look outside themselves for something to be happy about or someone who has their happiness but just won’t give it to them. This will always be frustrating and they will always be looking for something to “make” them happy.

Conservatives aren’t more happy, but they all think they’re supposed to be so they pretend. They try to convince themselves that by ignoring all of their problems they’ll go away. They’re afraid to face reality, and look for simple answers to explain away their problems as quickly as possible so they can go on pretending to be happy again.

If you are happy, you probably don’t want to change your situation. So, you become conservative..

If you are unhappy, you probably do want to change your situation. So, you become liberal.

Simple: The cited poll was taken in 2006 - Bush conservatives had already had 6 years to totally ruin our economy, squander all the international goodwill we had after 09/11, erode our personal freedoms, and continue to skew income toward the richest among us. How happy would you be as a liberal after 6 years of Bush? Ask the same question after 6 years of Obama!

Jack…I’ve the world most hard nose conservative and was a Republican until George Bush came along. I changed parties to avoid voting for him. That does not make me a liberal just because I’m smarter than those who voted for Bush. I’ve tried to be Independent but Lou drove me away. Now I’m the happiest conservative Democrat in America. Just label me Happy and skip all these other names.

Are you talking about the constitutional conservatives, or the religious freakshow (set the community standards for everyone) conservatives?

Conservatives are happy cause they’re not constantly at war with conservatives– greedy, selfish, war-mongering, simpleminded, racist, hateful, xenophobic, obnoxiously religious, anti-intellectual conservatives. When you’re a liberal and you have to constantly deal with these people in the fight for what’s good and right, it can be pretty depressing.

Lots of blog here about how conservatives are all stupid and ignorant, and liberals are all noble and intelligent. Shame on you. Plus, these spiteful answers merely lend support to the study’s conclusions.

The conservatives have all the money argument - horse-biscuits! Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, the vast majority of the entertainment industry; these aren’t exactly setting off a tremor on a conservatometer here.
Other end of the spectrum, myself, my family, we little guys who work hard to provide for ourselves and would rather the government and big brother and liberal ‘angels’ would leave us to the ability to take care of ourselves, lend a hand if we need it, but not try to coddle us because we’re ‘poor and obviously incapable of taking care of ourselves’. Lend the hand if asked for, but then get out of the way.
We don’t need some bleeding heart telling us that ‘they feel our pain and that it isn’t fair we don’t have x, y, or z”. In all honesty, if I’m probably doing just fine without x, y, or z, the truth is I probably don’t have any real need for it beyond making someone feel better about themselves that “now, things are more fair”.
A lot of “conservatives” aren’t happier for any reason other than we love our family, we love having a chance to take care of ourselves and not feel we’re any less than anyone else just because we make do with fewer things. We have ourselves, we have our spirit, and we have the opportunity, if WE want it.
And those are things we can value and feel happy about, because they’re things we can work hard for to provide ourselves, not because they were just handed to us like a bone to a stray dog.

Mr. Cafferty, I think that conservatives may be more content with their lives than liberals because conservatives really don’t care about the welfare of others. Their primary concern is themselves and as long as they are doing fine, well, who cares about anybody else? As a liberal, I struggle with these inequalities targeted by the study. I work in a part of town with a high concentration of poverty. I see the toll it takes on the kids and families that I work with and yes, it bothers me very, very much. It makes me more appreciative of the life that I have but yet, it haunts me. Many conservatives believe in a god that blesses people with material things and this study may also reflect that belief. This kind of thinking is hogwash but many conservatives ascribe to it. It may be that for liberals, the world doesn’t revolve around themselves but for conservatives, it does. When your world is smaller and more insular, then the concerns of others isn’t a big factor in your life. There is none so blind than he who will not see. Thanks for this opportunity. Marie Lambe, Fresno, CA

I am happy to be an independant. I am blissfully unaware of whether or not I am supposed to be happy. If things go well I am happy. If things go badly, it does change my mood. So much of life depends on outside factors beyond my control , I just accept what happens and remain my independant self. Just like my dog - when I give her food she is happy - when my wife or myself hit a jackpot at the Casino we are happy. Life is full of simple pleasure.

Easy Jack, because for the past eight years our country has been overlooked by the conservative elite. Bush has made his party establishment very happy, making them rich, and downplaying the Democrats in a governmnet role. With Bush, the conservatives have had everything going their way, a war that profits conservative run oil and defense companies, an economy planned to benefit the conservative elites, a healthcare system that benefits the conservative run insurance and drug companies, and all the while the Democrats and the other ninety percent of the country have been struggling to survive. Exactly how the conservatives like it.

Boy, the comments out here from the liberals kind of proves the point, ha Jack? They sound like cynical, rude, arrogant, faithless human beings, who think they’re above everyone else. Perhaps this is why they’re so miserable.

Individuals that are prone to search internally for or to control their happiness and need to justify their circumstances label themselves as Conservatives.

Individuals that feel guilty or slighted about their lives become or categorize themselves as liberals.

Conservatives have religion, the opiate of the masses, to make life seem rosy.

It would be incorrect to categorize the modern Conservative party as having “the bulk of the wealth in this country.” Part of the conservative approach is growing a more efficient society, and, in doing such, creating a society that is more affordable for its citizens.

One must consider the make-up of the modern Liberal party, specifically the Hollywood-element. It is trendy to be Liberal, and trendiness comes at higher price than . Further, Liberal policies are aimed at generating and accumulating more wealth for the purpose of creating a less efficent society. This means that one needs more money to support Liberal programs.

Please ask yourself, what is the real price ($$$) of Liberalism? Who can afford to be a Liberal in a depressed economy? ….It’s sure not the working man striving for efficiency in an inefficient economic system.

Jack,

For nearly eight years, conservatives have had one of their own in the White House; of course they’re happy. Liberals can only despair as they consider how long it will take America to dig out from the mess that Bush has made.

Because as adults they still have a security blanket - their own self-righteousness…

It has very little to do with money or religion, I go to Church with liberals and conservatives. I also know plenty of rich liberals. The blanket statement that conservatives are rich or don’t take a world view, or that liberals cry too much tends to highlight the extremes of both views. The difference I’ve noticed is that Liberals tend to take the view that society, and others, should bear the burden for problems and issues. Whereas conservatives, rich or poor, tend to have more of a “I’ll get out of this mess myself”. Liberals, in the extreme, tend to have a “big brother” view about regulation and laws, yet seem to want big brother to shoulder expenses when necessary.

Jack -

If conversatives are happy with the way the world is then let them be. I am a liberal and very happy with my life, but do not argee with conversatives and their point of view, because they are not for change. Pure example is the President of the United States.

It’s not just that conservatives accept the idea of a meritocracy - they think we have one. If they have a lot of money they must have a lot of merit, and vice versa.

The fact that they can cling to that rationalization in light of George Bush being president just exemplifies how deluded they can make themselves.

Because a conservative philosophy is a simplistic one: To cure the epidemic of violent crime, put a gun in everyone’s pocket. Al-queda, Saddam Hussein, Communism all mean the same thing. Cure them with force. If your unemployed, you must be lazy. If your not guilty, you have nothing to hide from the government. Etc. etc. It saves a lot of stress when you don’t have to analyze things and come up with your own ideas.

Why are conservatives more happy? It is not because they are richer. On average liberal familes earn 6% more than conservative homes. It is not because because they are less charitable. In reality, Conservatives give significantly higher percentages of their income to charities than liberals. (See proffesor Arthur Brooks book “Who Really Cares”

Conservatives are happier because they do not play the part of the victim. Call it “rationalizing inequality” all you want, but in reality it is the difference between victim and a non victim, a person who acts versus a person who is acted upon. Not buying into the victimhood mentality is empowering. Personal responsibility is the bed rock principle of conservatism and nothing is more likely to make you happy then to know that you are in control of your own life. “It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishments the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” (”Invictus”, William Ernest Henly)

conservatives are happy as things are because they are blind. they think that we are the best country in the world.

liberals see problems and worry that they will never be solved.

i.e. - global warming -some conservatives think its fake! liberals worry about things like, you know, the world dying.

Like a couple of posts have already mentioned, it falls under
“ignorance is bliss”. It’s really that simple. It’s not true that the conservatives have all the money as a few have posted. There are many, many low income, poorly educated conservatives out there
that really don’t have a clue. They continue to vote against their own
interests in election after election because they are consistantly duped every time by the few crooked, power hungry conservatives out there that ARE smart enough to understand this and take advantage of them time and time again. These conservative politicians play on
their ignorance,patriotism and their predjudices. It’s more than sad,
it’s dangerous and I would say it’s even a national security issue. Just
look at the last 8 years and that will show you what you get when half of the country is so ignorant. The downside of democracy is that anyone smart enough to push a button is allowed to vote.

The study is right and the concept is simple…….to a liberal, things are never “liberated” enough…….we could donate all our money to a dictatorship in Africa and run around naked in the streets all day with absolutely no rules — liberals would still complain! Simply put, whining about the “unfairness” of the American way of life is a liberal’s ‘raison d’etre’, but because they are never satisfied they can never be happy……..

Conservatives are just better crooks than liberals but they do so on the backs of liberals. Take a good look at the tax codes and loopholes which were written into law by non other than conservatives. I do have to give them credit though because they do what they do just on the “fringes” of the law. Take a look at what Rush and his cohorts did in Indiana for example. Only a conservative republican would have the nerve to get folks to cast their votes for an immoral reason, but not break any laws doing it. Same thing with the 2000 presidential election, only a conservative republican would manage to corrupt a system that used to be considered a valued right that so many people fought and died for, but yet again, no laws were broken. And because the Supreme court is made up of the same type of folks, they were just as contempt. Fortunately, there is justice from a higher power and thats why this country is in the shape its in now. It amazes me that we can send aid to foreign countries but don’t help our own right here when disaster strikes, but we all know the real deal with that. In spite of what the media and conservatives say, liberals don’t want a hand out, we just want equal treatment for all, not just the rich or folks that have access to the system. We also don’t have the John Wayne mentality that says if you’re different from us, we’ll bomb you into submission and send rich kids to do it!

It’s easy. We have faith in God.

Jack: The war in Iraq, risining gas prices, rising food cost, soring healthcare cost……….all of which are caused by our inept government officials to take charge and come up with viable solutions to offer some relief to the American people. Label it conservative, liberal, center, right of center, left of center………..it is neither. Whether center, left of center or right of center………..it all boils down to “what is right and what is wrong.” The troubling economy effects all of us regardless of the political labels we attach. Politicans build castles in the sky, expect Americans to live in them……….but eventually the psychiatrist will collect all the rents.

Ok, I know this one. Conservates never go to war, they send others to fight theirs and also don’t forget they have 8 years of ruling this country and having things their was so they have accumulated that much happiness while liberals have accumulated that much frastration.
What about moderates? Independants? What about those who associate of liberals but are conservate by nature or vise vera. What does this all mean. Label and labeling and labeling and . . . you get my point. I am who I am and I am tired being labeled. The only thing I will accept being called is an American.

Jack,

In my opinion, conservative women are far better looking than the Burkenstock clad crowd that inhabits most peace rallies.

That is why we’re happier…

As a conservative, I’m glad the liberals posting here informed me of the fact that I am too stupid to know that I am bitter and unhappy. I never would have guessed that. I guess the fact that I believe if I work harder than those around me then I will get better results must cloud my judgment. I probably should return my college degrees that I paid for with student loans and overtime to the schools that granted them, and spend more time feeling bad that others who would rather have things handed to them are not having the same level of success. How about that- I guess I am a bit bitter- but only when those who haven’t put forth the effort cry foul when those of us who have succeed.

If conservatives are so darn happy, why are so many of them so intolerant and hateful? Why do they constantly interfere with the happiness of others? If their self-image and happiness was that great, they wouldn’t be playground bullies.

Want proof this study is correct? Read these posts! The venom and hate that oozes from the (understanding, tolerant, accepting) left is extraordinary. The most hypocritical demographic in human history.

Jack, not sure about this one. Maybe you will shed some light on this one.

Hey Jack, I am a liberal and I think of myself as very happy. I know there are inequalities in this world and I would love a world where all those disappeared but I accept the fact that they never will. While we are talking about liberals and conseratives, when did liberal become a smear. Liberals are those that go against the norm and what is expected. Thanks to liberals we hace fire, flight, cars and oh yes the U.S. All those founding fathers were going against the norm and look where that got us.

I simply don’t agree with you analysis. Is your analysis scientific?

It’s an accepted fact that liberals have a mental defect. Fortunately this defect is correctable with psychotherapy. This is just more supporting evidence that Liberals can be happy if they go through the therapy to hopefully cure them.

Don’t get mad at liberals, pitty them!

We conservatives are happy because we know we are right. It’s not that hard to be right. Do you want to be happier? Start dealing with facts rather than buy into all the classic liberal BS - (e.g. that Conservatives are richer than liberals - when in fact - the richest 2% of US are more liberal than average according to Stanford U study). This article sez “that if you work hard and perform well, you’ll move up the economic ladder… and if you don’t, you probably won’t. But the study shows liberals tend to be troubled by this.”" What dont you understand about that? That is reality. Sorry you are not happy with it! Stop waiting for the next govt hand-out or bail-out and complaining while people who are smart and hardworking get ahead. Shocker. How unfair is that? You live below sea level and got flooded…DUH! You took out an ARM and are in Foreclosure….DUH! You played in traffic and got run over…DUH! I am tired of paying >150K in taxes to listen to the pigs at the public trough tell the people filling the trough how unfair everything is, or how they are victims. Get off my back and get to work. I am.

Religiosity is associated with greater happiness. Giving is also associated with happiness and religious people give away much more of their income than do liberals. (Lots on both on the Web.) The vast majority of weekly church-goers are conservative and they make up a big part of all conservatives. Liberals just don’t do religion as much or as intensely as do conservatives. That is part of the happiness gap.

Robert in Nashville

Conservatives are happier because we take great joy in watching moonbat liberals whine, complain and look like children in whatever they are protesting this month!

This just made my day!

I grew up and went to college in conservative “poor” South Dakota and in my adulthood moved to liberal “rich” Minneapolis and uber-liberal Seattle. In other words, I’ve been immersed in both cultures. The difference between conservatives and liberals is that the liberals expect more. To make a generalization, liberals expect the government to make life fair, which is basically a recipe for unhappiness as they’re placing their hopes in something over something in which they have very little control. Conservatives tend to be happier because they’re more interested in freedom to do as they wish. Now, why would a “poor” person vote Republican? Because they have hope in bettering their situation themselves, not in the government doing it for them.

Ignorance is bliss. If you have the ability to ignore or just flat out put a mental block on all the problems of the world, then obviously you’ll be more happy.

Most people would rather believe a nice sounding lie, then learn a harsh truth. We call these people conservatives.

After reading 5 or 6 of these comments, it is obvious. Liberals are mean spirited and ugly about things in general. If you are always blaming someone else, you have no power over your own short comings. You can only change yourself, once you get yourself perfect, then you can work on some else.

I also think Liberal giveaway a smaller percentage of their money. It is easy to give away governments money, it shows real heart when you give out your own pocket to really help your fellow man.

Conservative Philosophy (the real kind) is better… it promotes and protects the right to choose and make one’s own decisions, and be truly free. If you’re free or believe in and understand the message of freedom then you’re likely to be happier.

Most of the conservatives I know have the empathy quotient of a turnip.
Their me first, last, and always perspective leaves them with a very narrow view of the world. As long as no one messes with their food bowl or their blankey, they’re happy as peas in a pod. Liberals, for better or worse, at least consider the plight of their fellows. And I’ll take that every time!

Because they are not a liberal!!

Ignorance is bliss Jack. When you mentioned the idea of why some feminists seem less happy then those whom follow a more “traditional” marital life you really have to factor in that most are not aware of some of the ideals that have been promoted through feminism. That’s not an elitist thought either. Look at the people who attend church regularly or worse yet turn to God to solve their problems. They turn off the little light that guides them to solving their own problems and wait for Jesus to right the wrongs of the day. So even if life is not turning your way, a more conservative value system tells you that after this life it will turn out better. I’d be happier too if I didn’t try to think about what lessons were actually being taught to me in grade school (Catholic).

Donnie Garrow
Ottawa, ON

Conservatives are living in denial. We use to have places to treat these kinds of people until the Republicans did away with the treatment facilities. Now they are free to roam the streets projecting their happiness and false since of accomplishments.

I find it interesting that so many posters on here think that the Republicans have all the money and power and that’s why we’re happy. Funny, true blue conservative here, I’m lower middle class, very little money in savings, and work for corporate America as a typical “cog in the machine”. I’m hard pressed to see where all my wealth and power lie.

Am I happy, Yes. Why? Because my life is in order. I’m self sufficient, I pay my bills, I budget, and don’t try to keep up with the Jones’. I’m a proud discount shopper, Wal-Mart and Ross are my favorite retailers. Seems to me if I’ve got all this so called “wealth” I could afford to shop at Dillards or Macy’s.

And yes it is very easy for me to rationalize that if you are a hard worker then it will pay off and you will move ahead. That is just common sense, and I’ve experienced both in my life. I only had myself to blame when I was not successful at a task, it certainly wasn’t the President’s fault.

I think, Jack it’s just because if liberals had nothing to complain about or no one to blame about their insecurities or every day problems….then they would, in turn, cease to have a party.

THEY ALL HAVE MONEY.

Several years ago another study showed that conservatives have higher IQs than liberals. That blows a lot of the above theories out of the water.

I would hate to be standing in front of whoever or whatever we stand in front of on the judgment day after we are dead and gone to only have lived a life not caring about the inequalities of our society and a life where I didn’t care about the sick and the poor and the helpless. When one suffers we all suffer and until we all learn that nothing will ever really change. That’s just my two cents.

Conservatives are happier because they stay true to their beliefs and want to respect and stay true to the beliefs of our founding fathers. We believe in the Constitution, not Socialism. Conservitaves believe that everyone is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…NOT life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness thanks to handouts by the government.

If you draw comparisons with the world wide country happiness articles written in the last couple months, what do you find?

Denmark is the “happiest” country. It’s not due to overwhelming personal wealth, or power either. Denmark as a country is highly dependent on foreign trade, and has comparatively high tax rates. However, their sense of happiness is derived from their relative security and acceptance of their position in the culture that surrounds them. They are not threatened by EU expansion and loss of national identity, as they’ve been forced to be able to trade and communicate with numerous neighbors. They don’t feel threatened by internal costs of healthcare and education since they’ve got a socialistic system to cover that. They’re ok with that balance.

One comment on the US situation was that happiness in the US was based on an infatuation with the “American Dream”. Do Republicans believe they’ve acheived it? Are they more content with their situation? Are Democrats overly idealistic, shooting for goals too high, or just frustrated by the system?

Jack,

Not only are Democrats more intelligent than Republicans, they also have a better sense of humor. Lefty humor — probably honed as a result of laughing in the face of adversity — is smarter, edgier, and, let’s face it, fall-down-laughing funny.

the bottom line….if you don’t know that you are sad, than you aren’t sad….
conservatives don’t know any better

Not all republicans are rich…

My wife and I barely survive and pay our bills, but I am not compromising my beliefs and values to let some dumb liberals run the country..

Republicans are happier because they don’t live with guilt and shame like most Democrats.

I am a liberal and I support meritocracy. That why I am disatisfied when those Wall Street scoundrels get away with huge golden parachutes when their companies fail and workers end up losing their pensions. New York State employees who engage in on the job wrong doing may end up in jail but they get to keep their pensions.
I can compete with the best of them but the playing filed is not level. If you are very rich and can pay for excellent legal advise you get away with murder - cases in point - Durst, OJ Simpson and Robert Blake. Until we level the playing feild there will be widespread disatisfaction. In business and at law, “All men are created equal” should stand for something. Right now that sentiment rings hollow.

Here we go again with narrow studies and polls. Who says this is true? There are way too many variables that can alter even the best conservative or liberal. I’ve seen really wealthy individuals, conservative…lose everything with just one medical emergency even WITH insurance.

I don’t believe in stereotyping or “grouping” people based on conservative v liberal or any such thing. Those are artificial labels that do not reflect all the factors in a person’s life.

I don’t buy it.

Aren’t conservatives supposed to believe in minimal government interference — the idea that people, left to their own devices, will work things out for themselves?

If so, then it would make sense that they’re happier — they may not think things are perfect, but they’re not going crazy trying to figure out what the government should do about it.

Meanwhile, liberals, faced with the daunting task of “fixing the whole mess,” are bound to be miserable. What government exists that could set everything right that’s wrong with the world?

(Not advocating or condemning either point of view, although most would say I’m a liberal.)

Consevative people are so worried that anybody and everybody will take their fortunes away that they never have time to enjoy life. Always in the back of their small brained heads the alarm bells are ringing 24/7 look out? Who’s that? What’s that person doing near my driveway? From Hunchback V. P. Cheney up and down the roster these people live a tormented life of dinial, greed, glutiny and religious intolerance.

Ignorance is bliss!

I love reading the responses. The question at hand is to divide everyone. Does it matter to me if your an unhappy lib or happy con? No, I can give a rat’s behind to who in this world is happy, how much money someone else makes, and how lazy people deserve more because they can’t help themselves. Once America gets out of this thought process, we’ll all be a lot better off.

The problem is the definitions of “conservative” and “liberal”, not which group is happier.

I’d propose the real division is between hypocrites and honest folk. Neither ideology has a monopoly on hypocrisy, and hypocrites tend to spend an inordinate amount of their time trying to compensate for their own looming, ever present sense of guilt.

Half of the “replublicans” I know are more liberal than me, and half of the “democrats” I know are more conservative. Both are immensely less happy from day-to-day, though the republicans seem more willing to medicate (prescription or self-administered) than the democrats who are usually kooky naturopaths or something silly like that.

Just look at all the comments above about how “stupid” conservatives are. This is the problem! Too many liberals are too busy being intellectually superior to be in touch with reality. Who’s unintelligent? I would call failing to get your party together enough to beat a terrible president TWICE the very definition of unintelligent. Why do liberals despise religion (again, see comments above)? Because it runs contrary to their belief that they are God and that they have all the answers. If you were as lofty as you thought you were, and had the right answers to everything, then why have you failed to reach a wide enough audience to at the very least beat George Bush? Perhaps its because you aren’t as smart as you think.

Wow,
I don’t this there can be any doubt that this study is true… look at the responses. Liberals are even upset that they get upset! Getting mad and angry at the people who have all the “money and power” is not the way to convince them they are wrong. Put forward a logical argument backed up with facts and I guarantee you will see better results that an insult-laden tirade. Grow-up America… all of you!

Finally! — a study that proves quantifiably the old adage “Ignorance is bliss”

I think there is a vast difference in personalities. By that, I mean, some people are selfish and self absorbed. They take care of their own and believe others should do the same. Just so they get theirs.
On the opposite side–other personalities feel a caring, sensitive obligation to reach out to others. They are disturbed by injustice, hatred and indifference exhibited in their community, country and in the world. I don’t know if it is fair to assign those atributes to political parties–although there seems to be a degree of accuracy here based on the individuals in my family.
I do believe that community will continue to digress unless we unite and reach out to all peoples in the world. Guess I am delusional.

Jack, I have always considered myself to be a conservative. I believe that government should be small, and non intrusive in my life. I believe in strong moral values and feel that if we try to control our natural desires that we will find greater happiness. I also feel very happy in my life. I am not rich, in fact I am lower middle class. I have always felt a moral responsibility to look out for others interests. I am very concerned with the poverty of america. I worry about the future my my childrern and future grandchildren will have. I am grateful for the many charities that are out there, and I donate my time and money to them often. I appreciate the many different churches and their keen concern for their members. The world has many problems, but my experience is that good people will always work to overcome them.
Usually government does a far worse, and inefficient job of solving the problems that are out there, than what the people can do. If we did things the way the Republicans, and Democrats that are in office propose, we would go bankrupt before the problem is solved.

Conservatives are happy because they know if they work hard and do the right things they will succeed. Liberals are unhappy because they want to skate by and get handouts from the hardworking conservatives. If the liberals get control and start taxing hardworking Americans heavy to give it away to all the slackers then you will see the reverse.

Ignorance is bliss. If you refuse to recognize world’s problems, you have nothing to be unhappy about.

Looks like majority of responsors are obviously Bush-hating liberals. And the way things are going between Obama/Clinton, conservatives are perhaps happier knowing that perhaps they’d get 4 more years of republican leadership. And if conservatives have more “money” as many bloggers say… perhaps they know the economy more than anyone.

I think the cause-and-effect part of this study is misunderstood.

It’s not the people are happy because they are conservative. It’s the happier people tend to become more conservative.

Libs are hippies, pure and simple. Always something to fight about, something to save: obscure animal, land mass, tree/crop, or way of oppresion such as in the Middle East. I don’t think anyone’s happy right now with the government / economy / partisan crap. My dollar buys less. The hippy’s welfare check while he’s protesting something outlandish buys less. No one’s happy, but conservatiives may be the least unhappy of all.

it’s easy to be happy when you don’t think about the terrible things happening in our country and world. foxnews.com’s headline right now is “witches vs. marines”. it’s easy to be happy when you’re focused on something so insignificant (in the big picture) as a protest group while 100,000 people died from a cyclone on the other side of the world.

It’s simple: Liberals tend to be idealists (I was one when I was younger): idealists see all the flaws/inequities/inequalities, etc., in the world and want to see them eliminated/corrected. If they are aware of the fact that History suggests that elimination or correction of these flaws will never be possible, they become upset, and as they age and begin to realize that is the reality, they become frustrated and unhappy (perhaps because they begin to realize they have wasted or misdirected a lot of energy in the course of their lives. That is unless they become more accepting of reality and begin to concentrate on making the most of what reality has to offer them in their lives (becoming closer to family and community and caring less about those outside of that relatively small circle)– in which case they morph into “conservatives” and become happier and more satisfied with life as it is.

Well Jack, Conservatives constitute the majority of the elite crowd in this country, with no fear of being poor, or actually having to actually work for that matter, gives them the time both in my mind and body to concentrate on the important things in life such as politics and golf. Liberals on the other hand know full well the desperations of the average American and in a vain attempt try to overthrow the Neo-Facist rule of the Conservatives.

Wayne from New York

Happier? I doubt it. Conservatives are always too busy judging other people and applying labels. This coming at a time when their Republican Party can’t even define itself!

What is really funny is the comments on here about this article seem to coincide with the article. The liberals comments are irrational and the conservatives display rational thought.

Conservatives are generally less intelligent and less educated than liberals… so they really don’t know any better. It’s easier to be happy when you’re oblivious to the suffering of your fellow citizens and the direction the country and the planet are taking.

(LOL!!!) Jack, you sure do know how to “stir the pot” on a rainy Friday afternoon. But I must say that I certainly got a kick out of reading the blogs on this particular question - they were enlightening (both good and bad). Now to the question…

Conservatives are typically happier than Liberals because Conservatives realize that when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade (and/or lemon meringue pie!), and when life gives you limes, then you should make margaritas (and/or key lime pie).

The point is that the happiest people know how to turn a rainy afternoon into a happy, productive, educational, and/or entertaining situation.

Have a good weekend Jack, Wolf, everyone at CNN and all of Jack’s bloggers!

Only 28% of liberals truly believe in god. Hence, only 28% are happy. (just kidding!)

This is an easy one Jack!

Conservatives see the glass as half full. Liberals see it as half empty.

This must be why liberals are unhappy. This, of course, is till the government (like a waitress in a restaurant) steps in to re-fill their glass when they could have just got up and got the water on their own…