The 2004 American Presidential Candidate Selector is a pretty good quiz, not to mention an effective procrastination tool. Though political compass surveys always tell me the same thing -- I'm becoming more liberal by the minute -- and are obviously a ludicrous way to choose a candidate to support, I think they're fun. I also have a paranoid fear that way too many Democrats are jumping on the Dean bandwagon without knowing a thing about his politics. I do like him a lot, but I disagree with him too strongly on fiscal policy and welfare to support him.

Among the Democratic contenders -- this quiz backs me up, scoring me 99% compatible with him -- I actually agree with Dennis Kucinich's ideology most closely. He is by far the most liberal candidate and the only one you can rightly label a progressive. He seems wishy-washy on abortion, but upholds the right, which in reality is all that matters. Unfortunately, he seems to be one of the weaker candidates, as far as electability goes.

But I barely consider myself a Democrat anymore. It is very clear to me that I have moved far to the party's left. This quiz scored me 100% compatible with the Green Party; truly, I have considered myself a Green since my senior year of high school. I probably do agree with very close to 100% of their platform. And yet, so, so unelectable.

I've been having this political identity crisis lately, which I intend to really delve into when I have time. Basically, for all practical purposes, I consider myself a Green or a Progressive or a very liberal Democrat; ideologically, I'm as drawn to anarchism as I am to Marxism as I am to Thomas Paine. More idealism than I know how to quantify.

Anyway here are my answers and results:

1. TAXES & SPENDING
Statements I agree with:
Regardless of increases or decreases, it is vitally important that federal spending and taxes are balanced.
There should be a guaranteed livable annual income for all, including those outside the work force.
Full employment for all Americanss should be federal policy.
Eliminate federal estate taxes.

2. Federally funded social services and poverty aid should be delivered through religious, community-based, or other non-profit organizations.
Disagree

3. Federal funding of welfare and assistance to unemployed and under-employed individuals and families:
Should be increased

4. Federal funding of "corporate welfare", which has been defined as "special government subsidies or benefits that are targeted to specific industries or businesses":
Should be decreased

5. SECURITY & TERRORISM
Since 9-11 the issues of civil rights and liberties have come in conflict with issues of security. I agree with:
Terrorist suspects should be tried in civilian courts with due process protections (rather than in military tribunals).

6. FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Statements I agree with:
It is appropriate for the U.S. to support the formation of a Palestinian state.
It is appropriate for the U.S. to maintain a policy of Isolationism
It is bad policy for the US to attack an enemy nation pre-emptively.

7. EDUCATION
Statements I agree with:
Increase federal funding of public schools.
Support tax incentives and/or increased federal funding of programs such as grants and loans to help students attend college.

8. HEALTH CARE
Statements I agree with:
Support a universal health care program to guarantee coverage to all Americans regardless of income.
Prohibit cloning of human embryos.

9. SOCIAL SECURITY
I agree with:
Support measures to protect Social Security and Medicare (but excluding privatization).

10. ILLICIT DRUGS
Laws and penalties regarding illegal drugs such as a narcotics, hallucinogens, etc. :
Should be reduced or eliminated.

11. CONVICTED FELONS' VOTING--
Return the right to vote in elections to convicted felons who have served their sentences.:
Agree

12. GUN POLICY -- Regarding the following special interest groups, my ideal candidate will generally support the positions of :: The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence

13. ABORTION POLICY -- Regarding the following special interest groups, my ideal candidate will generally support the positions of :: Planned Parenthood

14. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY -- Regarding the following special interest groups, my ideal candidate will generally support the positions of the League of Conservation Voters

15. MINORITY ISSUES -- Regarding the following special interest groups, my ideal candidate will generally support the positions of the NAACP

16. CIVIL LIBERTIES -- Regarding the following special interest groups, my ideal candidate will generally support the positions of the ACLU

RESULTS:

1. Green Party Candidate (100%)

2. Kucinich, Cong. Dennis, OH - Democrat (99%)

3. Dean, Gov. Howard, VT - Democrat (96%)

4. Moseley-Braun, Former Senator Carol IL - Democrat (87%)

5. Kerry, Senator John, MA - Democrat (85%)

6. Sharpton, Reverend Al - Democrat (85%)

7. LaRouche, Lyndon H. Jr. - Democrat (80%)

8. Leahy, Patrick Senator, Vermont - Democrat (77%)

9. Lieberman Senator Joe CT - Democrat (77%)

10. Edwards, Senator John, NC - Democrat (77%)

11. Clinton, Senator Hillary Rodham, NY - Democrat (76%)

12. Socialist Candidate (74%)

13. Jackson, Cong. Jesse Jr., IL - Democrat (73%)

14. Gephardt, Cong. Dick, MO - Democrat (73%)

15. Daschle, Senate Minority Leader Tom, SD - Democrat (72%)

16. Graham, Senator Bob, FL - Democrat (70%)

17. Feingold, Senator Russ, WI - Democrat (69%)

18. Biden, Senator Joe, DE - Democrat (64%)

19. Clark, Retired Army General Wesley K "Wes" Arkansas - Democrat (62%)

20. Bayh, Senator Evan, IN - Democrat (58%)

21. Libertarian Candidate (56%)

22. Dodd, Senator Chris, CT - Democrat (55%)

23. Kaptur, Cong. Marcy, OH - Democrat (55%)

24. Feinstein, Senator Dianne, CA - Democrat (52%)

25. Gore, Former Vice-President Al - Democrat (45%)

26. Bradley, Former Senator Bill NJ - Democrat (39%)

27. Buchanan, Patrick J. – Reform/Republican (22%)

28. Bush, George W. - US President (22%)

29. McCain, Senator John, AZ- Republican (20%)

30. Phillips, Howard - Constitution (14%)

31. Hagelin, John - Natural Law (12%)

32. Hart, Former Senator Gary, CO - Democrat (9%)

33. Vilsack, Governor. Tom IA - Democrat (5%)