East Coast liberalism vs West Coast liberalism

[old timey villain]

The two urban coasts are the most reliably democratic regions on the country (boswash corridor on the east and LA, Bay Area, Portland and Seattle on the west). They vote similarly yet are often at odds with each other based on cultural and historical differences. So, does this mean that the two regions vote D for different reasons? And if so, what are they?

On a similar note, what are the differences between southern conservatism and midwest conservatism?

[All Along The Watchtower]

East Coast (and frankly, Midwestern too) liberalism is more traditionally Democratic, more machine politics-focused, more supportive of unions, New Deal programs, etc, and perhaps less supportive of things like environmentalism. East Coast liberals are perhaps a bit more pragmatic and less idealistic than West Coast liberals.

West Coast liberalism is often quite secular, ideological, and less tied to the Democratic Party (that is, more supportive of liberal third-parties or just being Independent).  There's greater emphasis on environmentalism and cultural issues like abortion and gay rights. There is probably a bit more of a laissez-faire, "libertarian" attitude socially on the West Coast, as well as less affinity for  traditional Democratic economic and social programs than the East Coast.

Midwestern conservatism tends to be less socially intrusive and more supportive of unions than Southern conservatism. Less militaristic and more likely to be non-interventionist in foreign policy. Social issues are important, but not as much as in the South-people may be quite personally religiously conservative, but they generally aren't as pushy with their views in the Midwest.

Southern conservatism is more religiously fervent, more militaristic, and more dogmatic than Midwestern conservatism. This is where the Tea Party and the Religious Right are most popular. While the Midwest has its share of right-wing ideologues, they're not quite as dominant as they are in Southern politics, generally speaking. There's also, of course, generally more blatant racism in the  South, especially in the rural white areas.

You forgot one ideological/regional variant: Western conservatism. This is the most "libertarian" of the variants of conservatism in the United States, with emphasis on privacy, personal freedom, and NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) politics. Conservatives in the West are more likely to describe themselves as "socially liberal" than in other parts of the country (outside of the Northeast). There is a strong connection to the military-industrial complex and to logging, mining, energy, and other extractive industries in Western conservatism.

Of course, every area is a differing mix of people, especially with so many transplants in places like the Sun Belt, bringing their own variants of social norms and political views. All of the above are broad generalizations, and by no means apply to all of the people in said areas.

I hope this helps.

[old timey villain]

Good explanation. And you're right, I should have thrown western conservatism in there, since the mountain west is the most Republican area of the country, even more so than the south.

[The Ex-Factor]

To sum up Progressive Realist's post, East Coast liberals are more establishment, while West Coast liberals are more outsidery. It's far from just a political difference, but rather a lifestyle/culture one as well (I'm born and raised in California, but go to school in Boston).

In the Bay Area you're gonna see a ton of liberals who are passionate about legalizing weed while burning effigies at some kind of anti-war protest. You just don't see that kind of thing in Massachusetts.

[pilgrimsoul]

Actually, this whole subject is a lot more simple. West coast liberalism, and culture in general, is a lot more externalized. Whereas east coast liberalism, and culture in general, is a lot more internalized. It should be obvious for as to the reason why. The closeness and proximity to Asia and Africa. Asian religion and culture is more externalized, based on budda's own summation of his way as being 'awake'. Whereas African religion(s) and culture is based on 'forgiveness', which tends to make a person internalize their beliefs about someone or something. The problem here is that people don't ever bother to learn other peoples religions and cultures in the world. Which causes them to not understand other things, like regional politics, etc.