I took a Pew Research Center quiz that determined I was a New Coalition Democrat, or rather likely to be a member of the New Democrat Coalition. I’ve been on a journey to determine whether I am a true Democrat or whether I was just avoiding becoming a Republican because I see the tough road Black Republicans must tread. I’ve discovered that my political positions indeed do lean Democrat and here’s why:

• Pro-gay rights. Give gays the right to marry. (Or simply give consenting adults the right to marry.)
• I believe the way to reduce the debt is to cut spending and raise taxes. (I am dubious of any politician who promises reducing the debt without raising taxes.)
• Anti-death penalty. Abolish the death penalty federally.
• Give amnesty to illegal immigrants. Force them to pay taxes and graft them into a path to citizenship.
• I believe there are still social inequalities for racial minorities that sometimes need government (state or federal) intervention.

Here’s why I thought I leaned Republican:

• Anti-abortion. Abolish abortion except for extreme cases.
• Religion is an important aspect of my life. I am a born-again Christian. (They tend to vote Republican.)
• My household is financially well off.
• I don’t believe businesses are generally evil. Most businesses seek to make a good and honest profit. (Now that I’m in business for myself, I understand the concept of profit a little bit better.)
• Welfare should have term limits. After five years, able-bodied citizens should begin working at McDonald’s or be cut off from government benefits.
• I think wars are sometimes necessary, although I am a strong advocate of extensive diplomacy. I am not isolationist.

Apparently, my so-called Republican leanings simply make me a centrist Democrat rather than a left-leaning liberal. According to the Pew Research Center, the following describes members of the New Democrat Coalition (estimated to be 10 percent of the public):

What They Believe

• Strongly pro-government
• Upbeat about the country’s ability to solve problems and an individual’s ability to get ahead through hard work
• Approve of regulation and environmental protection
• More positive about business than other Democratic-oriented groups
• Generally liberal on racial issues
• Hospitable to immigrants: 78% believe they strengthen society
• Very religious and socially conservative

Who They Are

• 56% are Democrats
• Majority-minority group: 34% white, 30% black and 26% Latino
• About three-in-ten are first or second generation Americans
• 55% have only a high school education or less
• 23% are not registered to vote
• Only 34% read a daily newspaper
• Half are regular volunteers for charity or non-profit groups