Happy as A Clam ...or A Republican...?

You've heard the expression "happy as a clam" -- but have you ever heard the expression "happy as a Republican"?

According to Eric Weiner, author of "The Geography of Bliss" and veteran NPR correspondent, we might want to invent such a catchy phrase -- because Republicans are shown to be a happier lot -- by a lot!

Indeed, since 1972, biannual surveys by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago consistently show Republicans are happier than Democrats. This data is also backed up by a 2006 Pew Research poll in which 45 percent of Republicans described themselves as "very happy," compared with only 30 percent of Democrats (and 29 percent of independents).

While you might be quick to explain these statistics by linking happiness to money, you'd be wrong. And if you're thinking these facts stand true because power equals happiness, you'd be wrong again.

What actually accounts for rejoiceful Republicans, according to Weiner, are the following "happiness factors":


1. Religious attendance (regardless of denomination)

2. Marriage


Statistically, Republicans are more likely to take part in these two rites, which universal happiness research shows make for happier people.

Reversely, when we isolate "un-happiness factors" we find that Democrats are victims of them both:

1. Advanced education degrees (Yes, universal research studies show ignorance may indeed be bliss. The higher you rise on that education food chain, the lower your levels of happiness!)

2. Focus on people-of-the-world issues - like income equality and racial diversity (It seems worrying about the world can be a big weight on one's shoulders and psyche.)

So how can this data be used to help make sense of the upcoming election?

Well, it's no surprise, but people prefer to be around happy, optimistic people. And that means, according to Weiner, voters are more likely to elect the more optimistic candidate.

We'll leave your voting decision up to you. But remember -- how you vote could affect the happiness of our entire country! So definitely DO vote, dammit!

-- Holley Simmons reporting!