To tell the truth, I would categorize myself as a Libertarian and I lean to the right. I don't always agree with Republican policies but find I almost never agree with Democrat policies. On the matter of public manipulation, I think both Democrats and Republicans are capable of trying to "spin" things, but I think the political left does it to a greater degree. I personally think that the manipulation of public opinion is the main agenda of the left these days. It looks to me like appearance is more important than substance to them.