Politics makes strange bedfellows, even on a first date

DALLAS, United States (AFP) - There's nothing wrong with talking politics on a first date, 63 percent of 900 US singles said in a poll.

"Although our parents may have warned against discussing politics on a date, our opinions and beliefs are a big part of who we are and certainly something we should feel comfortable sharing with someone on date," said Match.com's Vice President of Romance Trish McDermott.

For example, Democrats are better lovers than are Republicans, poll respondents said -- by a two-to-one margin.

It may be worthwhile to put your political cards on the table: 57 percent of singles surveyed would marry someone with different political views, said a separate survey of 1,001 singles for Match.com, an on-line dating service.

Love and politics has its limits, however. Just 25 percent of the 900 respondents would volunteer for a political campaign in order to meet a date.

Forty-nine percent of the respondents said President George W. Bush is the best-looking candidate. However, 53 percent of women imagined challenger John Kerry to be the better kisser and 45 percent said he would be the most fun on a date, when compared with Bush and independent Ralph Nader.

Gallup conducted the telephone survey of 1,001 single adults in July. Zoomerang polled the 900 US singles for Match.com.