Are you a Republican or a Democrat?
You'll find articles, books, videos, links, and news feeds representing both parties here. So, if you are undecided, this page can help you make up your mind. And if you are a seasoned voter, you can help represent your party's views by participating in the polls and expressing why you chose your party. There are several articles, polls, duels, and video clips of people sharing their reasons for being a Republican or a Democrat.
Regardless of whether you are undecided, have switched parties, or have been faithful to one party all your life, those who visit here want to know what brought you to this decision. Is there a personal choice that you made about a particular issue? Was there a defining moment in history? Something that happened? Or did something else sway your opinion?

For those who side with neither of the two political parties, please understand that the two major political parties, Republican and Democrat, are realistically the only two types of votes that count for anything in a presidential election. Therefore, this lens is devoted to defining the differences between just these two parties.
Contents at a Glance
(Our Next Election Day is November 4, 2012)
Voting Poll
The Republican Viewpoint
First, we'll look at the Republican Party... why people have chosen this party, what it stands for, how it got started, and what it has become.
For those who are new to party terminology, it will help to know that the words "conservative" and "right" describe Republicans. And likewise, the words "liberal" and "left" typically refer to Democrats.
The Republican Party - GOP History
"The Republican Party was born in the early 1850's by anti-slavery activists..." The Republican Party was born in the early 1850's by anti-slavery activists and individuals who believed that government should grant western lands to settlers free of charge. The first informal meeting of the party took place in Ripon, Wisconsin, a small town northwest of Milwaukee. The first official Republican meeting took place on July 6th, 1854 in Jackson, Michigan. The name "Republican" was chosen because it alluded to equality and reminded individuals of Thomas Jefferson's Democratic-Republican Party. At the Jackson convention, the new party adopted a platform and nominated candidates for office in Michigan.In 1856, the Republicans became a national party when John C. Fremont was nominated for President under the slogan: "Free soil, free labor, free speech, free men, Fremont." Even though they were considered a "third party" because the Democrats and Whigs represented the two-party system at the time, Fremont received 33% of the vote. Four years later, Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to win the White House.
"Abraham Lincoln became the first Republican to win the White House."The Civil War erupted in 1861 and lasted four grueling years. During the war, against the advice of his cabinet, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves. The Republicans of the day worked to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, which outlawed slavery, the Fourteenth, which guaranteed equal protection under the laws, and the Fifteenth, which helped secure voting rights for African-Americans.
"The Republican Party also played a leading role in securing women the right to vote. In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women's suffrage."The Republican Party also played a leading role in securing women the right to vote. In 1896, Republicans were the first major party to favor women's suffrage. When the 19th Amendment finally was added to the Constitution, 26 of 36 state legislatures that had voted to ratify it were under Republican control. The first woman elected to Congress was a Republican, Jeanette Rankin from Montana in 1917.
Presidents during most of the late nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth century were Republicans. The White House was in Republican hands under Presidents Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Bush. Under the last two, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, the United States became the world's only superpower, winning the Cold War from the old Soviet Union and releasing millions from Communist oppression.
Republicans have a long and rich history with basic principles: Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home.
"Individuals, not government, can make the best decisions; all people are entitled to equal rights; and decisions are best made close to home."The symbol of the Republican Party is the elephant. During the mid term elections way back in 1874, Democrats tried to scare voters into thinking President Grant would seek to run for an unprecedented third term. Thomas Nast, a cartoonist for Harper's Weekly, depicted a Democratic jackass trying to scare a Republican elephant - and both symbols stuck. For a long time Republicans have been known as the "G.O.P." And party faithfuls thought it meant the "Grand Old Party." But apparently the original meaning (in 1875) was "gallant old party." And when automobiles were invented it also came to mean, "get out and push." That's still a pretty good slogan for Republicans who depend every campaign year on the hard work of hundreds of thousands of volunteers to get out and vote and push people to support the causes of the Republican Party.
RNC Website
- Republican National Committee
- The Official GOP Site
If It's Not Close, They Can't Cheat: Crushing the Democrats in Every Election and Why Your Life Depends on It
Amazon Price: (as of 07/11/2009)![]()
Used Price: $0.01
This is a book about winning elections in an age when security has trumped almost every other issue and the technology of political effectiveness is evolving with lightning quickness. Hewitt offers real-world tactics for individuals who (1) care about the future of the United States and (2) want to work effectively to help elect candidates who will lead the country-on a national or local level-in the right direction.
In this book, Hugh Hewitt does more than rehash conservative grievances, preach to the choir, or even preach to the choir plus the undecideds. He aims to change the behavior of the choir, one reader at a time. Hewitt includes material targeted to people of faith when appropriate and appeals to all readers who consider themselves conservative or center-right.
The recklessness of our leaders on security and many other crucial issues has never been clearer, and acting in response to that recklessness has never been so urgent. The silly response is anger. The smart response is winning elections.
Dear Mr. Obama
Why I am NOT a Liberal (Democrat)
by Dennis Prager

The following is a list of beliefs that I hold. Nearly every one of them was a liberal position until the late 1960s. Not one of them is now.Such a list is vitally important in order to clarify exactly what positions divide left from right, blue from red, liberal from conservative.
I believe in American exceptionalism, meaning that (a) America has done more than any international organization or institution, and more than any other country, to improve this world; and (b) that American values (specifically, the unique American blending of Enlightenment and Judeo-Christian values) form the finest value system any society has ever devised and lived by.
"In the 20th century, the powerful state, not religion, was the greatest purveyor of evil in the world."I believe that the bigger government gets and the more powerful the state becomes, the greater the threat to individual liberty and the greater the likelihood that evil will ensue. In the 20th century, the powerful state, not religion, was the greatest purveyor of evil in the world.
I believe that the levels of taxation advocated by liberals render those taxes a veiled form of theft. "Give me more than half of your honestly earned money or you will be arrested" is legalized thievery.
I believe that government funding of those who can help themselves (e.g., the able-bodied who collect welfare) or who can be helped by non-governmental institutions (such as private charities, family, and friends) hurts them and hurts society.
I believe that the United States of America, from its inception, has been based on the Judeo-Christian value system, not secular Enlightenment values alone, and therefore the secularization of American society will lead to the collapse of America as a great country.
I believe that some murderers should be put to death; that allowing all murderers to live does not elevate the value of human life, but mocks it, and that keeping all murderers alive trivializes the evil of murder.
I believe that the American military has done more to preserve and foster goodness and liberty on Earth than all the artists and professors in America put together."I believe that some murderers should be put to death; that allowing all murderers to live does not elevate the value of human life, but mocks it, and that keeping all murderers alive trivializes the evil of murder."
I believe that lowering standards to admit minorities mocks the real achievements of members of those minorities.
I believe that when schools give teenagers condoms, it is understood by most teenagers as tacit approval of their engaging in sexual intercourse.
I believe that the assertions that manmade carbon emissions will lead to a global warming that will in turn bring on worldwide disaster are a function of hysteria, just as was the widespread liberal belief that heterosexual AIDS will ravage America.
I believe that marriage must remain what has been in every recorded civilization -- between the two sexes.
I believe that, whatever the reasons for entering Iraq, the American-led removal of Saddam Hussein from power will decrease the sum total of cruelty on Earth.
I believe that the trial lawyers associations and teachers unions, the greatest donors to the Democratic Party, have done great harm to American life -- far more than, let us say, oil companies and pharmaceutical companies, the targets of liberal opprobrium.
I believe that nuclear power, clean coal, and drilling in a tiny and remote frozen part of Alaska and offshore -- along with exploration of other energy alternatives such as wind and solar power -- are immediately necessary.
I believe that school vouchers are more effective than increased spending on public schools in enabling many poorer Americans to give their children better educations.
I believe that while there are racists in America, America is no longer a racist society, and that blaming disproportionate rates of black violence and out-of-wedlock births on white racism is a lie and the greatest single impediment to African-American progress.
"I believe that school vouchers are more effective than increased spending on public schools in enabling many poorer Americans to give their children better educations."I believe that America, which accepts and assimilates foreigners better than any other country in the world, is the least racist, least xenophobic country in the world.
I believe the leftist takeover of the liberal arts departments in nearly every American university has been an intellectual and moral calamity.
I believe that a good man and a good marriage are more important to most women's happiness and personal fulfillment than a good career.
I believe that males and females are inherently different. For example, girls naturally prefer dolls and tea sets to trucks and toy guns -- if you give a girl trucks, she is likely to give them names and take care of them, and if you give a boy trucks, he is likely to crash them into one another.
I believe that when it comes to combating the greatest evils on Earth, such as the genocide in Rwanda, the United Nations has either been useless or an obstacle.
I believe that, generally speaking, Western Europe provides social and moral models to be avoided, not emulated.
I believe that America's children were positively affected by hearing a non-denominational prayer each morning in school, and adversely affected by the removal of all prayer from school."I believe that bilingual education does not work, that for the sake of immigrant children and for the sake of the larger society, immersion in the language of the country, meaning English in America, is mandatory."
I believe that liberal educators' removal of school uniforms and/or dress codes has had a terrible impact on students and their education.
I believe that bilingual education does not work, that for the sake of immigrant children and for the sake of the larger society, immersion in the language of the country, meaning English in America, is mandatory.
I believe that English should be declared the national language, and that ballots should not be printed in any language other than English. If one cannot understand English, one is probably not sufficiently knowledgeable to vote intelligently in an English-speaking country.
Finally, I believe that there are millions of Americans who share most of these beliefs who still call themselves "liberal" or "progressive" and who therefore vote Democrat. They do so because they still identify liberalism with pre-1970 liberalism or because they are emotionally attached to the word "liberal."
I share that emotion. But one should vote based on values, not emotions.
Think a Second Time
Think a Second Time
Amazon Price: $12.60 (as of 07/11/2009)![]()
From Publishers Weekly
A self-described "highly passionate moderate," radio and TV commentator Prager offers a series of brief essays on current and eternal topics, grounded in his Jewish sense of ethics that is more accessible than preachy. Prager says a politician's adultery matters little; his or her "public actions and speech" count the most. Despite such dissents from the moralistic position, Prager is a strong critic of liberalism, decrying its supporters' attitudes toward church-state separation, abortion, capital punishment and race. He has little sympathy with portraying the Los Angeles rioters of 1992 as victims: "moral people control their rage, and immoral people don't." Yet his call to ban affirmative action while encouraging employers to "recruit and train blacks" seems somewhat myopic. Prager recognizes that most people are diverted from moral issues; his solution to evil is "ethical monotheism" (a term made popular by the Jewish thinker Leo Baeck), warning against attention to false gods like art or compassion. However, he warns against expecting God to prevent our suffering; leading a religious life, he asserts, is a reward in itself.
Why I am a Republican in 2008
Runtime: 3:36
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tech48 wrote...
Great lens, thanks for putting the facts out there in an accurate manner. Most people today have no idea that the Republican party has the type of issue related roots like "anti-slavery" since they are often made to look like bigots in the media. In fact, the Republican party is the party that was able to get the civil rights amendments passed in the 1960's. These type of issues, as well as smaller government and lower taxes, are the type of things that attracted me to the Republican party as a young adult when Ronald Reagan was running for president. He inspired me to join the Army right before his win in November 1980.
Unfortunately, I can no longer call myself a Republican. I now refer to myself as a conservative. I am so disappointed in the Republican party over the last 8 years. The way they handled things as the majority party made me believe that they preferred to be the minority party. I fear that it may be too late for them to ever get this country on the right track again.
mulberry wrote...
I can read the ideals and agree with many but in practice I don't see myself affiliating with either party. I tend to vote for the individual. Most stuff is just propoganda anyway. Unfortunately, like so many things, I think the stereotypes of Republicans vs. Democrats are often wrong and perpetuate bad feelings. I think there are many other factors aside from political beliefs that make people vote the way they do. Religion is clearly one of them as I can see from many of the comments. I don't think one group is more religious or spiritual than the other but how they live it is different. You've stirred up a good discussion.
Nathaniel wrote
I am a Republican. I am very conservatived and I belive that people make their own choices. What you do effects the way you live. I could not be a Democrat for the fact of some of their beliefs. I will say that I vote on the man in the elections, not the party. But I will have to say that I personal have not see any good Democrat candidates in my time. I wish that Mike Huckabee would have won the election because I know what he can do. I was born in Arkansas, and lets just say, he cleaned up abuch of mess (left by the former governor of Arkansas, namely the U.S. last Democratic President.) If you like him, God help you.
mistyblue75605 wrote...
I am independent! i REFUSE FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME WHO TO VOTE FOR NO MATTER WHO THEY ARE....JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE ONE PARTY OR THE OTHER.. GREAT LENS!
Be sure that you watch the ENTIRE VIDEO, lest you reveal that you did NOT with your response...
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What do you think of the above video?
The above video is of a man pretending to be an Obama fan. He does a wonderful job of illustrating exactly what the left stands for and why many on the left feel this way, and renounces those sentiments in the end. Please tell us what you think of this video here. If you have non-related comments, please save them for the guest book at the bottom of the page.
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to Canada Canada,
Sounds like you fell for the abortionist's sales pitch. The stats conducted by unbiased studies show it is rare for a woman to get pregnant during rape. If a woman does conceive during rape, she would be better off physically AND emotionally for carrying the baby to term and giving him/her up for adoption, rather than risking her fertility, uterine functions and (in some cases) her life to have an abortion. Thinking of the child, it is not his/her fault that his/her Mom was raped, nor was it the mother's fault. Telling a child what happened is optional. But if the child is told, adoptive parents and natural parents alike have succeeded many, many times at making a child feel valuable and loved in spite of the rocky start. It sounds to me like you, Canada, didn't read the page I linked you to in my previous post. This is off topic. Please continue this conversation in the guest book on this page.
Canada wrote
Are you telling me that a woman who is brutally raped and becomes pregnant, is legally binded to keep that baby? No. Think realistically. Any of you who has a daughter or a sister or a friend who is raped would want them to lose that baby. So if you just sit there and tell me that it is Okay to be raped, then I am afraid I have lost all respect of republicans. America was made on the basis of freedom. Freedom from the Tyranny of Great Britain back in the late 1700s. Pro-choice IS freedom. I understand that the death of a unborn baby is unpleasant, however if kept. That baby would grow up to know "Oh ya, my mom was raped by a creep, and now I'm here". That kid would have no self confidence at all. Think long term. Pro Choice is the right choice. Born (adults) must come before the unborn.
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to jonathan I agree whole-heartedly, Jonathan. People use the word fetus because it de-humanizes the experience somewhat. Read The Truth About Abortion to find out what women who have had abortions, former abortionists, RN's, Norma McCorvey (She was Roe in Roe v. Wade), psychological professionals, undercover journalists, staticians, and those who were aborted and lived to tell about it have to say about the effects of abortion. That should answer why it so important to stop the practice of abortion. The fact is that it is used not only to rid people of their personal mistakes, but also as a form of birth control. Yes, it hurts the baby, but it also hurts the mother... a lot!
jonathan wrote
UHHHHH HELLLO?????? EVERYTHING IS WRONG WITH KILLING A BABY. HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF YOUR BABY OR BABIES WERE KILLED??? DONT JUST LOOK AT IT FROM OTHER PEOPLES VIEWS, PUT YOURSELF IN THEIR POSITION THEN SAY SOMETHING. AND THERES ABSOLUTELY NO DIFFERENCE BECAUSE THEY WOULD BOTH FALL INTO THE CATEGORY OF MURDER OR KILLING. TELL ME THIS WHY KILL AN INNOCENT BABY?? WHAT DID THE BABY DO?? THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID. THANX FOR READING AND UNDERSTAND, IF YOU UNDERSTOOD. THANX AGAIN. HAVE A GREAT DAY.
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to Andrew
Andrew,
What's wrong with killing a baby? Are you serious? If you don't see the difference between killing a baby and sentencing a cold-blooded murderer to death, that's what is pathetic. You only serve to prove the point of this lens.
I could not find one reasonable explanation for being a democrat that wasn't the age-old what it used to be but isn't anymore, twisting the truth and lying, based upon conspiracy theories, or full of foul language and name-calling. I haven't been able to find one Democrat that sounded intelligent or gave the party a good name. I looked hard, because I wanted to give both of them a chance. But I couldn't find one. That there should speak volumes about why I am a Republican, but aside from that, if you find one, because I don't have the time to look for the rest of my life, please let me know, and I will be happy to present the Democratic views, given they meet the criteria I described above.
Thanks,
Whit
Why I am a Republican in 2008
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Media Bias
Obama interview:
How does it feel to break a glass ceiling?
How does it feel to "win"?
How does your family feel about your "winning" breaking a glass ceiling?
Who will be your VP?
Should you choose Hillary Clinton as VP?
Will you accept public finance?
What issues is your campaign about?
Will you visit Iraq?
Will you debate McCain at a town hall?
What did you think of your competitor's [Clinton] speech?
Palin interview:
Do you have enough qualifications for the job you're seeking? Specifically have you visited foreign countries and met foreign leaders?
Aren't you conceited to be seeking this high level job?
Questions about foreign policy:
territorial integrity of Georgia
allowing Georgia and Ukraine to be members of NATO
NATO treaty
Iranian nuclear threat
what to do if Israel attacks Iran
Al Qaeda motivations
the Bush Doctrine
attacking terrorists harbored by Pakistan
Is America fighting a holy war? [misquoted Palin]
There's no doubt the Charles Gibson interviews showed extreme prejudice against Palin and extreme favoritism towards Obama.... He constantly questioned her ability to lead but never questioned Obama's ability to lead, all the more amazing considering that Palin was the only one with executive experience and the presidency is the highest level executive job in politics.
Press Bias Only Hurts Credibility
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 by K. W. Patten for The Cultural Observer

As most of the press were following Barack Obama around the Middle East like swooning teens, tossing soft pitches across the plate, and giving free passes to any inconsistencies, John McCain arrived at a speaking engagement in New Hampshire to a rousing throng of one reporter. Sadly many Americans who support Obama have no issue with this, but they should.
"This one sided reportage not only damages credibility, but reinforces the press' irrelevance to an ever changing viewer/readership." This one sided reportage not only damages credibility, but reinforces the press' irrelevance to an ever changing viewer/readership. The Society of Professional Journalists lists the code of ethics that journalists should follow. Let us review a partial list in context:
-Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
- Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.
- Make certain that headlines, news teases and promotional material, photos, video, audio, graphics, sound bites and quotations do not misrepresent. They should not oversimplify or highlight incidents out of context.
- Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment, and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.
- Disclose unavoidable conflicts.
- Be vigilant and courageous about holding those with power accountable.
- Deny favored treatment to advertisers and special interests and resist their pressure to influence news coverage.
- Be wary of sources offering information for favors or money; avoid bidding for news.
"Television has won the race, sadly and the biggest loser is the American people, whose limited awareness of the world around it only further dooms it to mediocrity."So what do you think? Has the press been consistent with it's code in regards to Obama, and McCain? Me thinks not. This could leave a mark.
The newspaper industry has sadly been languishing for years, and it's demise is in all likelihood not far off, as fewer and fewer Americans find reading news print preferable to it's inferior electronic deliverance. Television has won the race, sadly and the biggest loser is the American people, whose limited awareness of the world around it only further dooms it to mediocrity. Since the 80's inception of the 24 hour cable news cycle, newspaper readership has plummeted, and it only stands to get worse. Reading takes effort, watching does not. One it seems can never underestimate the public's desire to avoid effort. Just ask print media.
As the public accepts the continued erosion of ethical adherence in journalism the public's awareness of the difference between news and commentary will become so blurred that all news will be suspect, and facts will become debatable. The lines have blurred to the point today where many people can site one or more TV news outlets who they perceive as being slanted. Some of this perception is due to the ignorance of the American people in being able to distinguish news from commentary, and some from journalists limiting coverage to shape opinion. Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy. When journalism fails us, and we fail to notice, so fails democracy.
Giuliani Compares Palin and Obama on Experience
The Presidential Candidates on the Issues
- Values Voter Guide provided by the Family Research Council
- Download a guide to the Candidates on the Issues (provided by FRC Action)
Have you switched parties? What made you decide to do so?
Aaron_Howard wrote
I've flipped parties a couple of times. What I came to recognize as I grew older was this: I vote for the individual that I feel will represent and serve our country best. Political bias is its own form of racism. You "have" to put your foot in one circle or the other. However don't vote based upon the candidates designated party - do the research - help by looking out for America's best interests.
democracy_conservator wrote
You've put together a lot of great information here. Very nice lens. No matter which political party you belong to, you need to make your vote count. Please feel free to visit my lens and say hello anytime.
WhitU4ever wrote
I was raised in a family of democrats. I thought I was one of them until I was educated about the differences between the two parties. The republican party stands for what I believe in. Less government control, the sanctity of life, etc. Power to the people!
McMick wrote
I grew up during WW2 in a total FDR family. My father was one of the millions helped by FDR'S New Deal. Still love FDR despite some mistakes.
I voted for JFK, am still glad that I did and was a staunch Democrat until George McGovern became the nominee in 1972.
In the late 60's the flower children took over the Democrat Party, welfare got out of control, the Supreme Court (the Warren Court) issued ridiculous decisions leading to today's political correctness and probably having something to do with why Democrat Ed Koch has for years called himself "A liberal with sanity." Ed Koch is also a truthful Democrat, which is rare.
I also started operating my own income tax business in the late 60's and soon realized a key word that applied to Republicans. (persistence). Many of them also looked tired.They were responsible, very family oriented, worked harder for their necessities than my fellow Democrats who seemed to be making excuses more and more, instead of persisting. Out of words.
The 10 Big Lies About America: Combating Destructive Distortions About Our Nation
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 07/11/2009)![]()
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"It ain't so much the things we don't know that get us into trouble,nineteenth-century humorist Josh Billings remarked. "It's the things we know that just ain't so."
In this bold and brilliantly argued book, acclaimed author and talk-radio host Michael Medved zeroes in on ten of the biggest fallacies that millions of Americans believe about our country-in spite of incontrovertible facts to the contrary. In The 10 Big Lies About America, Medved pinpoints the most pernicious pieces of America-bashing disinformation that pollute current debates about the economy, race, religion in politics, the Iraq war, and other contentious issues.
The myths that Medved deftly debunks include:
Myth: The United States is uniquely guilty for the crime of slavery and based its wealth on stolen African labor.
Fact: The colonies that became the United States accounted for, at most, 3 percent of the abominable international slave trade; the persistence of slavery in America slowed economic progress; and the U.S. deserves unique credit for ending slavery.
Myth: The alarming rise of big business hurts the United States and oppresses its people.
Fact: Corporations played an indispensable role in building America, and corporate growth has brought progress that benefits all with cheaper goods and better jobs.
Myth: The Founders intended a secular, not Christian, nation.
Fact: Even after ratifying the Constitution, fully half the state governments endorsed specific ChrisÂtian denominations. And just a day after approving the First Amendment, forbidding the establishment of religion, Congress called for a national "day of public thanksgiving and prayer" to acknowledge "the many signal favors of Almighty God."
Myth: A war on the middle class means less comfort and opportunity for the average American.
Fact: Familiar campaign rhetoric about the victimized middle class ignores the overwhelming statistical evidence that the standard of living keeps rising for every segment of the population, as well as the real-life experience of tens of millions of middle-class Americans.
Each of the ten lies-widely believed among elites and taught as truth in universities and public schools-is a grotesque, propagandistic distortion of the historical record. For everyone who is tired of hearing America denigrated by people who don't know what they're talking about, The 10 Big Lies About America supplies the ammunition necessary to fire back the next time somebody tries to recycle these baseless beliefs. Medved's witty, well-documented rebuttal is a refreshing reminder that as Americans we should feel blessed, not burdened, by our heritage.
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The Democrat Viewpoint
Now, let's take a look at the democrats: why people choose this party, what democrats think it stands for, its history, and what it has become since.
The History of the Democratic Party
The history of the Democratic Party in the United States goes back to the time of our first Presidents. Thomas Jefferson, in the late 1700's, started the first political party with the conviction that the federal government was assuming too much power over domestic policy and should be stopped. His party became known as the "Democratic" party when candidate Andrew Jackson became President in 1828. Jackson was known as a man of the people. He took the Democratic party that Jefferson and his elite collegues had formed and turned it over to the citizens of the United States. The party held its first convention in 1832 to re-elect Jackson to a second term.The Democratic National Convention began the Democratic National Committee in 1848. It has become the longest running political organization in the world. The Convention gave the committee the job of promoting the party causes between the conventions and also preparing for each of the next conventions.
"On the issue of slavery at the 1860 Democratic Convention, Democrats held that each State had the right to prohibit or recognize slavery." On the issue of slavery at the 1860 Democratic Convention, Democrats held that each State had the right to prohibit or recognize slavery. This position caused Northern Democrats to withdraw from the convention. The Southern Democrats and the Northern Democrats each nominated their own separate candidates for President that year. The election was ultimately lost to Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln.
The Democratic Party has met every four years since 1832 to nominate a presidential and vice-presidential candidate. From 1832 to 1968, sixteen Democratic candidates have become President including James Polk, James Buchanan, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy.
The symbol of the donkey has become known as the Democratic mascot. Thomas Nast, a famous political cartoonist, used the donkey first in an 1870 editorial cartoon to represent the an anti-war faction that he did not agree with. Nast continued using it to portray Democratic press and reporters.
DNC Website
- The Democratic Party
- The Official DNC Site
Why I am a Liberal (Democrat)
By Warren C. Norwood, Novelist - May 29, 2004
Some of my friends, family members, and co-workers wonder how I could be a political liberal in the midst of this new swell of conservatism [in] the United States. The answers to that are all too simple.I am a liberal because the system originated by liberals called Social Security has made my parents' retirement more possible and comfortable than it would otherwise have been.
[Social Security was FDR's idea, whose Presidential term was during the great depression.]
I am a liberal because the system originated by liberals called Medicare paid for my mother to have two knees and a hip replaced at a cost that otherwise could not have been born by all of her children together.
I am a liberal because Medicare paid for my father's operation to remove a cancerous kidney at a cost that would otherwise certainly have forced my parents to liquidate their assets.
I am a liberal because that system originated by liberals called WIC gives my daughter food stamps for cheese and milk and other necessities she needs to feed her children.
I am a liberal because that system demanded by liberals called company-paid employee medical insurance helps pay doctor bills for me and my wife and my daughter and son-in-law and grandchildren and sister and most of my other close relatives.I am a liberal because the idea of autonomy of the individual is a liberal idea.
[The idea was originally liberal, but it is now a conservative one. Today's liberals side with dependence upon the government rather than self-sufficiency, which is socialism.]
I am a liberal because the idea of political liberty is a liberal idea.
[Again, this idea was originally liberal, but no longer. Today, it is only liberal in comparison with other countries that do not have this liberty. Today, conservatives are more inclined to be concerned with protecting constitutional freedoms and liberty. The left now threatens the removal of such.]
I am a liberal because government by the consent of the governed is a liberal idea.
[Originally, but not anymore.]
I am a liberal because the Bill of Rights is a set of liberal ideas which protect us all. Freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of worship, freedom of the press, due process of law, freedom from torture, the right to face our accusers, the writ of habeas corpus, and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure are all liberal ideas. Most people in the world do not have those rights.
[Originally, but not anymore.]
I am a liberal because those liberal ideas in our Constitution give us control of our representatives from the school board to the Senate and President of the United States, give us the liberal idea of checks and balances, and the liberal idea of no taxation without representation.
[Originally, but not anymore.]
I am a liberal because the idea of public education is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the idea of a five day work week is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because the idea of a strong, well funded and disciplined military under civilian control is a liberal idea, as is the notion of Veteran's benefits and military retirement.
[The original purpose of the federal government was to protect our country with a strong military. Military and veterans benefits are also favored by conservatives. However, liberals tend to keep adding responsibilities to the federal government, which strains the ability of the government to govern these immportant issues effectively, and has caused a huge and growing deficit.]
I am a liberal because the Geneva Conventions are a liberal idea. The conventions protect American prisoners and all prisoners of signees from torture and abuse.
I am a liberal because the idea of the public maintenance of roads is a liberal idea.
I am a liberal because civil rights, children's rights, women's rights, and labor rights, are all liberal ideas.
[On the contrary, these rights were all granted under Republican leadership and most Republicans voted for these things, not against them. President Lincoln, the first Republican president, was responsible for signing the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed the slaves.]
I am a liberal because almost all the progressive ideas of the last four centuries have been liberal ideas registed by the conservatives of their times. Those liberal ideas make this a better place to live for me, my family, my friends, my community, my country, and my world.
[Today, "progressive" is code for abortion on demand, gay rights, ending free markets in exchange for socialism, and the liberal indoctrination of our public schools and universities. Sounds like the liberal mantra is, "Take care of me."]
Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Appeal to Emotion
Runtime: 0:50
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AmoralDeviant... wrote
Well I have to agree this post is definately not a "non-partisan" lens but over filled with Republican rhetoric and opinion. I still stand undecided even after this election and stumbled upon this sight in a hopes to find a non biased opinion, but I am quickly learnin that anything posted by a republican is strictly biased and fervant to the "old-white" man. I appreciate your attempt to "convert" democrats to republicans by exemplifying the party in a "halo-wearing" light when infact the democrats, historically have done more postive for this country by making sure the majority of us are taken care, like my republican friend who receives disability benefits when she is able bodied enough to work. What we need is a non-partisan government that shares the best of both sides. That will free this country from evil, suffering and peril.
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to Canada The national debt is said to have been 11 Trillion when Bush left office. Considering that Bush didn't create the entire debt... that it was there when Clinton left office, we also need to take into consideration that the majority of Congress during the latter years of Bush's administration were Dems (well-known spenders). Bush attempted to compromise to get Congress to remove the gridlock on his agenda before leaving office. (Bad form in my opinion.)
The point: There is no comparing the two on spending. Obama's feet hit the floor spending. Instead of using it to keep the country safe from terrorism, he has spent it on bailing out those who made financial mistakes, etc., etc., etc., and we can't even keep up with counting how much more he has spent in the first 100 days in office than Bush did in eight years! The word Maniac comes to mind.
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to your name here Republican debt? Wow... so, trillions were just passed by Obama in the name of bailout, yet when he does it, it is helping the country... it's not debt that we the taxpayers and generations to come will have to pay?
your name here wrote
I'm not so sure about most of the Republican partys claims or interests. This site touts itself as a site that is entertaining non partisan ideas, but clearly covers not issues side by side, but all the Republican rhetoric and opinions, ..and finally the Democrate slant. I am proud of this country for getting back to Democrat ideas, ideals, and ACTION. It's not going to be an easy ride, my friends, but we will dig ourselves out of Republican DEBT again...
Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America
Amazon Price: $7.55 (as of 07/11/2009)![]()
Used Price: $7.10
Inspired by their popular USA Today column, conservative Cal Thomas and liberal Bob Beckel show politicians of both stripes how to get beyond partisanship, restore civility, and move our country forward. Thomas and Beckel are a unique pair in today's political climate-pundits from opposite sides who not only talk to each other but work together to find common ground on some of the most divisive issues facing us, from the war in Iraq to gay marriage to the Patriot Act. Common Ground unmasks the hypocrisy of many of the issues, organizations, and individuals who created and deepened the partisan divide at the center of American politics, and makes a strategic case for why this bickering must stop.
Throughout, Thomas and Beckel explode conventional wisdom and offer surprising new conclusions:
* The Red State/Blue State divide: Myth!
* A "common ground" presidential candidate can win in 2008: Reality!
* "Polarizers" like Ann Coulter and Michael Moore are the future of political debate: Myth!
* Major-party politics faces extinction: Reality!
Usually ships in 24 hours
Biden on Ad Attack...
Asked whether he's disappointed with the tone of the campaign, including the ad that Couric characterized as "making fun of John McCain's inability to use a computer," Biden said "I thought that was terrible by the way.
"I didn't know we did it and if I had anything to do with it, we would have never done it."
Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Because It's So Fun to Blame Bush for Everything That's Wrong
Runtime: 2:05
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WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to Nika Nika, you forget that if the war were not taken overseas, it would have taken place here. We are all safer that terrorism was fought against, and continues to be fought against in Iraq, and that Homeland Security was created to protect us from further foreign and domestic threats of terrorism.
Shelley wrote
I think that you're a moron. Nothing to be proud of? You think that George W. Bush has given us NOTHING to be proud of?
I think you are an ignorant little butthole.
Calling the War on Iraq useless and unimportant like you did, is not just an insult to George W. Bush, it is an insult to every soldier that lost his or her life there. It is an insult to all of the people's who's lives are now significantly better because of this war. When you say that the War on Iraq wasn't necessary, it just royally pisses me off.
When we originally went into Iraq, it was to make our nation look good, yeah, it was, helping people was just a bonus. If we do something nice and help Iraq, all of the other middle eastern countries, like Saudi Arabia, can only think more highly of us for saving people in need, we couldn't do this with Saudi Arabia, we depend on them too much for oil, we don't depend on Iraq for anything. That's why we went there, and this war is anything but useless you ignorant jerkoff.
Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Runtime: 1:27
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Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Runtime:
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Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Runtime: 1:59
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How about that?
WhitU4ever wrote...
in reply to papawu
Papawu, you must do your homework before playing the blame game. It is a fact that the "mess" we are in results from Clinton's irresponsibility and the Democrat stronghold in Congress for Bush's eight years, with all of the pork barrel attachments, some with attempts at passing in the middle of the night when no one was there but Pelosi and her mimschievious minions.
papawu wrote...
The posturing and grandstanding which is involved in politics does nothing but serve to confuse those that are already confused. People must learn to focus on the issues and keep in mind that an honestly informed voter is a useful voter. Those that simply vote their tradition rather than their intelligence is the reason why we just had Dubya in office for 8 excruciatingly devastating years. Republican voters should just stay home this time around and let the rest of us do what we can to get us out of yet another Republican mess.
susannaduffy wrote...
Are there only two parties in USA? I've often wondered and, to tell the truth, from where I am, it's hard to really tell any difference between these two -- apart from the personalities in the limelight.
dandepp wrote...
I am not from the US, but I'll tell you what I think - I think both candidates are puppets in a much larger game. Both sides of the fence are essentially the same - the real rulers of the country are the big corporations.
Why I am a Democrat in 2008
Runtime: 1:50
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1 Comments:
Which is Your Party?
This is a place for you to tell me why you are a Democrat or Republican. It is NOT the proper place to bash the opposite party, use foul language, make false statements as though they are true, or spread fear/hype/conspiracy theories.
If off topic or false, don't expect your comments to remain. If it is your opinion, state it as such. Thanks!
If you are registered to vote Republican or Democrat, please tell us why? If you have ever switched, please let us know.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byRepublican, because...
WhitU4ever says:
Lorraine, thank you for making Republicans look so wonderful! I almost deleted your post. But it's so thickly laden with racism, hypocrisy, and bitterness that I thought I should make sure that everyone gets an opportunity to catch just a glimpse of a young college Dem in all her glory.
FYI: Is it any wonder why I had such a hard time finding intelligent reasons for being a Democrat?
Posted June 11, 2009
will says:
Obama sucks and it was a bad choice to have him as president... REPUBLICANS RUUUUUULE!
Posted March 05, 2009
amandascloset0 says:
Im very prolife. In my personal opinion there is no crime greater than that of killing the most helpless and innocent life. If a candidate on any ballot is pro choice he will not get my vote. Regardless of his stand on any other issue.
Posted November 12, 2008
Ashley says:
I believe the goverment should stay small, I don't believe people should be taxed differently, if you work hard and succeed well then good for you, no one has the right to penalize you for that with higher taxes than people who make less than you and if God wants only 10% from everyone reguardless if that 10% coming from me is more or less its than someone elses its still a set 10% and no one has right to ask for more than from me than from you. (Coming from someone who only make a combined 50,000 a year. I am prolife and think life begins at the moment of conception. I am a conservative. I too love the environment and the earth God made us but no one has ever PROVEN man made global warming. Props to everyone who found love with whichever gender but Homosexuality is not right....on Gods terms and thats all that really matters. I am repulican bc of the word of God.
Posted November 03, 2008
Angelina_Howard says:
Republican. I beleive all human beings have a right to life and how to live that life without fear, harrassment, discrimination no matter what stage of life an individual may be. From fetus to geriatric.
Posted October 20, 2008
saraht43 says:
I am Republican because I am
Pro-Life. No matter how a child is concieved, it is still a human being.
For Freedom of Religion
For Right to Bear Arms.
Posted October 15, 2008
josh says:
I don't have a problem with paying for my own education,mortgage,loans, any other responsibility one has to live. what does that say for myself and others like me?
I think its time people start being accountable for their choices,people work to live, others live to see others work and work the system, because they are allowed to. do your part, have dreams, goals, and pay for your own mistakes!!!!
Posted October 14, 2008
kdub24 says:
i'm not the most educated voter in the country.. in fact i'm not even old enough to vote yet.. but i hope my opinion is heard just as much as anyone else despite the fact it can't be voiced at the polls..
The most important reason that i'm a republican is that i believe that government should have less influence on our society.
Entrepeneurship is what fuels the economy, and the government regulates a person's ability to start their own business..
In the US, the government makes it so getting the necessary paperwork to start a business takes several weeks, while hong kong takes a day.. this is with the slimmest amount of regulations the country needs, and their economy is thriving.
when your vote comes down to it, it relates to our economy.. If your dirt poor because of a poor economy and struggling to feed your family, you want a president who can promise to fix these problems, and you don't worry about what views your president has on gay marriage.
for this reason, economy is the basis of government, and the less influence the government has on the starting and regulating of businesses, the more room there is to thrive
When it comes down to it, republicans want less governmental influence.. as do i
Posted September 16, 2008
Foxbowser says:
I believe that Democratic policies create a larger government and put more government control in our lives. Large government is one of the bases of socialism. Also, they claim Christianity, yet support gay marriage and abortion. Everything they do seems to be hypocritical. Republican policies create a more stable economy by taking taxes off of large companies so they can keep the maximum number of people working in America. More taxes = moving whole companies out of USA. NAFTA is the worst mistake in modern history, get rid of that and many companies will keep jobs in the US. Republicans keep taxes low for everyone and put emphasis on personal responsibility. 'We will get you back on your feet, but you have to try to get a job.' As opposed to Democrats:'We will pay for you and your family until you can get a job no matter what your doing to get that job(which includes sitting around)' I vote for Republicans because a taxpayer voting for a Democrat is like a chicken voting for Col. Sanders.
Posted September 09, 2008
AslanBooks says:
I believe in freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
I do not believe in big government.
I believe in the depravity of man and in the rule of law.
I believe in the free market.
I believe higher taxes are part of the democratic agenda and lead to a dependence upon a large government.
I believe that lower taxes breed a stronger economy by keeping earned income in the hands of the worker.
I believe social welfare programs do not help, but hurt individuals.
I believe in the privatization of most if not all sectors of our economy.
I believe government control of the healthcare industry will destroy the best healthcare in the world.
I believe in individual responsibility and not dependence upon social welfare.
I believe in the death penalty.
I believe that a large standing army is the best deterrent to violence in the world today.
I believe that the war in Afghanistan and Iraq are necessary wars to protect this nation and other nations of the world from flagrant terrorism.
I believe that this world is a safer place without Saddam Hussein.
I believe that men and women are different.
I believe that marriage has always been and should always be between one man and one woman.
I believe that homosexuality is lethal to any civilization.
I believe in the sanctity of life, that life begins as the moment of conception and that abortion is among the greatest evils this world has ever seen.
I do not support the United Nations as it stands today.
I believe in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and so I am proud to announce that I am a Republican in 2008.
Posted August 25, 2008
Democrat, because...
lorraine says:
i am a democrat because i was raised to believe that evryone is worth something, not just rich fags. McCain isn't a bad man, he's actually one of my favorite republicans, but his views aren't that great. Most republicans are either rich or redneck white people. democrats are: white, black, red, yellow, brown... you get my point. they are for EVERYONE. Will is probably some racist redneck who obama's plan will help more than mccain's. molly is right.
Posted June 11, 2009
molly says:
I believe in the "UNITED" states of America.
Why sit and watch someone die when you can lend out a hand?
Why pretend like killing innocent Iraqi families is okay?
Why take away a womens right to have a child?
Why not give a homosexual couple the same rights as you and your wives?
As Americans we are supposed to look out for one another, not just sit back and watch someone die simply because they have no money. We need to come together as a society and help one another when times get hard not look the other way. We are all human, no one is better than anyone. No ones life is more important than any other individual. I am a democrat because i believe in PEACE LOVE and UNITY.
we must learn to help one another.
as opposed to hording everything like animals.
Posted May 04, 2009
Scott says:
The Democratic Party, like any other political party, are going to have flaws but I still think the Democrats are much better than the Republicans. I'm pro-choice. The woman should have the choice to get rid of her child if she so desired. Homosexuals should have a right to get marry. They're still citizens and they're still people. Love has no boundaries and homosexuals aren't a disease. If you're religion does go against this sort of stuff, it shouldn't matter because that's what you believe not what they believe. Religion and Politics should not mix at all.
Better healthcare is very important. I hate to see a family that can't survive without this sort of program, that could assist them. I think Barack Obama will be a very good president and as a democrat, he knows what is best for our country.
Posted March 23, 2009
KG says:
If republicans preach self responsibility, then why are they always so concerned about everybody else? if two homosexuals want to get married, how does that hurt you? and for the people who say that God hates this, i say that you don't know the true meaning of God and to find another religion which preaces hate cuz Christianity does NOT. if a man takes the life of another man, who are we as humans to turn around and give that man the death penalty and take his life? does this not sound hypocritical? I feel republicans are all about $$$ and don't give a damn about helping mankind. and for those who think that humans are not somewhat responsible for global warming you are on crack. are there some points of the republican views i agree with, yes. but Our country was founded by democrats and i think there is a reason why this party has continued to prosper ever since and serve the people of this country
Posted March 17, 2009
yoyoyoyoyo says:
I think that government has become corrupt with the republicans in office. Really i dont know what i am. I think i am independent. I believe in Pro Choice on the abortion issue. I dont ness. agree with the issue. I think that every woman should be given the natural right to abortion. If thats what she wants, it is her body and that is what she should be able to do. I do not agree with the war. I think that we should try to keep peace in all aspects of our life. I do not agree with gay/lesbian marriage but i think i should be illegal. It is wrong and i think gross but to each its own.
Posted November 05, 2008
Christine says:
I was a Republican but I made the switch.
I do take a seamless approach to life: I am pro-life in all circumstances (regarding abortion and death penalty). However, I am now a Democrat because I am against the war in Iraq, I care deeply for the enviornment, and I am against big businesses. I think we need to find alternative to oil and am very much against drilling in Alaska.
Yah for California making gay marriage legal. Love has no boundaries, and if you think they do- I feel sorry for you.
And I cannot wait for Barack to rock in Washington D.C.!
Posted October 20, 2008
papawu says:
Although their idealism sometimes seems a bit naive in this day and age, it is one of the things which keeps me fighting for a Democratic America. The Republican track record alone speaks volumes about the necessity for change in our country and I just don't believe a bunch of hypocritical, war monger Republicans have a chance in hell of achieving the progress which we so desperately need and deserve.
Posted October 19, 2008
daria369 says:
I am actually neither (republican or democrat) and I can live happily ever after without politics and politicians.
One thing is for certain, though: extremists of all kinds scare me.
Posted October 15, 2008
G Colorado says:
I believe the fundamental values of a Republican are being dismantled through irresponsibility of corporations and special interest in a corrupt fashion. I believe the money saved through republican tax reduction is not being reinvested in America but rather invested in foriegn countries to further personal gain at the expense of the American struggling worker. Higher taxes for the wealthy and large corporations will force American money to stay in America's economy.
Posted September 08, 2008
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