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[HamPster PamPster]

All an individual republican needs to worry about is their district. Most of them are in much more danger of being replaced by a more conservative candidate then they ever are of a democratic one, so they drift right. There's really no incentive for them to move to the center unless they want to win the presidency and honestly I doubt they really want to. Putting a democrat in the white house gives them a nice boogeyman to scare people and raise money

That's my take on it anyway

 

[dcdobson]

All an individual republican needs to worry about is their district. Most of them are in much more danger of being replaced by a more conservative candidate then they ever are of a democratic one, so they drift right. There's really no incentive for them to move to the center unless they want to win the presidency and honestly I doubt they really want to. Putting a democrat in the white house gives them a nice boogeyman to scare people and raise money

That's my take on it anyway

Was going to say the exact same thing.

 

[Valkyr Junkie]

In most states, you need to be registered to a party in order to vote in that specific party's primaries. But on the federal voting level (once it be comes the official election), you don't have to be registered to any party, and can vote for whoever you want. In America though, people treat parties like they do religion. It becomes about identity, and they identify with a party and their values. Often, people are indoctrinated by their family members to believe a certain party is right, and people don't budge from that as they grow up.

People tend to not budge from their party affiliation, but plenty change their actual vote if you extrapolate over a long enough period. There are tons of people in the south that have remained registered as a Democrat because that's what they were back when that party was the more socially conservative one, and then they end up voting Republican because it more closely matches their current beliefs. My county is 60/40 Democrat, but the vote is pretty consistently 60/40 Republican. Also, party allegiance varies drastically between the federal, state, and local level.

I'm a registered Republican so I can at least help choose the lesser of two crazies in our closed primaries.

 

[NathanMcMahon]

Terrible economic plans and they do the same thing the republicans do when they're wrong, deny and try to change the facts
Edit: and all this ban junk food stuff Michelle is pushing is ridiculous

that's some scary shit...

 

[Mononoke]

All an individual republican needs to worry about is their district. Most of them are in much more danger of being replaced by a more conservative candidate then they ever are of a democratic one, so they drift right. There's really no incentive for them to move to the center unless they want to win the presidency and honestly I doubt they really want to. Putting a democrat in the white house gives them a nice boogeyman to scare people and raise money

That's my take on it anyway

This is exactly it. However, this is going to hurt them in the long run. I really see them losing for the next 20 years. The demographics in America are shifting heavily, and generally most people do not agree with their social values (and they are pushing this the hardest, because as you point out, they are worrying about their own job and districts).

The Republicans have no one to blame but themselves though. They made a strategic move to get the vote of the racist/nationalists back in the day in order to win against Democrats. And now they are having to lie down in their bed they've made. These are now the people that are controlling their party, as they are the ones controlling who gets to keep their jobs.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

There is lip service being paid to libertarianism but its mostly social. People talk about libertarian populism but I've seen no evidence its breaking through lower income and the youth based on voting patterns. There's no evidence for it besides anecdotes.

The social aspect that seems to run through more young 'libertarians' is based on marijuana legalization.

 

[Mononoke]

People tend to not budge from their party affiliation, but plenty change their actual vote if you extrapolate over a long enough period. There are tons of people in the south that have remained registered as a Democrat because that's what they were back when that party was the more socially conservative one, and then they end up voting Republican because it more closely matches their current beliefs. My county is 60/40 Democrat, but the vote is pretty consistently 60/40 Republican. Also, party allegiance varies drastically between the federal, state, and local level.

I'm a registered Republican so I can at least help choose the lesser of two crazies in our closed primaries.

I'm not saying every single person does not budge from their family's political affiliation. But I do think like religion, it's more common for people to stay with the political party their family supports. But even if that's not true (which I'm not willing to debate without statistics to back this up), it's still common enough IMO that it's something worth noting to someone that is asking about how American's view political parties. A lot of American's really do identify themselves with their political parties, and that is to their detriment.

 

[Karsticles]

For example. Gay marriage, abortion, immigration reform, etc. They all are operating in total contrast with national sentiments on these subjects. It seems that are content being the party of No. Let's not forget all the votes, which were basically for nothing to repeal Obamacare.

I think it's important to keep in mind that sentiments are regional (and individual). While the nation is going toward one direction with these things as a whole, not all regions in the nation are. It makes sense that Republicans fight for the way they think, and Democrats fight for the way they think. Both seem terrible to each other, of course. That's just how culture works.

It's also important to note that some of these things, like gay marriage, are relatively recent shifts. A lot of Republicans think that gay marriage supporters are a vocal minority, and that they represent the national inclination against regionalized forces. Most Republicans don't realize that they are the regional force these days. Times they are a changin', and not everyone sees it for what it is.

 

[anarckitty]

The social aspect that seems to run through more young 'libertarians' is based on marijuana legalization.

Ahahaha, that's funny.

 

[Mononoke]

The social aspect that seems to run through more young 'libertarians' is based on marijuana legalization.

That is a huge generalization based on pure ignorance. It's also not giving credit to how serious of a problem the drug wars actually are, and the negative impact is has on America. It's a pretty huge problem that isn't being addressed, because Republicans and Democrats wave it away as "young people just wanting their weedz".

 

[Soler]

that's some scary shit...

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

 

[Evolution_1ne]

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

joke post, please be joke post

 

[Cyan]

Edit: and all this ban junk food stuff Michelle is pushing is ridiculous

What are you even talking about.

 

[Mononoke]

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

Austerity, and cutting back on social programs.

Many view austerity measures as the direct road to a complete collapse. So that would be something to be very scared of (if you are a believer of Keynesian economics.)

 

[DynamicG]

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

Shouldn't wanting to turn the us into an evangelical christian theocracy be enough?

 

[NYCmetsfan]

The social aspect that seems to run through more young 'libertarians' is based on marijuana legalization.

I'd say the gay issues is what drove it. It will bleed over the weed legalization or decriminalization. There's a general apathy towards the god-given moralism of previous generations (see also the "rise of the nones").

On a side noteI don't really think weed is becoming more popular, I think the prison issues and war on drugs is behind the legalization push. People just don't want to care if someone smokes.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

That is a huge generalization based on pure ignorance. It's also not giving credit to how serious of a problem the drug wars actually are, and the negative impact is has on America. It's a pretty huge problem that isn't being addressed, because Republicans and Democrats wave it away as "young people just wanting their weedz".

I didn't say it was a bad thing. Worded terribly. What I was mainly getting at was the younger 'libertarian' crowd seems to me more interested in dealing with legalization efforts than others at the moment.

I'm all for getting rid of the drug war, and I'm all for another party bringing up the topic of a) ending the drug war and b) legalization.

I was merely pointing out that this social libertarianism, which is the main driving force behind the resurgance of libertarian thought is based around marijuana (and other drugs) and gay marriage/equality.

I'd say the gay issues is what drove it. It will bleed over the weed legalization or decriminalization. There's a general apathy towards the god-given moralism of previous generations (see also the "rise of the nones").

On a side noteI don't really think weed is becoming more popular, I think the prison issues and war on drugs is behind the legalization push. People just don't want to care if someone smokes.

Yeah this is exactly what I meant.

Ahahaha, that's funny.

So point out what's so funny about that oh wise one.

 

[anarckitty]

On a side noteI don't really think weed is becoming more popular, I think the prison issues and war on drugs is behind the legalization push. People just don't want to care if someone smokes.

And they shouldn't care. The war on drugs is such a joke.

 

[Soler]

What are you even talking about.

The whole crusade she had with obesity, didn't that lead to banning the 32oz soft drink in NY or were the 2 not related?

 

[ronito]

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

Really?
Austerity
Disenfranchisement of the poor
Unfettered Corporate Access to government
No regulations
More tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting social program
More defense spending
Racial profiling
Less education and what education remains will be lower quality
Hawkish approach to foreign policy
Guns everywhere
Medicare vouchers (meaning medicare cuts)
Piss poor health policy

 

[zero_suit]

The whole crusade she had with obesity, didn't that lead to banning the 32oz soft drink in NY or were the 2 not related?

You seem uninformed.

Bloomberg tried to do that and failed, I might add.

 

[Mononoke]

Really?
Hawkish approach to foreign policy

Obama doing a bang up job there. Hillary is even more hawkish.

But the rest of your list is solid.

 

[NathanMcMahon]

The whole crusade she had with obesity, didn't that lead to banning the 32oz soft drink in NY or were the 2 not related?

Jesus christ

 

[anarckitty]

I didn't say it was a bad thing. Worded terribly. What I was mainly getting at was the younger 'libertarian' crowd seems to me more interested in dealing with legalization efforts than others at the moment.

I'm all for getting rid of the drug war, and I'm all for another party bringing up the topic of a) ending the drug war and b) legalization.

I was merely pointing out that this social libertarianism, which is the main driving force behind the resurgance of libertarian thought is based around marijuana (and other drugs) and gay marriage/equality.



Yeah this is exactly what I meant.



So point out what's so funny about that oh wise one.

After reading your above statement about it being "worded terribly" I don't believe I need to point it out, oh wise one.

Edit: In other words, I know what you're talking about now.

 

[ronito]

Obama doing a bang up job there. Hillary is even more hawkish.

But the rest of your list is solid.

Oh I'm not happy about Obama. But if a republican was in the white house there's a fair chance we'd be boots on ground in Syria right now.

 

[140.85]

Most Republicans don't understand the modern day Republican party.

 

[Joel Was Right]

Yes, because clearly I want more wars.

What are your foreign policy views and how does it differ the Democratic perspective

 

[ronito]

Most Republicans don't understand the modern day Republican party.

But it's THEIR party. This reminds me of something on Bill Mahr this week when he brought up Mitt Romney and the republican on the panel lifted her hands and said, "Well don't think of Mitt Romney as emblematic of the party."

To which Bill replied, "He was YOUR Presidential nominee."

I often hear a lot of republicans saying "Yeah well, that's not really the republican ideals."

I could understand a few offshoots going crazy and maybe for a little while. But it's been ages since there was any sense in the republican party. You know your party has lost its way when Newt Gingrich isn't conservative enough.

 

[Avon Barksdale]

They think the problem is the messenger, when it's really their message which is outdated and tiresome.

 

[nilbog21]

Modern day Republicans in 3 words: God and lower taxes

 

[Omegasquash]

But it's THEIR party. This reminds me of something on Bill Mahr this week when he brought up Mitt Romney and the republican on the panel lifted her hands and said, "Well don't think of Mitt Romney as emblematic of the party."

To which Bill replied, "He was YOUR Presidential nominee."

I often hear a lot of republicans saying "Yeah well, that's not really the republican ideals."

I could understand a few offshoots going crazy and maybe for a little while. But it's been ages since there was any sense in the republican party. You know your party has lost its way when Newt Gingrich isn't conservative enough.

When your party has a doctrine, I think that says plenty. And they do...they affirmed it shortly before the convention, IIRC.

 

[Soler]

Really?
Austerity
Disenfranchisement of the poor
Unfettered Corporate Access to government
No regulations
More tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting social program
More defense spending
Racial profiling
Less education and what education remains will be lower quality
Hawkish approach to foreign policy
Guns everywhere
Medicare vouchers (meaning medicare cuts)
Piss poor health policy

So
Economy crippling welfare reform
Heavily restricted market that'll drive jobs out quicker than they're going
Insane amounts of foreign aid
Heavy government intervention on just about every aspect of life

 

[afternoon delight]

Never thought I'd agree with Avon Barksdale.

Edit: soler, your outright lying about federal aid as compared to its percent of overall spending, willfully ignorant about moves toward regulation that has been undermined by repubs for decades, and blanketing intrusion as something that hadn't been spawned by war time red party ideals.

 

[Mononoke]

What are your foreign policy views and how does it differ the Democratic perspective

I would stop backing rebels and dictators with the hopes the new government would work with us. It's time to stop playing God around the world and quit funding these awful people that would normally be considered our enemies. Quit trying to upset other countries political environment in the hopes they become our allies.

I would stop being the enforcer for Israel. I would remove ourselves from the Middle East and focus more on defense at home. And I would stop using drone strikes that kill innocent people which ironically leads to a new generation of people that hate America.

America needs to stop trying to force their government onto others and instead should lead by example and focus on being a free democratic society back at home. I believe that will likely make others want to be like us. Not boots on the ground or playing a behind the scenes betting game on conflicts.

 

[shadowsdarknes]

What exactly is it that scares people about republicans?
I understand the religious aspect of it but that's about it

The religious aspect is only scratching the surface with their war on the war on Christmas.

The GOP has tried to block and fillibuster more of Obama's nominations than all other presidents combined.

They are trying to cut vital social programs.

They are promoting austerity measures which we know will not work.

They have threatened to not raise the debt ceiling and crash the economy.

They continously fight against worker's unions. Many are calling for the abolition of the minimum wage.

They continue to push for lower taxes on the wealthy all while acting like deficit hawks.

And let's not even dive into civil rights. Opposition of gay marriage, making stupid statements about rape and birth rights.

Many continuously oppose the idea of climate change and that we need to do something about it.
They are far more likely to reject the thoughts on evolution and believe that the earth is ~10,000 years old.

This is really only scratching the surface.

 

[Soler]

You seem uninformed.

Bloomberg tried to do that and failed, I might add.

Isn't that because the judge tossed it out? The fact it was even a thing is ridiculous

 

[makingmusic476]

Gerrymandering plays a part, I'm sure. They created these extreme right wing districts after 2010, where they risk getting primaried by candidates even further to the right if they act too moderate in Congress. It's allowing them to hold the House for now, but they've ensured themselves defeat in the Senate and Presidential elections.

Our two party system needs to go, but that'll only happen with significant electoral reform. It's a systemic issue.

 

[Cyan]

Really?
Austerity
Disenfranchisement of the poor
Unfettered Corporate Access to government
No regulations
More tax cuts for the wealthy while cutting social program
More defense spending
Racial profiling
Less education and what education remains will be lower quality
Hawkish approach to foreign policy
Guns everywhere
Medicare vouchers (meaning medicare cuts)
Piss poor health policy

The biggest problem, and one which in many ways encompasses these, is the dogmatism. Any kind of "team" group is going to have this problem, but the GOP has elevated it to an artform. When an important piece of your platform is that science is bullshit and scientists are just ivory tower elitists trying to enrich themselves and/or scare everyone, you're going to have epistemic problems.

Dems have their own issues when it comes to dodging science, but at least "science is bad and wrong and you don't need to listen to it" isn't baked into the party line.

 

[Mononoke]

Gerrymandering plays a part, I'm sure. They created these extreme right wing districts after 2010, where they risk getting primaried by candidates even further to the right if they act too moderate in Congress. It's allowing them to hold the House for now, but they've ensured themselves defeat in the Senate and Presidential elections.

Our two party system needs to go, but that'll only happen with significant electoral reform. It's a systemic issue.

Yep. Republicans dug their own graves.

 

[Wolfgunblood Garopa]

I only have general observations to go by, but I think you're ignoring the instinctual libertarian vibe that seems to be growing among the youth. The Democrat voting habits are more of an institutionalized thing. Brainwashing by teachers, etc.

Don't forget the brainwashing by compassionate people, people who aren't assholes, etc. It's an institution at this point

 

[Soler]

The religious aspect is only scratching the surface with their war on the war on Christmas.

The GOP has tried to block and fillibuster more of Obama's nominations than all other presidents combined.

They are trying to cut vital social programs.

They are promoting austerity measures which we know will not work.

They have threatened to not raise the debt ceiling and crash the economy.

They continously fight against worker's unions. Many are calling for the abolition of the minimum wage.

They continue to push for lower taxes on the wealthy all while acting like deficit hawks.

And let's not even dive into civil rights. Opposition of gay marriage, making stupid statements about rape and birth rights.

Many continuously oppose the idea of climate change and that we need to do something about it.
They are far more likely to reject the thoughts on evolution and believe that the earth is ~10,000 years old.

This is really only scratching the surface.

Unions really have become an issue IMO
Climate change has been natural and global warming has been refuted by scientists

 

[Omegasquash]

Gerrymandering plays a part, I'm sure. They created these extreme right wing districts after 2010, where they risk getting primaried by candidates even further to the right if they act too moderate in Congress. It's allowing them to hold the House for now, but they've ensured themselves defeat in the Senate and Presidential elections.

Our two party system needs to go, but that'll only happen with significant electoral reform. It's a systemic issue.

And the funny thing is, it's a short sighted hold on the House. They do have to realize that the American public is seeing them do nothing but try to stop what a minority (clearly) thinks is the evil Obama Lord of Socialistic Destruction isn't going to last forever.

When they don't accomplish anything, how do they expect to continue a hold?

Unions really have become an issue IMO
Climate change has been natural and global warming has been refuted by scientists

You're joking, right?

 

[Cyan]

Unions really have become an issue IMO
Climate change has been natural and global warming has been refuted by scientists

And I just noticed you were an alt, that makes things easier.

 

[NathanMcMahon]

And I just noticed you were an alt, that makes things easier.

Please tell us who? Just this once Cyan?











It was Kosmo wasn't it?

 

[shadowsdarknes]

And I just noticed you were an alt, that makes things easier.

Well that's no fun

 

[Deified Data]

How do the democrats scare you?

IMO, reliance on corporate money, willingness to pander to the lowest common denominator to win votes, pigheaded foreign policy...basically everything that scares me about the Republicans. I'm not one of those "both parties are the same!" jokers, but they're similar enough to leave observant voters uncomfortable.

 

[ronito]

So
Economy crippling welfare reform
Heavily restricted market that'll drive jobs out quicker than they're going
Insane amounts of foreign aid
Heavy government intervention on just about every aspect of life

Did I say any of that?
have you worked in heavily regulated markets? I have. You know what perhaps markets that are unregulated do grow faster. You know what else? Cars that don't have breaks go way faster than those that do.
Who said I want foreign aid? THIS is why people are afraid republicans. I state that maybe we shouldn't go around treating every other country as enemies and I get "What? You want us to coddle them and give them money?!" It's the tone. Like either you do it their way or the commie way.
Lol heavy government intervention? Tell that to women that want cheap birth control but can't get it or want abortions. Tell that to the countless people in jails on war on drugs charges.

edit: damn, and now he gone.

 

[Ourobolus]

Unions really have become an issue IMO
Climate change has been natural and global warming has been refuted by scientists

wtf am i reading

Edit: Oh. Heh. That's funny.

 

[gutter_trash]

Nixon enacted more social programs that are today considered to be more ''Left'' than present day Democrats.

Since Bill Clinton, the opposing Republicans have jumped into the deep end of the Far Right in a radical shift ever more than before.

I don't understand this shift because it narrows their appeal, support and chances of winning Presidentially. I understand on Congressional levels why they pander to smaller clientels but in the greater scope of things: they are setting themselves up to failure.

 

[Omegasquash]

Well that's no fun

Eh, saves us all the bonfire building.