Should I be a Democrat or moderate Republican?

[skjpm]

My frustration with the DNC, and the IMHO wimpy Kerry campaign has made me question my basic beliefs. It is hard for me to see myself as any brand Republican, but I'm beginning to think more can be accomplished in the sensible, moderate, McCain/Hegel/Guiliani section of the Republican party. This fight for DNC chair shows me that the Democrats want to remain losers for the forseeable future.

I loathe Bush. Loathe, loathe, loathe, despise and hate. However, I suspect there are many Republicans who feel the same way. I think the Iraq war is a blemish and a cancer. Again, I suspect many Republicans feel the same way. I'd like to see some kind of national health care system in my lifetime. There are Republicans on my side. Since the Democrats are going to cling to wimpy candidates and losing issues, would it be better to give my energy to the good side of the GOP? Maybe they could get things done.

I like Chuck Hegel. I like John McCain. I don't like Swarzenegger (sp?) but I find I agree with him on a lot. These are people I could vote for over, say, Lieberman.

Is it time to move on?

[Goldeneye]

1. The republicans are moving to the right, all the way to the right.

If that's the direction you feel you must go, then...I guess that is the party for you. I must say that lieberman would have my vote over any of the three republicans you named, but that is me...

[LeftCoast]

2. Do you like what they stand for or do you like what Brand Republican

is selling you? I honestly can't imagine voting for any of the Republicans you've mentioned, but if you think they match your ideology you should vote for them. Personally, I can't get past the fact that the Republican party considers me a 2nd class citizen, but hey, whatever rw ideology floats your boat...

[skjpm]

Hegel has spoken out against the war

And he was doing it when it wasn't popular. He apparently even thought of running against Bush, so I don't think he's part of the Bush team.

The point is, the Democrats are just going to continue to lose. I want Dean as DNC--and his policies are not radically different from the moderate Republicans. But he has a backbone. The fact that the DNC is going to defeat him for some namby-pamby is beyond me. And Reid as minority leader--a worse wimp than Daschle--upsets me.

It's hard for me to imagine actually voting for a Republican, but I'm tired of losers. Kerry should be like that guy in the Ukraine who held rallies until he got a new vote.

[LeftCoast]

11. I certainly understand how you feel about supporting a losing team

I feel like my vote is cursed. Whatever I touch electorally turns to lead. If I vote for a candidate or a proposition, they're almost sure to lose. *sigh* It gets old. The problem is, I actually vote on ideology and I just can't support much of what Republicans stand for. I don't support an unrestrained capitalist economy, I don't support our outlandish military expenditures, and I certainly don't support their policies toward gays, ethnic minorities or women.

I admire Hagel's strenth of conviction to oppose the war, but that's FAR from enough to make me vote for him.

[Historic NY]

3. My vote would be a middle ground Democrat.........

there are few if any liberal Republicans left and so called moderate Republican are well a misnomer. I like McCain too but sometimes he just slays me embracing * who made him look like an a$$ in 2000. He is a maverick and we all know the Republican Party despises them it more apt to embrace a lock step android before accepting McCain as the head of its ticket.

[MissBrooks]

4. What are your views?

What are your views on the issues?

Are you socially liberal? fiscally liberal?

Dont' pick your politics based on a popularity contest. Judge by your beliefs.

[skjpm]

10. Without wishing to get flamed. . .

I tend to think of "responsible gun ownership" rather than gun control. I think that people who own guns should be held responsible for making sure they are safe. And most do--and the rest should be prosecuted heavily.

I really think that there should be some limits on abortion. I think the fact that we as Democrats can't even discuss this disturbs me. I am not a radical pro-lifer, but I think we should look at this question more closely.

I also think that civil unions are a good equivalent for marriage. It comes down to a matter of words. I don't think that it is "separate but equal" thing--it's just a way of protecting rights. I don't see any point in losing over the word "marriage."

These things make me more Republican than Democrat, which will be easy to see by the amount of flames I'm sure to get. They aren't the most important issues to me--universal health care is my main issue. Education. Social Security. Medicare. These are the bedrock of my politics. Obviously, the Democrats do a better job with these issues, but they've decided to lose over the peripheral issues o gun control, abortion, and gay marriage. Those issues are not worth throwing away these more basic issues for me, so I'd rather work to get something done than constant chase windmills.

[LeftCoast]

12. You do realize that there is a significant and real difference

between Civil Unions and Marriage?

[Old and In the Way]

17. Interesting

I think gun control should be a local issue. I can understand why a city like New York might want to have tougher laws than a rural town in Montana, for instance.

I doubt there a many people who think abortion is a great idea. But Democrats understand that it is the only honest position. You can outlaw abortion...but women will still have them. Fact is, Democratic policies, increasing access to healthcare and sex education, reduce abortion. Pro-choice is inclusive....pro-life is exclusive.

I agree that gay marriage is a red herring for Democrats. Civil unions should be the law of the land. Let Religious institutions deal in marriage ceremonies and decide whether their religious foundation can accept or reject gay marriage.

It sounds like you are a moderate Democrat. Your most important issues are the principles of this Party. Your complaint is with the people making the tactical decisions on running the elections. Frankly, unless you just like to be associated with a "winner" who only wins by gaming the system, I really don't see why you'd be motivated to become a Republican. Personally, I'd rather be "right" on the issues and lose, than be "wrong" on the issues and win. Of course, I'd rather be right and win.....

[saracat]

23. You sound like the perfect Party Dem.

You are a , no offense, DLC/DNC dem. The ones that flame you would be the liberals. I don't hold your viewpoints, but the current establishment Dems do. You may as well stay Dem. You will do better with them than I will!:-)

[blondeatlast]

25. Notice no one is flaming you. nt

[Forkboy]

5. Yeah,McCain and Rudy are sensible

:eyes: If you really believe that you should just go ahead and stop the hand wringing.

Cya

[GainesT1958]

6. Let me put it this way:

Want to be paid attention to politically? AT ALL?

Then be a moderate DEMOCRAT!:D

:kick:

B-)

[GainesT1958]

7. Let me put it this way:

Want to be paid attention to politically? AT ALL?

Then be a moderate DEMOCRAT!:D

:kick:

B-)

[leesa]

31. Then why have a dem party if they are Republicans???

What is the point? Just BE a Republican. Be a warmonger and a greedy capitalist, whatever turns you on about their lack of ethics.

[LSdemocrat]

8. No need to align yourself with any one political party

If you feel comfortable going out and volunteering for Democrats you find acceptable and then going out and volunteering for Republicans you like, then feel free to do so.

[Somawas]

9. I'm sorry, but McCain is saying

a few of the right things but generally being a media whore. Don't count on him for much. And he's more socially conservative that GWB. "Moderate" Republicans, like Log Cabin Republicans, are very soon going to realize that they are the Jewish Affiliate Organization of the Nazi Party.

[Bouncy Ball]

13. My choice is Dem or third party

no WAY could I ever support in any way, even self-identification with a party like the republicans. Never.

[rhite5]

14. There are other choices ......

It is a shame we have all been programmed to believe there are only two choices. That, in fact, is the deep systemic reason our system sucks. It must be changed. We MUST open up the system to new ideas and new parties.

My dream was that Dean would break off and start a separate party. He still could.

And there are always the Greens and the Libertarians. Both of those parties hold more appeal for me than the Moderate Republicans or the Democrats.

I have been voting for Democrats for 50 years. I may continue to vote for them in down-ticket races where the Dem is the best candidate, but not at the top of the ticket anymore. I am very disillusioned. (And I am a former officer in my local county Dem party and have chaired winning campaigns and worked on a lot more -- no more of that for the Dems). In future I will be working on issues only, not working for candidates.

[Julien Sorel]

15. Chuck Hagel has a lifetime American Conservative Union rating

of 85, and was at 95 in 2002, and a perfect 100 in 2003. John McCain was at 84 lifetime, 78 in 2002, and 75 in 2003. By contrast, Zell Miller, 65 lifetime, 47 in 2002, and 75 in 2003, and the hated Joe Lieberman, lifetime 19, 2002 20, 2003 0. The higher the number, the more conservative the politician. So if people like Hagel and McCain are to your liking, then the Republican Party is the way to go.

[Bush was AWOL]

16. Don't be either

support the best candidates when it comes time to vote. That is what I do, although I've never voted for a Republican. :)

[SemperEadem]

18. as long as you vote Democrat, be who you want

[gottaB]

19. Be a Democrat

Your positions on issues are more in line with most Democrats.

McCain, Hegel and other Republicans to the left of Atilla the Hun will accomplish things that you agree with only by working with Democrats. Do you see signs that the Republican Party as a whole is moving to repudiate Bush, and adopt a more realistic foreign policy? As I see it the realists in that party have been purged, sidelined, or defanged.

Your energies are better spent working with the Dems.

Gabba Gabba
We accept you
We accept you
One of us

[LaPera]

20. "I like Chuck Hegel. I like John McCain." Not much hope here....

They are republicans with republican ideology...When push comes to shove, they will line up against, because they despise the "New Deal" their goal, philosphy, agenda and ideology is simply to destroy it.

If this is not enough...wake up!

[LittleClarkie]

21. Core beliefs

Are you a fiscal conservative? Do you believe in a certain amount of personal responsibility rather than corporate blame? Do you believe it is our obligation to look after the poor, or are we enabling them by not helping them to help themselves?

Economically, do you believe in the trickle down theory, that more money in the hands of business eventually means better wages for workers. Or do you think it works the other way, more money for consumers means more business for the companies.

Do you believe in unions? Free-trade or buying American.

Think long and hard before you jump. Don't just react for the moment. Who are you, and what do you believe. If you find you are more Dem than Repub, then stay and fight for your party.

I feel bad for the true conservatives who are probably thinking as you are, "Should I become a conservative Dem? or a Libertarian?"

[Muzzle Tough]

22. You can always spread your votes around.

You can vote Democrat, Green, Libertarian, etc., depending upon the views of each candidate in any given race.

Just make sure that whichever candidate gets your vote has to earn it. Don't vote for anyone who doesn't deserve it!

[blondeatlast]

24. If you have to ask DUers, I think you already know the answer.

Since your post is all about what the Dems didn't do for YOU.

Move on.

[TheFarseer]

26. I don't think those guys have alot of power

sure they have name recognition, but what laws have they been getting through? They are just sitting on the train dragging their feet behind it like we are(and that's only sometimes, sometimes they agree with the chimperor)

[arwalden]

27. You Already Know The Answer... You're Just Seeking Courage To Move On...

Yes... we both know that it's time for you to move on. Goodbye. :eyes:

[Selatius]

28. Your allegiance is to your principles, not to any political party

You stand up for what you believe in, and you fight for it. That is all that is required. Which party you belong to is subordinate to your principles.

Your positions on economic issues put you somewhere left of center as far as I can tell. I'm talking about the real center, the one between pure socialist and pure capitalist, not the US "center," which is between a hard rightwinger and a moderate rightwinger on economic issues. You believe in universal health care, and apparently you believe in common sense regulations on the markets to protect them from their own excesses and abuses.

You seem to be moderate on social issues. You don't want abortion outlawed because you realize that there are cases where it's necessary and that people are going to get them anyway if it's made illegal, but you wouldn't mind some limitations on it. You think civil unions for same-sex couples should be allowed, and you favor common sense gun control instead of totally outlawing guns.

Does that sum you up?

My advice is simple: Don't compromise on your principles, but don't be afraid to re-evaluate them from time to time. Critically examining your stance is a good thing. If you believe they tell you to switch parties, that is your free will. It's cliche, but it's not about winning but about how you play. Winning is good and all, but no one can win forever. It is then that all you have left are your principles, and they will always remain no matter if the good times come or go.

[w4rma]

29. Don't get sucked into the media propaganda. Congressional Repugs are NOT

moderate. They all support this whacko in the White House. And big media does everything they can to help make Repugs *appear* to be something they aren't. THE issue, THE *biggest* issue is aristocracy over democracy. Repugs support an aristocracy. They support doing away with meritocracy. They support destroying the ladder they climbed to get where they are. They support raw economic power and military power. They have already, recently, stolen at least one presidential election. They not only support this BS in Iraq, they support expanding this death and destruction to every country that opposes the big corporations who want access to their cheap labor and raw resources.

Hagel and McCain are pro-Democratic on popular issues and pro-Republican on a majority of their issues, otherwise they'd be Dems.

Look towards Democratic Senators whom you respect instead of a few Repug outcasts that are pushed heavily by big media as the (few) "moderate" faces of their party.

[leesa]

30. You certainly sound like a Republican. No thought, just reaction

to the teevee. What exactly is the GOOD side of the GOP? I don't see them doing anything good, just greed, greed, greed.

[WI_DEM]

32. Hagel and McCain are conservative republicans

yes they can be reasonable, but their voting records are strongly to the right on most issues. Is that where you stand? If so, then by all means join the republican party.