Why are you a Republican or Democrat?

Question

I've heard a lot of "I'm a Republican" or "I'm a Democrat" on here, and I'm interested to discover why you pledge your support to a particular party.

Again, more of the "I am a ...". The question was "Why?"

I'm independent. I vote issues, not party.

Answer 1

Neither. They are both criminals. I have used good old common sense: I don't vote!

Answer 2

I became a registered Republican after voting for Clinton the first time and cringing all the way through his presidency.

I am generally conservative and don't feel like the middle class should support huge social services, although I do believe in education and safety net programs for our own citizens.

However, just as the Democrats stopped being the party for the average Joe worker or small business owner and started being the welfare party, the Republicans are now seeming to ignore workers and small business for the Wal-Marts and agribusiness interests of a global society. Followed to its logical conclusion services the middle class pay for, such as education, would be swamped with immigrants and unable to provide the upward mobility we have historically enjoyed as a country. Meanwhile the global corporations would be making high profits by using very cheap labor, driving wages down to match those of the Chinese.

I don't like that view of the future, either. However, the only cure I see is a third party and there is none up and running that would stand a chance of winning.

Answer 3

I am an Independent because neither party has a continuous history of using their brains.

I just happen to think at this particular point in time, the Republicans heads are not quite so far up their Asses as the Democrats.

The ignorance regarding what Democrats do and what they say is driving me away from supporting their policies for years.

The fellow above pissing and moaning about "social programs" is either to blind, biased, or too ignorant to realire that spending on social programs and education are at the highest levels right now than any other point in the nations history.

Those programs along account for the vast majority of the deficit, not the war as they foolishly wish to claim.

A liberal would drink gas and swallow a match before saying that out loud.

Answer 4

I have voted in every election since 1967 .I was a democrat till carter.then i went independent.then Reagan got me to look at the republican party .Clinton confirmed it for me .I always voted for the man .but Kerry Clinton and Gore convinced me not to even consider voting for a democrat. I will vote either independent or republican from now on or until the democrats show that they are responsible to be trusted

Answer 5

Actually, I consider myself a Federalist. The modern Republican party has way to many RINOs (Republican In Name Only) in positions of power unwilling to stick to the constitution.

As a Federalist, I believe the Constitution and the Federalist Papers are the final word on what the Founders believed. Madison's contribution to the Federalist Papers being the most important since he actually penned the Constitution. The Constitution, as originally understood, was just about perfect (short of slavery). Our Founders understood human nature and the desire of man to be able to control their own destiny. The reason I'm a Federalist is because it as close as I can get to covering my political,Theological, and philosophical positions. I vote Republican because, at least hypothetically, that are the more viable choice and are closer to my view.

I'm a Federalist because I belive in personal responsibility is a necessity for freedom to work.

Answer 6

Democrat. Used to be an independant until moved to a conservative area of Texas -- the excessive conservatism pushed me the other direction.

Generally, I take issue with the Republicans stances on social issues -- ie, I have problems with the homophobia, promotion of Christianity, anti-immigrant bias. I have a problem with the pro-death penalty stance (which seem somewhat hypocritical, since Christians should be anti-death penalty). Also, I tend to be very concerned about individual rights -- which most Republicans are not. (Unless it is gun rights). On environmental issues, Republicans are always in favor of "pro-growth" policies, and do not like environmental regulation to ensure clean air and water. (I like clean air and water).

I also don't like the anti-tax bias. While I don't like taxes any more than the next guy, someone has to pay the bills. Continual deficit spending can have massive repercussions on the economy, including higher interest rates, higher inflation, and an increase in the trade deficit.

In terms of politics, it seems that the Republicans are more willing to play dirty pool than the Democrats. For example, the "Swift Boat Veterns for Truth" smear campaign, the whole conservative funded Paula Jones lawsuit, the Max Cleland campaign (where a vetern who lost both legs and an arm in Vietnam was somehow painted as being anti-patriotic and as too "dovish"), the allegations of insanity leveled at McCain (due to his lengthy capture and torture by the Vietnamese).

Locally, here in Texas, we have elected judges. I don't like that many Criminal court judges run on a "tough on crime" platform. I don't think that is a judges job to be "tough on crime", it is his or her job to ensure that justice is done. The accused is not guilty until proven innocent, which the "tough on crime" stance seems to espouse.

I may be guilty of some selective perception, but I think alot of these are spot on.

Answer 7

I don't have a "pledge" of support for one or the other, but I will say, since I began voting years ago, I have noticed a disturbing trend with Republican candidates and have NEVER voted for one.

My track record has been Democrat simply because the candidates seems more "human" in their views and their track record. Republicans have always seemed to be anti-women, anti-poor, pro-war, pro-arrogance, etc. That does not sit well with this voter.

Answer 8

I am a democrat. I am proud of it. I choose democrate because they are for middle and lower class and helpping them. I listen to all sides though and choose wisely between them I have voted republican on some issues. I am not straight democrat. I believe republication do have few good things they want and we need. I am probably indepenant more. I like to vote in all elections so I have no choice but to choose between the 2 major parties. I think that they should let indpenants vote in all elections and issues. I just wish all voting really counted and that we the people had the right to have our vote heard without the college making our choice since several times they have choose to go against what popular vote wants. I look at issues and evuate what is more important to me and my family. I would never vote for a bush though no matter what they thought. I do think we should keep firearms and I really dont care about gay rights issue let them do as they please as long as they can keep marriage vows and stay marriaged. I think we should pay higher taxes on soc. sec. and relook to see where we went wrong and make changes there. I think americans should have a right to healthcare no matter what. And to medications. I think they should legalize pot even though I don't use it as it helps alot of people and i think the goverment fears it. As gas prices goes up maybe they should make it so we can have reasonable rates on vehicles that run on others means. I think we need to let parents have more control and the goverment and others mind there business. I was once arrested with my husband for going to see bush at a rally in npr,fl. I wanted to hear his vioews but since i was democrat i was refused. is that fair? No! So, I put up both Bush and kerry signs. I desised if I couldnt hear him I would not only put up his signs . People hated that and commented We said No more bush. Uproot bush on our way out of the parking lot. The secrect service was nice and choose to arrest use for 6 hours as a threat to Bush's life. That is bull. I don't care. I believe he has a right to his opinions and who am i to say other wise. But, We got relweased on house arrest for 2 days till bush left state for being kerry supporters. Thats not right. We were told a cop and an old person thought they heard shoot bust not uproot bush. Last I knew I had a right to freedom of speech anywhere and I didnt cause any riot. Just a comment to a guy I knew at my church as we always joke around about elections! We need a goverment that isn't so stiff!

Answer 9

I have been both in my life and now I am a Libertarian. I read both party platforms of the D's and the R's and then I read the US Constitution and found that both were off the mark. I then started searching for a party that was in line with the US Constitution and found the Libertarian Party was the best party for a true Republic.

In Liberty,
Eric H. Smith

Answer 10

I'm a registered Republican, but I don't vote straight-ticket. I've voted more than once for my current Congressman, who is a Democrat. Frankly, I'm not very impressed with either party right now, but here in Pennsylvania, you can only vote in your party's primary, and if you're an independent, you can't vote in the primary.

Why did I become a Republican? A few reasons:

1. I grew up in the Reagan era, and I firmly believe that he was the greatest president of my lifetime, and I feel of the entire 20th century. The man had principles and he stuck to them. He wasn't afraid to look evil in the eye and do what was necessary to defeat it.

2. Republicans are more in line with my beliefs than Democrats.

3. I've noticed that my tax burden always seems to be higher when the Democrats are in charge. Now, I don't mind paying taxes for the essentials, such as national defense, police, etc., but so much of our tax money is wasted.

4. Michael Moore. 'Nuff said.

Answer 11

I am an independent, yet I always vote Democrat.

I hate the title of being in a party. I want to think independently without pressure of being associated with a cerain party.

Now, saying that, I've always voted Democratic because they seem to generally care more about the people than the Republicans. Social issues are important for our survival. Whether Bush wants to admit it or not, the world doesn't revolve around big business. As a society, we need to look at the big picture. I think the Democrats do a better job of that.