Do either Democrats or Republicans really represent the American people?

Question

How many people are happy with either political party? Are they addressing your concerns? Do you think you have a real choice when you go to the polls?

Answer 1

I'm pretty disgusted with both parties. On the rare occasion that either party has a worthwhile member, they are usually ostracized by the same party they belong too.

Russ Feingold is a good example. Democrats hate him because they think he acts too much like a Republican. Republicans say he's so far left he's damn near communist. In actuality the guy is one of they few senators who truly believes in fiscal responsibility and accountability. Basically he's fiscally conservative and socially liberal. Lots of Americans, both Democrat and Republican would support the man for a presidential bid if they knew what he was about. Unfortunately, because he's constantly smeared by both parties, neither of which hold the best interests of the American people, he doesn't stand a chance.

It seems anytime a worthy individual is put in office, Republican or Democrat, he/she is rendered impotent by both parties.

So what's the answer? Do we vote for a 3rd party candidate? Occasionally it works on a local or regional level, but we'll never have a 3rd party candidate for President unless we change our voting system.

Our current system is one of plurality. Put simply, it means every voter only gets 1 vote, and the candidate with the most takes the win. This is fine if you're happy with the 2 party system, but fails miserably when all you have to choose from is asshole A or asshole B (rep or dem). In this situation, when a qualified 3rd party candidate joins the race, he doesn't stand a chance because voters will simply pick the lessor of evils from the reps or dems. Fear of "wasting your vote" eliminates any chance of a good 3rd party candidate winning the presidency.

The solution would be to change our voting system from one of plurality to an approval or percentage system. Although not infallible, it would make a lot more sense.

The way it works is: each voter votes for all candidates on an approval/percentage basis. If you had 4 candidates to choose from. One Rep, one Dem, one Libertarian, and one Green Party candidate for example, you could pick the Green Party candidate at 100%, the Republican at 75%, the Libertarian at 60%, and the Dem at 55%. Once the final percentage of approval is tallied, the candidate with the highest wins. With this kind of system, there are no "wasted votes". A citizen can actually vote their conscience without fear of helping put a candidate they don't want in office.

Our current voting and 2 party system really don't give us much of a choice. Unless some big changes happen, which is doubtful considering the Reps and Dems would fight it tooth and nail, we're stuck with asshole A or asshole B.

If in the next presidential election I only get to choose between Jeb Bush or Hilary Clinton, I probably won't show up to the polls.

Answer 2

This is a good question. Unfortunately, it all comes down to your own perception. A lot of people will tell you that any politician is bad, but without a central gov't anarchy would ensue and i'm sure no one wants that. The difference between the two, in my eyes at least, is that democrats want to help the minority groups to get votes. This is all well and dood, but doesn't always help. This will often affect many other groups (i.e. affermative action, etc...) These groups are good, dont get me wrong, but it punishes more than helps. Republicans, however, use fear tactics to get votes. It's all a power sruggle. I am, however, biased because i am a republican. I just feel that the democrats are weak-willed and prefer to listen to the mainstream media instead of real soutions to problems. Does anyone care about your opinion if your a celebrity? Unfortunately, yes.

Answer 3

Nope. There is usually an Independent candidate and a Libertarian, plus plenty of other special interest choices. The Democrats and Republicans dominate the elections, though, so voting for any other party is really symbolic and not a serious option.

Answer 4

Actually, the values of the average middle American Republican and the average middle American Democrat are pretty much interchangeable. We all seem to want, need, hope for and work for the same thing.

The evils that infest our political parties come from each party's extreme fractions, from the far right as well as the far left.

These people, more vocal than most of us, are hellbent on trying to tell us what to believe, who to believe and who to support.

Get rid of the far right and far left and we'll have a stronger, more true democracy.

Answer 5

I am a republican but don't vote strictly by party lines, for example I am pro gay marriage. But right now both parties stink. I am sick of the senseless pandering and distractions. They aren't address our issues and taking care of anything. Everyone wants them to fix the illegal alien problem but they are off fussing about flag burning. They are too busy fighting to listen to the people.

Answer 6

All politicians represent themselves and their own well being. To politicians citizens are profit centers. You have no choice when you go to the polls. The Gambinos or Gotti's. Take your pick. When you vote you continue this prophecy. They need to be removed.

Answer 7

No, they do not represent the people very well. I don't think any party does. We live in a "Me, me, me" society, so politicians are no different...they do what's best for them. We just try to vote for the person who's "what's best for me" matches the closest to our own.

Answer 8

I'm sure there are a few honest, well-rounded, morally sound politicians out there that I would support, but it's hard to tell who's who, because so many of them hide what they really believe in untill they are elected.

Answer 9

Yes at least 5% of all politiations and reps are honestely trying to do thier job correctely.

Answer 10

Republicans by far, we have more seats in the seante and the house and we have a republican president