What has happened to the Democratic Party?

Question

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110008763

This is a link to an article written by a Liberal Anti-War Democrat. He says hatred has now crossed the isle and Democrats are getting as bad as McCarthy was. Can't we all open our eyes and see that that is not going to win us the election in 2008? Stop the hatred!

Answer 1

OHMIGAWD There's at least one other sensible person out there(my opinion only, and who am I). Actually I've been wanting the Democratic party to get back to where it was. Democrats used to be the "party of the common man" back before that statement would be criticized for not being politically correct. Now they have pandered to the 'Special Interests' so much they have alienated much of their base.

I was surprised when they lost both houses of Congress in 1994. And I didn't mind Dems couldn't retake either house until Bush won the White House. I'm old enough to remember several years when Democrats controlled both houses and the White House too. Historical those have not been the best of times for our country.

I like to see a balance of power in government that means no one party has control of everything. But right now all I see the Democrats do is talk about how the Republican idea is all wrong. I never see Democrat leaders telling the press what their ideas for changing things are, how they will work, what they want to accomplish, and most important how will they be paid for. All I hear is how bad the Republicans are. I'm sorry, "Vote for me, I'm not a Republican", doesn't get me excited. And in 2008 saying I'm against what Bush has done won't fly because Bush won't be running.

Right now I want to see fiscal responsibility at the forefront. And that doesn't mean more taxes. With over 2.-something TRILLION dollars in the budget. Don't tell me you don't have enough. when I say I want the fat trimmed I don't me Ted Kennedy and Dennis Hasert have to go on a diet.

I'm rooting for Democrats--But I'm not going to get stupid about it. OBTW I'm one of those people who determine who get's elected. I'm an INDEPENDANT! I don't believe either parties BS.

Answer 2

I post on this very topic quite often. I am an independent voter, but I do lean to the right. The Democrats are increasingly more willing to eat their own if they don't agree with the extreme left wing agenda demonstrated by so many these days. They have completely alienated moderate voters. For some reason they just cannot seem to grasp that the vast majority of the public is just sick of hate speech from both sides of the aisle. Worse yet, in pushing their get out of Iraq now rhetoric they are reinforcing Republican claims that the Democrats are weak on national defense. Now it doesn't really matter if they are weak or not, perception is what counts for election day results. The last election proved without a doubt that security is a hotbed issue for moderate voters in both parties. As the moderates go, so too goes the leadership of the country, because it is not the party faithful that swing elections, it is the moderates. I remember a time when the Democrats actually stood for something, but these days they do not seem to be able to present a passable platform. I fear they will continue to stay this course until the party self destructs. Who knows maybe that is exactly what is needed in this country. New parties with fresh political perspectives, because it is apparent that neither side is listening to the people anymore.

Answer 3

I have heard it compared to McCarthyism recently also. It's odd all the hatred. The Democrats have always been the ones that were for peace. I don't understand how so many can get down on Mel Gibson for his remarks and then be so anti Israel. These things don't add up. I think there is some thing gone terribly a stray here.

Answer 4

The Democratic party has allowed its leadership to be as extreme to the left, as the Republican party has done with the extreme to the right. The faithful of each party, in an effort to differentiate themselves from the other, have basically alienated the vast middle of the political spectrum that actually elects people.
It will be interesting to see what each party does in 2008. I guarantee you that the candidate from whichever party that is more centrist, will win. (By the way, Hillary seems to be the only one working that angle, trying to make herself appear more moderate than the other potential candidates in the Deomocratic Party).

Answer 5

Social issues, the economy, the war, the environment these are the issues that the Democrats should focus on, and try to deliver their message to the public in a more powerful manner.

Answer 6

Our elected employees have become disconnected with the will of the people. Democrats and republicans. They all are more interested in serving themselves and their own agendas than representing the people who elected them. Part of the problem is we the people have become so lazy we don't even vote.

The message should be clear at the polls this time around. Get off your sofas and vote!

Answer 7

Both of the major political parties engage in far too much mudslinging and hate-mongering.

Personally, I think having political parties at all was one of the worst mistakes this country has ever made. Every candidate should run as an individual, stand up for what they believe in as an individual, and get voted for as an individual.

Answer 8

There is no such thing as the Democratic party anymore.It has been going this way for years which is why i along with a ton of others has switched to the other side years ago.More will continue to follow this.Liberals has killed them

Answer 9

Perhaps if your party returns to the ideas of classic liberalism you may start to win more elections.

Answer 10

Ask Joe Lieberman. I hope he wins as an Independent and the Republican majority increases more.