Why is there so little variation in US politics?

Question

It seems to me, as an ignorant foreigner, that you can only be a Republican (fascist), or Democrat (fence-straddler, that has to please everyone - which obviously can't be done).
Who represents the working-classes? Do you Americans feel it's appauling that poorer people on your own doorstep are treated so badly?

Answer 1

There is so little variation because the richest 1% doesn't have very wide-ranging views.

Nobody represents the working-classes. We pretend they do not exist, even though they are 70% of the country. We imagine they are all going to college tomorrow to become doctors and computer programmers. Oh, did I mention we're cutting college loans and raising tuition?

That's economic justice, American style.

Answer 2

Sometimes, it does seem like choosing is like a Coke or Pepsi proposition (not much difference between the two). However, there are many in the world that don't have any choice, so I'm grateful to live in a country that gives me at least two options.

And not to sound cold-hearted, but I am more concerned with the poorer people within my walls than those at my doorstep. We have enough problems in this country (a huge deficit, trade imbalance, etc, etc, etc.) to fix first. Once we can get our inside clean, then maybe we can start worrying about our doorstep.

Answer 3

It is the two party system. I love democracy and everything it stands for, but democracy would be too complicated without some structure. Because there are major political parties to organize the system, most half-interested people aren't focused on every single issue enough to be an independent or find a third party exactly or very close to where they are. Without the two, or possibly 3 or 4, major parties, could you possibly know everyone in the race? It organizes voters through a "bracket' so to speak. You vote in your primary, you vote in your general election. It is narrowed down, so then then the people who aren't political junkies can follow all the candidates involved.

Answer 4

You lack understanding of the two US political parties. The major differences reside in the areas of government funding, government obligation to citizens, and government regulation of business.

The current administrations efforts to increase the power of the Presidency above the proper checks and ballances are not a usual part of the Republican parties aims.

Answer 5

No, actually, not only do you have the wrong impression regarding how our parties act, but poor people should not be on my doorstep. It would be trespassing, and I would press charges upon anyone regardless of economic status who would not leave my property.

Answer 6

Because of the two party system. I personally think we need a system like those found in Europe where multiple parties can coexist.

Answer 7

This is capitalism. You don't like it then leave!