Why are you a Democrat?

[branders seine]

[provis99]

1. Other.

Lesser of two evils.

[Dr Morbius]

2. I am a Democrat because there are only two choices.

And that leaves a person with conscience only one.

[branders seine]

3. hmm.

Ben Nelson is a "choice of conscience"?

[branders seine]

4. I should have picked the democratic leader--JFK

[saltpoint]

35. I rec'd this post, branders seine. And I certainly

cheer your choice of inspirational Dem leaders.

Excellent question for discussion, too.

[branders seine]

70. thanks.

I (barely) remember an America in which high school civics classes and real leaders like JFK made one unquestioningly proud to be an American. Now you have to be ignorant not to doubt.

[ShadowLiberal]

5. Two of the reasons fit me

1) Social Equality and justice, nothing motivates me more then fighting racism and bigotry and homophobia at the ballot box, and fighting back the religious right that tries to push some/all of them.

2) You could say I got turned off by the republican party as well, as when I was a kid and didn't think about the issues too deeply I was like "oh republicans like lower taxes, that means more money, I'm a republican". Then when I was in high school I started to slowly open my eyes around the time it was really obvious that Bush was going to invade Iraq, and I didn't like how he was going about it. I also started to understand other issues more, like abortion, gay rights, the national debt/yearly deficit, etc, and realized how wrong the republican positions were on all of them.

[Sebastian Doyle]

6. Well let me put it this way

I became a Democrat, because I believed that all of your "Democrats are reliable champions..." statements were true.

The fact that those statements are no longer true in a party dominated by DLC corporatists and blueballed coward liars is what is deeply troubling, and causing me to reconsider that decision. Which isn't easy, considering it was a decision I made damn near 30 years ago. :evilfrown:

[branders seine]

7. +1

you and me both.

that's why I said "are" instead of "did you become."

[Warpy]

11. Yeah, Clinton was a disappointment who sold us out

almost as much as Reagan had. I knew what he was going in and I'm not proud of it, but I sat 1992 out as much for that reason as because I had worked 12 hours the night before and just didn't have it together to wake up early and go to the polls.

Our job over the next few years is going to be to get rid of all the blue dog trash who rode Clinton's coattails into office via a DLC dominated party. It's not going to be easy. I'm donating to their primary opponents, if only to let them know that people are watching and money is going to start shifting to progressives.

I resented having to vote for someone as conservative as Obama is, but the alternative was unthinkable. I suppose I'll cross every line but the choice line, just to keep Republicans out.

However, show me another Clinton, I just might sit another election out.

[lpbk2713]

8. Because I have a conscience.

People with no conscience belong on the dark side.

[Ozymanithrax]

9. Because their policies fit with my enlightened self interest...

They fit with my ideas of what a government should do...

[branders seine]

12. you mean like make secret deals with banksters, medical insurance fraudsters,

pharma, and their ilk; escalate illegal wars of occupation; take justice and the rule of law "off the table"...?

That the conscience you're talking about?

[Ozymanithrax]

15. No, I mean their core ideals, and their successful attempts to make things better...

such as the health care bill.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

10. Because they are the (somewhat) lesser of two evils.

[Warren Stupidity]

13. Other: that other party is more stupid, plus the system precludes

third parties, so I'm stuck with the less stupid of two stupids. Or to put it another way, the Democratic Party is a little more on.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

14. (other) Democrats are sometimes supporters of civil liberties, and

Republicans are somewhat less so.

[proudohioan]

16. Up until the Obama primaries, I had always been a registered "Independent".

Because I felt that the basic two party system was pretty much a lesser of two evil scenario. However, I almost always voted a straight Democratic ticket, as they had always been the "voice of reason", the voice of liberal values, which I believe in.

All that changed when Obama started campaigning, so I changed my party affiliation to 'Democrat' in order to vote for him in the primaries. And I proudly voted for Obama in the general election, and helped financially and physically with his campaign. I was excited to not be merely casting a vote against a Republican, finally, not to be voting for "the lesser of two evils"!

Unfortunately, my feelings of disappointment, not long after Obama took office, prompted me to again change my party affiliation when given an alternative choice by the State of Ohio. So this year, for the primary election, I changed my party affiliation to the Ohio Socialist Party, and cast my absentee ballot for Dan LaBotz for senator.

I realize that he doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of winning, but my personal feelings about either of the major "corporate candidates' parties have left me with a bad taste in my mouth. At this point in my life, I do not wish to hold my nose when voting.

[branders seine]

17. Cheers to you for having the courage of your convictions.

[proudohioan]

19. And thank YOU for not trashing me...

Seems like the only time a get any type of response here, is when someone dislikes my disappointment with Obama.

:)

[branders seine]

52. He's been a huge disappointment.

[proudohioan]

54. I feel that way, too.

But I still hope like hell that he starts growing a set. I don't want him to 'fail' (cuz let's face it, if he fails, then so do we...), but on the other hand, if he's going to continue on this same 'corporate' path (and I'm sorry to say, but I agree with Ron Paul on that one), maybe it will open up some eyes, and we can start paving the way to election reforms, independent candidates and getting big money out of our political system.

[Beacool]

40. Funny, I became an Independent right after the primaries were over.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.

;-)

[proudohioan]

50. My feelings exactly. n/t

[Taverner]

18. Other: They are the only alternative

[Liberal_in_LA]

20. Admit it - most of your grew up in Dem families.

[Dr Morbius]

23. Nope.

I grew up living with conservative Republicans. I didn't vote for a Democrat for President until my third election (1988). I became disenfranchised with the Republican party when I found out what life in America was really like when Mommy and Daddy aren't giving you everything.

[Fla_Democrat]

21. closed primary +

local elections. :smoke:

[left is right]

22. Because I have hopes for social justice and genuine fair labor practices

And they will never be actualized by Republicans. However, I have fears that with the current crop of Democratic leaders that social justice and fair labor practices my take a very long, long time. Still some hope is better than none

[branders seine]

69. democrats haven't done anything substantive for labor

in over a generation now.

they did pass NAFTA and GATT and a number of other union-busting policies though.

I think labor is 100% unrepresented in American politics now, and has been for most of our working lives.

[WonderGrunion]

24. Other, democrats accomplish important things for the country

If republics could accomplish anything of use, I might have some respect for them.

[ellenfl]

25. because for most of my life i have been a single woman

living on a single salary. and i believe we're all in this together, not adrift to make our own way. because i am pro-choice, pro-union, pro-environment and pro-giving a helping hand. because i believe in paying my fair share for public schools (even tho' i have never had kids), roads, police protection, fire protection, etc.

the first time i knew my family's political bent was the first clinton election when i was 42. i was shocked that my tight-fisted father voted for a democrat . . . but then he was into entitlements so i guess i should not have been surprised. i actually voted for perot that year as did my mom and possibly my siblings. i have never asked them. i am still not a big bubba fan.

i have voted from the day i became old enough to do so but i never discussed politics with my family. i was an independent for years but always agreed with Democratic ideals. i registered as a democrat when i moved back to florida in 1988 so i could vote in the primaries. fortunately, my boyfriend (who registered to vote for the first time in 2006) has the same beliefs that i do even though his family (in new england!) is apolitical or leans right.

i don't understand the maliciousness of conservatives nor of the so-called christians who try to intrude in our lives and force us to their will. whatever happened to conservatives' belief in individual freedom?

ellen fl

[Fuzz]

26. I have empathy

[Iggo]

27. I'm not one. I just vote that way. (n/t)

[tekisui]

29. Good answer.

It is close to the lesser of two evils vote.

[Beringia]

28. I'm a Green

[ddeclue]

30. I would have to throw up every day if I were a Republican..

:puke:

[inna]

31. Why the fuck was this unrecommended??

Any ideas?

[branders seine]

53. there is a crew who gather the names of anyone who ever criticized Obama

and unrec every thread they post.

[Robeson]

32. Because there is no viable Socialist party in America...

...so that leaves me voting against Republicans. Its the only alternative I have.

[Confusious]

37. Me too. nt

[era veteran]

33. Personal honor

[saltpoint]

34. An Aunt, a County Chair of the Democratic Party, enjoined her sons

(my cousins) and a whole bunch of the rest of us in electing John F. Kennedy in a long-ago election. We were certainly not as sophisticated about politics as she was but we were quite engageable.

That was Kennedy versus Nixon. It was long before the first rumor of Watergate ever came over the news wires. It was long before a lot of things, for that matter.

But John Kennedy versus Nixon. If the contrast seems sharp now it was sharp and vivid and immediate then. And a very hard-working door-knocking, envelope-stuffing, sign-hanging aunt and a pile of cousins and pals...

Not a bad formula for becoming a Democrat.

[old mark]

36. I was born in 1947, and have hated Republicans since I first watched

Joe McCarthy and Nixon on TV and KNEW they were lying.
I used to believe the Democrats were the good guys, but now I know they are just good in comparison to the Republicans and I no longer believe there is very much substance on the left in the US.

But there is certainly NONE AT ALL on the right.

m

[alfredo]

38. The McCarthy hearings turned me against Republicans. I

was just a kid, but I knew a bunch of jerks when I saw them.

[flvegan]

39. I WAS a Republican. Then...I started thinking for myself.

Hey, I was in my late teens, early 20's and came from a mostly 'thuglican family.

I got better.

[WinkyDink]

41. To help the poor.

[SusanaMontana41]

42. A particular leader inspired my loyalty. His name was Robert F. Kennedy. n/t

[Cresent City Kid]

43. I started for many of the reasons listed

As I get older, it's really just about stopping republicans. Democrats frustrate me when they fail to come through on promises either through not meaning to keep them, or just plain failing when they really mean well. Republicans don't even bother yanking my chain, they come right out and promise things I oppose, and believe or want me to believe crap I know not to be true.

[Justitia]

44. The Democratic Party has always reflected my own personal principles.

It's mbrs are not perfect, but I believe sincerely in the principles of my party, they most closely reflect my own and I am a proud supporter of the Democratic Party.

[Douglas Carpenter]

45. George McGovern inspired me!! Ronald Reagan convinced me!!

yes both parties are controlled by moneyed interest and both are parties of a permanent war economy and both hold abysmal position in regards to the Middle East - Unfortunately, I don't agree at all that Democrats are reliable champions of social justice and equality and certainly not peace. But the Republican Party post-Reagan has moved from simply being a conservative party to being simply dangerous to the extreme. Under our electoral system in the United States - to support a third party effort in all but rare exceptions such as in Vermont, would only strengthen the hands of a party now dominated by people who think pretty much like the crazies on Fox News.

[Blue_In_AK]

46. I was raised as a Democrat,

and was taught social justice, fairness and equality by my parents as I grew up. My mother nominally was a Republican, but she certainly wouldn't be one today. Things were different back in the '50s and early '60s.

The basic Democratic party principles appeal to my sense of fair play and equality. Our elected Democrats don't always live up to those lofty ideals, but at least they give lip service to them. The Republican party seems to have no guiding principles at all.

[Enthusiast]

57. I'm a lot like you in this regard.

At least Democrats can be called out if they don't live up to the social justice expectations. Republicans are like from another planet - planet greed and stupid.

[harry_pothead]

47. Other

Democrats are supposed to be champions of personal liberty against the religious right and other authoritarians.

[gleaner]

48. I chose .....

Democrats are champions of social justice and equality. The reliable part depends on the individual.

[Echo In Light]

49. I'm a liberal/lefty/indie, not a dem

[Ghost of Tom Joad]

51. Other

I was born in Chicago

[B Calm]

55. I don't like shooting myself in the foot to entertain the rich!

[DailyGrind51]

56. I vote "Democratic" in national elections, but am an independent voter

in state (IL) and local elections.

[B Calm]

59. Do your children a favor, and keep republicans off your school board!

[Change Happens]

58. Jessie Jackson run for the WH in the 80s, his words and views inspired me to

get involved in politics...I am not AA, but loved his views in general about social justice...etc.

[timtom]

60. I became a Democrat:

1) My mom and dad were Democrats
2) Kennedy was President when I registered.

However...LBJ was an embarrassment, Clinton was an embarrassment, Carter was a really great man who was hamstrung by the conservative forces through means most devious.

[MkapX]

61. R to D

Use to be a republican cause my dad is, but the wars in Iraq, torture, Cheney, and corporate greed just pissed me off.

[warren pease]

62. I'm a progressive, not a supporter of the current crop of DLC corporate suck-ups...

...masquerading as advocates for the middle class.

There are maybe two dozen notable exceptions, but all the rest have to offer is "vote for us because we don't suck quite as bad as the GOP." Which is true, but as marketing messages go, I find that one a little short of inspiring.

So I support the left-most candidate I can find in the primaries, then hold my nose in November as another DLC corporatist liar expresses their heartfelt concern for the plight of the little guy, their staunch opposition to the plutocracy and their zeal to "reform the system."

As long as they're groveling for my vote, they actually come across as caring about something besides their own consolidation of political power.

Then, after the ballots are counted, they catch a ride back to D.C. on some corporate Gulfstream and, by the time they're back inside the beltway, any vestigial concerns for the middle class have evaporated and they fall into the arms of their corporate employers, ready and eager to resume the great game of "Hide the Bribe."

As I say, there are notable exceptions, but not very damn many.


wp

[NorthCarolina]

65. +1

[lib2DaBone]

63. Because I thought Dems were champions of Social justice

Now, after watching guys like Max Baucus and Chris Dodd , I'm not so sure working people have a chance to survive...

[G_j]

64. so I can vote in the primaries nt

[slackmaster]

66. Richard Milhous Nixon

[PassingFair]

67. HOWARD DEAN

I always voted for Democrats. But I considered myself "independent"
until I heard the Dean Sacramento speech.

His emergence on the scene was perfect timing for me.

He got me off the couch and onto the sidewalks.

He got me joining local Democratic clubs.

He got me donating time and money.

I still think about him when it seems like all of my efforts
are a waste of time. I think that McCain would have won the
'08 election if Dean had not energized the "base" in the previous
election, so I keep putting my one drop into the bucket.

If he can keep plugging away, so can I.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

68. I call myself a "genetic Democrat". It's in my blood.

My grandfather on the paternal side of the family was an organizer for the railroads in the early 1900's. I guess you could call him a socialist, but he did support Woodrow Wilson in his two election bids and my maternal grandfather was a delegate to the DNC Convention in 1952 and 1956. My father was a Democratic precinct captain in Chicago from about 1952 to 1984. So you could say I was born to be a Democrat, which I proudly am since I registered to vote in 1972.