Democrat or republican? Why?
470539
I am an independant. I believe in a strong, small government. I believe in an unbiased foreign policy. I believe in protecting and helping American citizens first, before helping and defending other countries. I believe in protecting the environment. I believe in the rights afforded to us by the Constitution, including the Right to Bear Arms. I am anti-abortion in most cases. I believe in tax cuts for everyone, not just the wealthy. I believe that marriage is a basic human right, gay or straight.\n\nI side with Democrats on some of these issues, and Republicans on others. I, personally, do not like Bush and what he's done to this country. I dislike and distrust both political parties equally. One of my favorite quotes is Abraham Lincoln; “A statesman is he who thinks in the future generations, and a politician is he who thinks in the upcoming elections.”. We need more statesmen and fewer politicians.
561139
I vote for the lesser of two evils. It is such a shame that every serios issue in this country and the world is overshawdowed by "Democrat vs Republican".\n\nWHO CARES WHAT POLITCAL PARTY YOU ARE! Vote for the right choice. There's alot more views in this country than just two of them. This country wasn't even founded by a "Democrat" or "Republican"
340491
The is no 2-party system in the US anymore. What we have is Republican and Republican-lite, all the corruption with half the aftertaste. Two different flavors of the same crap.\nVoting for someone because they are "Republican" or "Democrat" is taking the easy way out. I have voted Democrat, Republican, Green, and Libertarian in my life. I don't vote on meaningless buzz-words, I vote on issues.\n\nI, too, am for a complete housecleaning. Throw them all out and start fresh.
966531
oh wow!  There are 2 major parties in the United States. Democrats and Republicans. Some democrats, well usually most, no offence, can be liberals. Sometimes, they are liberals. Republicans are representated by an elephant. Go to the national republican or national democrat websites to learn about their history and facts. It is pretty interesting.
926009
REPUBLICAN, all the way. rock on, baby!
796893
Democrat.  I believe in their values more than the republicans.  Also, republicans just whine about everything.  Also, Bush is the dumbest person on the face of the universe.  You could fit his library in a little corner.
28444
In a brief nutshell, today's Republicans (the Good Old Party, GOP) are characterised by a want for 'smaller' government, a more agile (not necissarily bigger) military, and a connection with (usually religious) blue-color 'everyman' workers.  They believe in a government that is reflective of overarching, 'home grown' family values, as can be best seen in their "Contract With America". Democrats are more for creating a social welfare society, and believe that goverment should play a more active role in daily life (though not necissarily intrusive).  Many people brand this party as being 'liberal', which is actually a fairly new designation considering many Democrats (also known then as Dixiecrats) were opposed to 'liberal' civil rights reforms in the 1960s.  Further, whereas Republicans target typically older citizens, Democrats tend to lean towards younger, educated professionals (for example yuppies) and are a favorite on college campuses.  Unfortunately, in today's America politics has become frieghteningly divisive.  We can't even have a hurricane (I cite Katrina) without people pulling out 'Repbulican this' or 'Democrat that'.  Further, the two parties aren't helping the matter either.  Whenever someone does something wrong (For example a Republican President or Democratic governor), it is suddenly the fault of the entire party, and not just that one person.  You seem educated enough to visit each party's website and read their platform.  Skip over anything with the word 'Iraq' or 'terror' in it (because these are in the spotlight, and are likely to be uselessly full of propogand) and instead read your opinions on issues that effect your daily life, such as public education, health care and taxes.  I think you (and many other people) would be surprised at how much the two parties actually agree on, but with different routes.
827276
I would suggest to you Mr. Alex B PHD that because my Masters degree has forced me to provide you with some of the answers to these mind boggling questions that haunt you from time to time i am once again obligated to place these words of wisdom upon you. Either one could run and be elected, and yet with only those two choices i think we might see a revolt within the Democratic party, Yes i do realize that you did not specify which political party they were connected to but, your question demands that they be Democrats. My best possible thinking has went into this answer and i believe the combination of the two would make an excellent choice for President and Vice president for the Democratic party!!!
485280
Republicans: to conserve national traditions, limit government interference, promote big business, and support democracy causes.\n\nDemocrats: to reshape government, to acquire more government control, limit big businesses, and focus on domestic issues.
348732
Democratic party philosophy vs. Republican party philosophy.
720810
I chose the party I currently vote in when I was about 22. It was a long debate, measuring pros and cons of both major parties and a few smaller ones. It was a painstaking journey. My mother and her side of the family wanted a Democrat, and my father wanted a Republican. I chose the party that best fit with my political beliefs. Needless to say, My grandmother has taken me out of her will, and my mother wants to constantly argue politics and religion with me.
992451
I am a registered democrat not a socialist. I am in favor of a balanced budget and less interference into our personal lives. I also favor states rights. In Oregon we passed (voter referendum) legalized assisted suicide and medical marijuana. Both are under attack by a republican led government. These used to be republican and conservative causes. They are not any  more. This is why I vote democratic. I used to vote republican. If I thought the libertarian party had a chance I would be a libertarian. The democratic party is the lesser of the two evils. I don't care about saving stem cells, abortion or the evils of gay marriage. I do care about health care, education, and a strong economy that provides jobs with living wages. If the republican party can offer this and stay out of our bedrooms, I'll vote republican.
591011
Nominal Republican, but I have voted Libertarian in the past.  Given the fact that I really don't care for government and am able to handle most problems on my own, I can't see myself voting for a party that loves to be Big Brother like the socialist Democrats do.
261581
Generally Republicans believe that business if left alone serves society. Democrats believe that people sometimes need assistance from the government. Republicans are more rugged individualists and Democrats believe we have a moral duty to help each other out. Republicans tend to rely on business to cure societal ills and Democrats tend to rely on government.
1127369
I completely relate.  I'm a Republican because the Republican party WAS the party of small government.  We now have two parties that are both for big government and third parties have almost no chance of winning.  I think there are many Americans who feel as we do, and I hope that our voices will be heard.  We have the power to vote them out, and I hope we exercise that power.
311567
Right now with the Republicans it is a Republic. When the Democrats are in power it is a Democracy. That is the difference. One is for the people, and the other for wealth.
205882
When will people realize the differences between having a Republican President and a Democrat President are nil?? \n\nNothing changes...the machine drives itself.  Peoples' perceptions of how good or bad things are currently going is too easily determined by a D or R on a voting card.  \n\nIf you switched the guy at the head, the country would be in the same place, you'd just have the democrats happy, and the republicans freaking out at every "decision" made by the administration.  But nothing would be different. Your day to day existance would not be changed.