Do you consider yourself to be a moderate Democrat?

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

Or even a conservative Democrat (is that like a liberal Republican???)?

If so, I am interested in picking your brain a bit.

1. Are you happy with the current Dem party platform? If not, what would you change?

2. If the DNC were to get more liberal, would you mind? If so, why?

3. As it stands now, do you think the DNC is too liberal, too conservative or just right? Why?

4. Would you or have you ever voted Republican? If you have, what caused it? If you would, under what conditions?

Thanks! In the interest of disclosure, I am a very liberal Dem just interested in talking to some of my more moderate homies in the party.

[Parche]

1. democrat

I am a Miberal
no way would I ever vote for a republican

[JohnKleeb]

2. ok here goes

1. Are you happy with the current Dem party platform? If not, what would you change?
I like it, so I am happy with it
2. If the DNC were to get more liberal, would you mind? If so, why?
No, not at all
3. As it stands now, do you think the DNC is too liberal, too conservative or just right? Why?
That's tough but I think our nominee and his running mate are just about the balance we need.
4. Would you or have you ever voted Republican? If you have, what caused it? If you would, under what conditions?
If his name was Abraham Lincoln :D, if this were Northern Ireland :).
So No, I don't consider myself a moderate dem at all.

[jonnyblitz]

4. sounds like you have moved to the right.

no more comrade Kleeb.

[JohnKleeb]

16. nah I didnt move to the right

I dont think the dems are a reluctant vote, I am still far to the left on many many isuses but my tone is a little moderate yeah, I actually think many people with my views on the issues totally underestimate Kerry and I will drive that point until the cows fucking come home. Another thing, I am a yellow dog democrat, I don't see the democrats as the "lesser evil", there's something about working locally, and knowing damn well that I truly like the democratic party, not a fan of some of the policies supported by them, but some of the stuff, no party could have done.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

5. Then what are you doing answering the question, you KLEEB?

Notice how that rhymes with DWEEB??

;-)

[JohnKleeb]

17. I decided to, gots a problem with that

:shrug:

[Inland]

3. Moderate democrat; I used to say that

if the republicans meant have the crap they say, I would be a republican. I voted for many republicans, would have voted for Ford, , voted for Bush I over Reagan in primaries, voted repub in many Michigan races. But that was a long time ago, when there were such a thing as moderate, good government republicans who didn't exist at teh sufference of nutjob conservatives. Reagan wasn't as conservative or crusading as the average republican activist now.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

6. I agree

I think the GOP has most definitely been hijacked by the extreme far right.

Can you imagine how much they would be screaming their heads off if the Dems had gone as far to the left as they have to the right? That hypocrisy is what really kills me.

[Inland]

7. They did--thirty years ago.

Well, they did, in the seventies. Despite the pubs seeing hippies--there is a reason why Clinton's college years and Kerry's anti war efforts strike pubs in their reptilian brain stems as danger-- Now the dems are a market oriented, globalist, DNC organization types. All the normal positions are taken by the dems.

[Hello_Kitty]

8. That's the thing, they don't

Laissez-faire free market is one thing. Lavish subsidies and corporate welfare are entirely another. They are bankrupting us. It's gotta stop.

[Inland]

9. And that's only one part

Strong national defense is one thing. Neocon adverturism is another.

A belief that government can't solve all problems is one thing. Believing that government IS the problem is another.

Belief that government is incompetent is one thing. Believing that government should be made incompetent by putting people in charge who disagree with the basic mission of an agency is another.

[Rowdyboy]

10. By DU standards, I'm probably a moderate

Here in Mississippi, I'm considered a socialist/communist with terroristic tendencies.

Am I happy with the Democratic platform? Sure, basically. Were I party chairman, I'd put more emphasis on economic issues and less on social issues, but by and large I'm satisfied that the party is lurching in the right direction.

If the DNC became more liberal, would I mind? No, not particularly. We drastically need a change in our senate leadership and a new party chairman. Daschle is a great guy with a tough seat in a very conservative state. We need a leader from a "safe" state-maybe Chris Dodd of Connecticut, Charles Schumer of NY, or Dick Durbin of Illinois. We need someone who can speak boldly and proudly without fear of losing his seat.

We also need a new party chairman. McAuliff has done a great job raising money and getting us a state-of-the-art national campaign headquarters, but its time for him to go. Needs to be a tough, nationally known and respected leader. I would love Bill Clinton but I can't see him accepting.

Pelosi replacing Gephart is a definite plus, in my opinion. I look for her to become one of our national spoke persons.

I am pro-abortion rights and reasonable pro-gun control, but I wish the party were more inclusive of those who don't share those sympathies.

I wish we could reconnect with labor, because downsizing and outsourcing could be incredibly potent issues...

I've voted for one Republican nominee for governor (Gil Carmichael in 1975-he was a good man and the Democrat, Cliff Finch, was a fool). I've voted for one Republican for the senate (Gil Carmichael in 1972, when he ran against Democrat segregationist Jim Eastland.

And, prepare to gag.....In 1972, when I was 18 and totally politically uninformed I cast my first presidential vote for Richard Nixon. I've never admitted that at DU before, but I will for you. That was November 1972. By January 1973, I had totally turned around and was supporting his impeachment before Watergate was even a big story. I've lived with the shame of that vote ever since.

Now, the only Republicans I vote for are on a local level when I know the individual personally. I belong to the same church as a local Republican judge who is a really class act. He's the only one I can think of since 1975.

[calico1]

15. You made a very good point regarding Daschle.

I think a lot of people who don't think he is outspoken enough forget he is from a very Conservative state. I too would like to see the Democrats in the Senate represented by someone who doesn't have to watch every word they say for fear they won't be reelected. Chris Dodd would be great. Schumer, or Durbin would be good too, I agree. Or Biden. People that can tell it like it is and not have to worry about angering their constituents. I don't understand why Daschle has the job. I like him but he is limited for obvious reasons. Its not his fault but he has to tiptoe over every word he says because of the State he is from.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

18. Rowdyboy

I hope you have forgiven yourself for that vote. You should. At least the bastage resigned.

And I was two that year.

ROFL!

:loveya:

[calico1]

11. I have voted for Republicans

Mostly local elections. The reason has been the candidate just seemed more in touch with the needs of local residents then the Democratic opponent. I voted for Rob Simmons in 2000 over his opponent because I just thought he was better. I did vote for Bush 1 the first time around. That was the first election I was eligible to vote for here because I had lived in Puerto Rico so when I turned 18 (in 1976) I was not eligible to vote for President. I moved back to the States in 1987. However, had I been able to vote in 1976 I may well have voted for Ford. I liked him then, like him now. He was the last Moderate GOP President we had and was not happy at all with the right turn his party had taken. But I like Carter too so I really don't know. That was a while back. I am not one who thinks that being Republican by default makes a person evil. I don't see things as pure black and white. Guess I am nuanced. LOL.

I am pretty happy with the platform as it is now, but the Democrats need to stop being so politically correct with the GOP. They need to show what they really stand for and not be afraid to sound too controversial.

No, I would not mind if the Party moved more to the left. I think it needs to after many years of it trying to be to nice to Republicans. People need to see the difference. I'd like to see the idealism of the 60's come back in some form.

I would say overall that I have grown over the years and progessed. If you had asked me in the 80's I would have said I was a Moderate with some Conservative leanings, although I have never believed in the death penalty. By the time I voted for Bush Sr. I considered myself a Moderate. I was terribly disappointed with his embrace of the right wing and sick toe my stomach when I saw the parade of wackos on the stage at the RNC that year. I loved Clinton and in my opinion he is the best President in my lifetime. By 2000 I voted for Simmons but all my other votes were for The Democratic Party. I thought it really important to not have Bush become President because I felt it would be a disaster. I was right. This year, I think, as others do that this election is the most important in many of our lifetimes. I plan to vote Democratic straight across for the first time in my life. I won't be voting for Simmons. So I guess you could now call me a left leaning Moderate.

[UdoKier]

12. No, I'm a liberal democrat,but that's by US (extreme right wing) standards

From my travels around the world, the "center" in the US is the most extreme right wing of all the industrialized nations.

A "moderate democrat" would be at the center-right in most advanced countries.

1. No, I'm not happy with the Democratic party. They should have unanimously opposed NAFTA, they should be FOR enforcing our borders, and against foreign adventures like the one in Iraq. As for the social issues, I'm mostly in agreement with the party, but we should try to welcome and reach out more to the religious folks. I personally despise religion, but thee vast majority of people seem to like it, so we need them to win. We should show them how tolerance of gays or birth control are not incompatible with being a good christian (or whatever).

2. I would not mind if the DNC became more liberal on economic/labor issues, because they are way to the right on those issues. They are fine as is on the social issues.

3. Too beholden to corporate power. It's not an ideology problem.

4. I voted Republican in 1992. That was the only time. I was very young and stupid. - I was under the spell of Limbaugh at the time, too lazy to do my own research.

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

19. Thanks!

Great, insightful answers...I appreciate it!

[lgardengate]

13. I am more moderate than most here

1. I would prefer the DNC back vouchers for kids in bad inner city schools. I am not familier with all the platform.

2.Yes, I would not support more "socialist" policys.I Am kinda radical for freedom for all (meaning less control from centril gov and more self government and local control).

3.A little to liberal.For one thing i am not for government run helth care.I want to help more people get health care but i want People in the "driver seat".

4.I have voted gop a few times but reciently i find myself being a bit drawn to the libertarins on some issues.But they can't win and i don't agree on everything with them.I do think the debates should include more than just two partys.

[welshTerrier2]

14. glad you asked ...

no, i don't ... i consider myself far to the left of the Democratic party ...

but i did want to discuss this topic ... on many issues like protecting civil liberties, woman's right to choose, diplomacy before warfare, protecting the environment, workers and product safety, my values are very closely aligned to the Democratic party ...

HOWEVER, after this election i am giving very serious thought to leaving the party ... here's why ...

i believe the accumulation of massive wealth by the super wealthy has enabled a very small group of people to virtually own our government ... this group lacks economic, social and cultural diversity ... they live much to far away from the experiences of most Americans ... it makes for bad government ... it makes for bad policy ... great wealth corrupts ... capitalism ultimately is always exploited and it cannot live side by side with democracy ...

the Democratic party doesn't get this message ... in my little ideal world, i would tax away all income over some amount ... maybe that amount would be $1 million a year ... i really have no idea ... the goal would be to discourage the buying of our government ... i also would not allow inheritances beyond some amount ... again, the right amount would have to be studied but the goal would be to prevent the inter-generational amassing of "excessive" wealth ...

finally, i would radically alter the current tax code ... the goal would be to value earned income far more than investment income ... i would make allowances for the elderly (up to some dollar amount) because many retirees are dependent on their investment income as a major component of their annual income ...

[wettap]

20. I consider myself a Moderate/Centrist

1. Largely, I am happy with the Democratic Party platform. I would like to see the issues of school vouchers (for low income, at-risk children) addressed without the usual rhetoric. I am also generally in favor of less governmental spending... across the board. I'm pro-choice, OK with gay marriages, pro-environment, blah blah blah.

2. I see a further shift towards the left as being the death knell of the Democratic Party. What would really separate the Democratic Party from the Greens, other than name? The Democratic Party (IMHO) is abandoning the center to solidify the most liberal aspects that are voting for more militant Greens candidates. (again, IMHO)

3. I'd like to see the Democratic Party more the way Clinton campaigned as. A moderate.

4.I voted for Clinton both times that he ran. I voted for Bush 41 because I thought Dukakis was too liberal. Mondale too liberal too. (I was too young to vote in 1980.)

I don't see myself voting for Bush 43. Too Reactionary.

I am of the humble opinion that the Democratic Party needs to decide where it wants to go. If it goes to the center, it needs to come to grips with the fact that it is OK to agree with the Republicans on some issues, and risks alienating the most liberal of Democrats... even to the extent of losing them to the Greens. If it goes to the left, it must acknowledge that it must count on each and every Liberal to counter the vote of voting Cons and Centrists/Moderates.

[cosmicvortex20]

30. Dead on - I totally agree

The tin foil crowd has definately jerked the party left.

[hansolsen]

21. I am a "revolutionary", not a Democrat, in today's world. The DLC

dominated Dem Party no longer represents me. A life time Dem who started politics in MN with JFK, and HHH, I have voted Dem every year except Reagan against Carter, which I now view as a mistake. I did like the Gipper though, and was making good money at the time -- I was a sucker for his tax cuts. sound familiar?

Here is what is wrong with the Dem Party, in no particular order:

1. Gun control regulations have been a disaster for the country and for our Party. Gun laws have resulted in more guns sold, not less, and driven many traditional union members to the dark side.

2. Our environmental efforts have turned too far in favor of candy ass rules and regulations -- the net result of all those rules (ATVs and Snowmobiles and Snail Darters, etc.) has done very little real good for the environment while driving away traditional Dem voters who enjoy the outdoors, and believe in multiple use.

3. Gay rights has gone farther than I am comfortable with in some ways. I am glad gays are out of the closet, but I wish they would sit down and shut up about it. I am all in favor of gay marriage, but I find the idea of gay men having sex revolting. In other words, I am willing to respect gay rights but I am not willing to like what I don't like. I see no room in the Dem pantheon for that opinion.

4. Cultural issues: If I made a list of towns that need a good bombing to straighten them out, Hollywood would be a lot higher on my list than Baghdad. There is too much gratuitous violence in movies and TV. And sex is the rightful province of adults. Hollywood celebrates underage sex, and young girls are learning to give their first blow job at about age 13. I don't like it and I would change it if I could, including putting people in jail.

5. Taxes: we will never win the tax issue with an IRS this complicated. Job one is to simplify the income tax code by eliminating almost all exemptions, and taxing all income the same. Middle class citizens would be better off with a flat rate income tax than what we have now. I support a progressive income tax rate structure, but that is not what we have now. I see no leadership on this issue in the Dem Party.

6. Immigration: Dems have made a deal with the devil. The Repubs have gone along with high rates of immigration to get cheap labor, but won't let them in legally because they would have to pay minimum wage and benefits. Dems go along with illegal immigration because the immigrants vote Dem. The fact that illegal immigration drives down middle class wages is ignored by Party poobahs.
We need to raise the legal immigration levels and crack down on illegal immigration by jailing employers who violate the law.

7. Corporate CEOs make 10 times what they did a generation ago. They now routinely make what 500 of their employees make, and 1000 times what people on minimum wage make. This is not right, it is unfair, I am mad as hell about it, and I want something done about it. The DLC wing of the Party kisses corporate ass with the best of them. They will all meet Robespierre some day if this continues.

8. War and Peace. I was appalled at the Dems, including Kerry and Edwards, who gave Bush a blank check to wage war in Iraq. I stand with Kennedy, Byrd and Dean on this war. The only way to meet the threats facing us is to address the valid grievances the world has, and execute a foreign policy based on fairness and equity.

9. The Joe Lieberman / DLC wing of the Party which supports Likud policies in the I/P conflict will eventually get a million Americans killed if left unchecked. Israeli Zionists intent on occupying the "Holy Lands" are the single greatest threat to American security.

10. The single greatest threat to democracy is the Corporate ownership of highly concentrated and vertically integrated mass media. We are in grave danger of losing our free press. Dem leadership has been cowardly about addressing this issue. It is problem number one in the country. Thank God for the Internet.

I could go on -- does this give you a feel for what I think?

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

24. Yes thank you

as a very liberal Dem of course I agree on some and disagree on others, but overall I think once Kerry is in office we can start to have some real discussion about where we want to go as a party.

That's what I like about the Dems, we don't operate as a borg.

[hansolsen]

29. Just out of curiosity, where do you agree / disagree. Not to start a

debate just for my own edification. Thanks, Hans

[Raiden]

22. I am a HARDCORE liberal Democrat

1. Yes, for the most part, I am happy with the Dem Platform. The only things I would change is the Dem's pro-Israel stance. I believe that the only way we can help broker peace between Israel and Palestine is to be be even-handed in our support of both sides. Ariel Sharon is just as wicked as Yassir Arafat and he should be treated as such. The Dems need to stop adopting Likud policies against Palestinians.

2. No, I wouldn't mind at all if the DNC became more liberal. The problem with contemporary Democrats is that they are pushovers, the Republicans call them "LIBERAL" and they fall apart. We need to stand up and be proud to be liberal, or at the very least stand up for our principles and stop conceding everything to the right-wing! I wish the Democrats would be more assertive and once again become the progressive populist party. The answer to the Republican's shift to the right is not to follow them but to move in the opposite direction and fight the good fight. Give the Lieberman/Miller wing the shaft and move on.

3. As it stands now, I feel as if the Democratic Party has become too moderate. We are unwilling to stand up for our principles because we may lose a few independents. What good is winning over moderates if you lack a base? If the DNC continues their shift to the right, then I forsee the left breaking away and forming their own third party.

4. Sure I would vote Republican. I would likely vote for a Republican candidate if they weren't a theocratic, corporatist, elitist thug. I mean I would vote for anyone whom I feel I could trust to uphold the values I hold dear. I really wish the Republicans would move back to the days of Lincoln or Roosevelt or Eisenhower. I can live with those types of Republicans.

[Djinn]

23. Nope

Given that most people here would consider me "far left" I'd probably be thrown in Gitmo if I lived in the US

[LWolf]

25. I used to think I was moderate,

although I didn't become a democrat until after 2000. I didn't belong to a party for the first 22 years of my career as a voter. I thought I was moderate until I paid attention to other democrats, and discovered that I'm not moderate after all. Perhaps it depends on who gets the privelege of setting a standard or position for the center. In today's America, I'm far, far left.

Still, here goes:

1. Some of it is ok, some of it is definitely not. I can't approve or disapprove of it as a whole. What would I change? The position on Iraq. The reserving the right for preemptive attacks. The focus on testing/"holding teachers accountable" for social ills instead of directly addressing the social ills. Supporting the patriot act. Leaving insurance companies in charge of health care, and not providing health care as a right to 100% of Americans. The taking of sides in the I/P conflict; and support for NAFTA/WTO, even with the "reforms."

2. No. I would not mind. From my perspective, they are not now at all "liberal," and have moved beyond the right of center. I'd like them on my side of the center. ;-)

3. Other: Too corporate controlled.

4. No. Never have, never will.

[Only Me]

26. Here goes.

Just my two cents..
1. Are you happy with the current Dem party platform? If not, what would you change?
I am happy with the party overall.

2. If the DNC were to get more liberal, would you mind? If so, why?

No, I wouldn't mind them being more liberal except for two subjects. And they are...
a.) Amending the abortion law to unlimited; e.i., for any non-emergency reason after the second or third trimester- I would seriously have a problem with that.
b.) Illegal aliens. I believe we are currently to liberal with allowing them to stay in this country illegally. I believe in allowing a certain number of legal immigrants into the country on a yearly basis. I believe in giving refuge to aliens that enter our country because of certain governmental acts of repression, particularly fear of being punished or killed. But I think we are entirely to lenient on the minimally estimated 2.4 million illegal aliens that flood our country each year and stay here. It causes extreme hardship on our nations people in every aspect. It needs to stop. We need to take care of what is here before we bring others here. And giving them or their beneficiaries, benefits for working here illegally , like social security is depressing, it does nothing but forces the labor market down. Repugs love that.

3. As it stands now, do you think the DNC is too liberal, too conservative or just right? Why? Typically I think we are right
in the middle. Except I think we have dropped the ball on the illegal alien problem.

4. Would you or have you ever voted Republican? If you have, what caused it? If you would, under what conditions?
No, I have never and no, I would not vote Republican under any normal circumstances...unless they were really a Democratic in disguise. :)

[johnnyrocket]

27. I'm very happy with the democratic party, I'm an indepentant...

and absolutely opposed to almost all GOP politicians. They represent corruption, thievery, selfishness, religious oppression, and fiscal recklessness.

I relate to most all democrats, and their stance on fiscal responsibility and fairness for workers and the economy is spot on.

The right wingers are simply holding on because of the religious freaks who are scared of gays, blacks and women who are successful.

That's the bottom line

[stavka]

28. Your question implies that there are only two paths....

I consider myself a moderate, who usually votes Democratic.