H.M. Murdoch
Well-Known Member
IMHO, just trying to be objective, it seems to me that the democrats kinda sorta have the upper hand on the republicans. And may have for a long time to come.
Set aside the recent midterm election results (since presidents in their 6th years aren't usually popular anyway).
If you don't like the terms "democrat" and "republican", substitute "liberal" and "conservative" (respectively).
OK, here goes:
Republicans speak to the masses, and say "come join us; but we'd really like you to believe mostly like we do". Republicans kinda sorta want everyone to shun abortion, gay rights, marijuana, doctor-assisted suicide, immigration, tax increases, etc. Not all, but most. They do have toleration for some variation, but it seems they don't want much variation. The republicans can be very exclusionary at times, it seems. IMHO.
Democrats, on the other hand, speak to the masses and say "come join us; just join us. Certainly we can find something in common that will motivate us to band together against those damned republicans. If you believe ANYTHING like we do, then you're welcome".
So the democrats get majorities in the marijuana crowd, the abortion crowd, the gay rights crowd, minorities, women, etc.
I think this is supported by even Bob Dole, who recently said something to the effect "The republicans have to learn that they can't be against EVERYTHING".
I think Bob Dole hit it on the head. The republicans have to learn that they can't be against everything. Their core philosophy may need a bit of an overhaul, else they'll never win today's younger voters consistently from election to election.
Set aside the recent midterm election results (since presidents in their 6th years aren't usually popular anyway).
If you don't like the terms "democrat" and "republican", substitute "liberal" and "conservative" (respectively).
OK, here goes:
Republicans speak to the masses, and say "come join us; but we'd really like you to believe mostly like we do". Republicans kinda sorta want everyone to shun abortion, gay rights, marijuana, doctor-assisted suicide, immigration, tax increases, etc. Not all, but most. They do have toleration for some variation, but it seems they don't want much variation. The republicans can be very exclusionary at times, it seems. IMHO.
Democrats, on the other hand, speak to the masses and say "come join us; just join us. Certainly we can find something in common that will motivate us to band together against those damned republicans. If you believe ANYTHING like we do, then you're welcome".
So the democrats get majorities in the marijuana crowd, the abortion crowd, the gay rights crowd, minorities, women, etc.
I think this is supported by even Bob Dole, who recently said something to the effect "The republicans have to learn that they can't be against EVERYTHING".
I think Bob Dole hit it on the head. The republicans have to learn that they can't be against everything. Their core philosophy may need a bit of an overhaul, else they'll never win today's younger voters consistently from election to election.
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