How do you relate to either party?
 

When I thought this question up a second ago it was originally "How do you relate to YOUR party?" In thinking about it however I never close the door on voting for someone based on their party affiliation. Though it does carry some weight I'm not sure how much it should or shouldn't.

Basically I'm finding it harder and harder to relate to the Democratic party but at the same time I find it difficult to relate to the Republican party. Looking at them both on all of their 'issues' stances I don't completely agree with either and neither do I expect to.

Primarily I am thinking of the current crop of Presidential candidates, since I am a democrat I look at them first and simply do not see anyone I could vote for. The closest is Kucinich who is most likely a looser (and will certainly not get the nomination).

I also look at the Republicans, though I am more and more against their party shenanigans (not that I condone the recent Democtatic party shenanigans) I don't really see a real LEADER in their crop either.

I'm still looking of course; I really want to vote for a good democrat but wouldn't hesitate much to vote for a good republican. The only real reason for that hesitation is that they Republicans have held the seat now for 8 years. Change for the sake of change is always wise but I have been very disappointed in the way this administration has handled itself. I don't believe it has been representative of my beliefs of being a "good guy" so to speak.

What do you think? How do you relate to your party or either party for that matter?

I don't think the 2008 election is going to be a very good one for either side.

I'll throw this out there too - for fun: I wish Grey Davis had not been recalled as he would likely be a good candidate for President who I would vote for. I also wish that Jeb had run instead of George. I lived in Florida while he was Governor for a while and I felt he was a decent leader, it is unfortunate that his family legacy have limited his chances in that respect.

Please try to be respectful of each other's views.

I don't relate to either. When most people get honest with themselves, they can't relate to them. They are out of touch with what most people would want to see. Its just the nature of the beast.

The sooner people stop saying "I am Republican" or "I am a Democrat" and start saying "Here's what I think should be done about this", the country will benefit.

It will never happen though.

So forever more, your vote is for either Giant Douche or Turd Sandwich.

Huh?

I am tempted to put this in as a quote of the year, just due to the futility of it. :D

Wanting to maintain my objectivity I've avoided party tags for as long as possible. However after a while you just can't keep sitting on the fence, gotta make the best of it, and try to change things from the inside.

With Michigan and Florida (two large swing states) not even allowed to have their votes counted this Democratic primary, I can see there is still a lot of work to do.

A total of 367 Democratic delegates shall not be counted in two states

A total 136 Republican delegates shall not be counted in five states.

We should all be counted, WTF is wrong with these two parties?

:D

Just trying to step out on the right foot.

I don't think our current system attracts the best and brightest to run for office. There are exceptions, of course, but the majority of politicians are more power-hungry than looking for the long-term good of our great country.

Games must be played on both sides- Far to the edges during the primarys to win the party's base, then being right down the center for the general election. It has an element of dishonesty built in.

I am disappointed with shenanigans on both sides. Elected officials should be held to a high standard. When their standards are sub-par, far below my own, it hurts everybody.

Both sides spend far too much energy pointing fingers at each other. Don't tell me how bad the other guy is, tell me why I should trust you with my tax dollars.

How far to the right, you whack-o?

i can't seem to relate to any of the parties, they don't seem care much about me either, except as a potential revenue source.
at this point i can't get see voting for any of them. i don't want to encourage them.

Amen to that!

Holy krap!

Double Amen to that.

Ramm... would you consider Dantilla as VP in your campaign?

What is his stance on gay marriage? :D;)

He is in the PNW... they love fudge pac... I mean they respect alternate lifestyles.

Top. :p

I agree with Mikester. I've heard some decent thoughts out of Dodd's mouth. Does he stand a chance? Kucinich is a very bright and well informed candidate but unfortunately that don't get 'er done. He should be in the inner circle of presidential advisors at the very least when the new cabinet forms.

I grew up in a staunch Republican family, but I'm so far away from that I'm not even a Democrat. Make sense, Mike? ;) :D

Grey Davis was a product of the Peter Principle. A good if not great public servant that got one position too far. He wasn't as bad as some, though. We could have weathered the storm if it weren't for Ahnold's grandstanding. However, if we are suckers enough, then we deserve what we get.

I could easily claim to be republican or democrat - I believe I am very moderate in general but there are some issues where I am very conservative and other where I am fairly liberal (notice the differing adjectives).

I claim to be a democrat but I'm not married to that claim. One problem right now I have with another Republican president is with Supreme court nominations. Still it isn't a deal breaker, my opinion is that Supreme court nominations should be approved based on their resume and not their party affiliation. I was all for John Roberts as he was a solid choice. I wasn't so hot on Tony but he is qualified. I would just hate to see the Supreme court go all conservative - but if the candidate is qualified I will not whine too much.

I'm not really a party guy.

I agree; he inherited some stuff that doomed him. He was not a GREAT leader but he was good and I believe he was genuine in his attempt to represent the people which is why I say what I do about him. I think the recall was a mistake and I voted against it.

You are also correct to say - we get what we deserve.

Why do we need to relate to either party?

I vote issues & candidates, not parties. Never have. Lifelong independent.

However, as time goes on I find myself increasingly more and more aligned with the Republican platform (in general) than the Democratic one. That's not to say there isn't plenty about the Republicans that disgusts me - there is.

There is no provision whatsoever for political parties in the Constitution. As such, I fail to see how they're allowed to dictate so much of what happens in government and particularly with respect to elections. Abolishing these "machines" would be a great populist first step in regaining control of government, although I've pretty much given up hope of that ever happening in the USA.