Eugene Said:

Politics: Is there a list of issues that would define Republican and Democratic views in order to decide Party

We Answered:

I highly recommend you try this site: http://www.politicalcompass.org/

You answer questions & the results are assessed for your political orientation.

The unique feature of this site is it points out how inadequate it is to determine political orientation based solely on a one dimensional scale of left/liberal vs. right/conservative.

I reccomend you follow their instructions about taking the test first, without exploring the rest of the site.
Hopefully, that will minimize any influences in the way you respond to questions.
I did so, and I felt my results had me pegged very accurately.

The site also has great reading lists for what ever your position may be, and also another test that examines your knowledge of the politics of well known historical figures.

- dwb

Frederick Said:

5 issues discussed at the democratic and republican national conventions?

We Answered:

Republicans:

The American flag
War
Motherhood
Apple pie
Service
Defense

Democrats:

The economy
Improving education
Rebuilding infrastructure
Rebuilding diplomacy
Alternative energy
Rebuilding our auto industry

Stacey Said:

What are 5 Major issues for both the Democratic and Republican Parties?

We Answered:

the constitution
taxes
corruption in our own government
taking care of our military
and preserving our country
governing by example

none can say they do any of these.

Melinda Said:

Anyone else out there who lean Democratic on social issues and Republican on fiscal/monetary/economic issues?

We Answered:

Libertarians.

Bob Barr, Ron Paul, Jeff Flake ... try looking up Think Tanks like the Cato Institute.

You'll usually find that these sorts of politicians are either in the Libertarian Party or in the Republican Party if they are in office (blame that on the two party system).

Gilbert Said:

I'm a democratic but I believe in some Republican issues?

We Answered:

I like some things about one party, and other things from a different party. You don't have to belong to either. You can be Independent, like me. I typically vote one way, but I don't agree to something just because the rest of the "party" does.

Most people who belong to one party or another don't blindly follow party lines. You can still be a democrat and vote republican for issues you believe in. It is totally acceptable. Next time your grandmother asks you, tell her that "I lean democrat, but I like to research the issues before I vote on them". She'll be impressed that you are taking the time to learn about things before you vote.

When you register to vote, put down "independent". If you pick one party or another, they give you only that parties ballot in the primaries. If you are independent, you get to choose which ballot you want. At least, that is how it has worked for me for the past 20 years. I like to pick and choose, not have it chosen for me.