Darren Said:

What is the difference between democrats and republicans?

We Answered:

These are only broad generalizations and any one Democrat or Republican may differ from their party on a particular issue.

Social:

Abortion - Democrats believe a woman should be allowed to terminate a pregnancy, Republicans support the life of the fetus

Homosexuality - Democrats wish to extend rights to homosexuals (right to adopt, legalize civil unions or same-sex marriage, right to serve openly in the military), Republicans believe granting rights to homosexuals will destroy the traditional (man + woman) family structure and harm children

Guns - Republicans oppose most gun control laws. Most Democrats support some measure of gun control, though this varies widely from politician to politician. Many are in complete agreement with Republicans, many would be satisfied with only stricter enforcement of current laws and closing the gun-show loophole, and many want further restricted access.

Environment - Democrats are in favor of policies that would limit the omission of carbon dioxide and develop sustainable energy. This is an area where many Republicans disagree with each other. Some deny there is climate change, some accept climate change but do not this human activity is responsible, and some accept that human activity has led to climate change. Of those in the last group, some support government action to reduce human impact on the environment, others do not.

Economic:

Taxes: Democrats favor of a more progressive tax system (one in which a person pays a larger percentage the more they make) and want to raise taxes on those making $250,000 per year or more. Republicans favor keeping taxes at the levels passed under President Bush or cutting them. This is one area where the rhetoric of both parties does not match well with the numbers, as the actual difference in percentages is quite small (about 4% for the top bracket) when compared with historical income tax data.

Public spending: Both parties support continuing Medicare. Most Democrats support some expansion of government health coverage. Republicans oppose further government involvement in the health sector. Democrats support more funding for food stamps, unemployment, Medicaid etc. than do the Republicans. Democrats support continuing government-run Social Security. Republicans have a mixed record and under President Bush pushed the idea of Social Security privatization. Democrats are in favor of spending on infrastructure. Some Republicans favor these programs and some do not.

Labor: Democrats support the Employee Free Choice Act while Republicans believe it would lead to coercion on the part of unions and harm businesses. Democrats favor raising the minimum wage while many Republicans feel this would also harm businesses.

Corporate regulations: Democrats generally favor increased regulations in the private sector. Republicans generally oppose restriction on the free market.

Government spending in general: Both parties, particularly the Republicans, vocally support curtailing government spending. However, neither party does much on this front. In modern times, Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush have been the highest spenders in percentage of GDP. Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Clinton have been some of the more fiscally conservative. President Obama's first year in office was marked by high spending. Democrats say this spending was necessary, using the New Deal as a historical model. Republicans say that increasing the debt will further harm the economy. Both parties usually blame the other when it comes to spending.

Foreign policy and homeland security:

Iraq: Many Democrats supported the invasion, many did not. Democrats have favored deescalation since before the 2004 elections. Agreements to begin the withdrawal of troops were begun under President Bush.

Afghanistan: Some Democrats support increased troop involvement in Afghanistan - which President Obama ran under - some favor withdrawal. Republican in general support escalation.

International relations: Democrats favor increased diplomacy with both allies and enemies. Republicans feel the tone of the Obama administration has been too apologetic and hurts American security.

Gitmo: Democrats are in favor of closing Gitmo and sending the prisoners to other facilities, some within the United States. They are opposed to techniques such as waterboarding. Many Republicans are opposed to closing Gitmo, although President Bush and John McCain as a candidate both supported closing it. Many Republicans believe enhanced interrogation techniques helped security, though there are notable exceptions such as John McCain.

Privacy vs. Security: Democrats are vocally opposed to any infringements on civil rights, such as NSA warrantless surveillance and provisions under the Patriot Act. Republicans feel such actions are necessary to protect citizens.

Luis Said:

Do you know the difference between Republicans and Democrats?

We Answered:

I've understood that for years. here's another.
A daughter going to a liberal college went home to her Republican father, try as she might she couldn't get her dad to change his political views on sharing the wealth.
He look her in the eye and asked her what her GPA was, She proudly told him she had a 4.0 average.
The he asked what is your roommates average.
Well, the daughter told him she parties all the time and barely studies enough to maintain a 2.0.
The father then said why don't we arrange to give 1.0 of your points to her, then you will both have a 3.0 GPA.
The girl was upset and said I work hard to maintain my grades, why should I want to share them with someone who doesn't try?
Her father look at her and said welcome to the Republican party.

Wanda Said:

What do you think is the difference between Republicans & Democrats.?

We Answered:

Democrats always looking out for the little guy and most Republicans mostly for big business but I feel we need more Independents to keep check both parties.If on take a step back both parties have done some harm to our nation with some their policies that we have more Independents keep in check.

Good question,

Nora Said:

If you had to come up with one fundamental difference between democrats and republicans, what would it be?

We Answered:

The return addresses on their fund-raising letters.

Kevin Said:

How do you tell the difference between Democrats, & Republicans?

We Answered:

Liberal Apologists' Answer:

There's not enough information to answer the question!

Does the man look poor? Or oppressed?

Have I ever done anything to him that would inspire him to attack?

Could we run away?

What does my wife think?

What about the kids?

Could I possibly swing the gun like a club and knock the knife out of his hand?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, and what kind of message does this send to society and to my children?

Is it possible he'd be happy with just killing me?

Does he definitely want to kill me, or would he be content just to wound me?

If I were to grab his knees and hold on, could my family get away while he was stabbing me?

Should I call 9-1-1?

Why is this street so deserted?

We need to raise taxes, have a paint and weed day, and make this a happier, healthier street that would discourage such behavior.

What would Jimmy Carter, Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton do?

This is all so confusing! I need to debate this with some friends for few days and try to come to a consensus.

Jo Said:

What's the difference between Democrats & Republicans?

We Answered:

Republicans and Democrats are polar opposite on many issues.

Republicans:

1. Believe that a free-market economy should fund the government.
2. Believe in limited government.
3. Are generally pro-life.
4. Generally will cut taxes.

Democrats:
1. Believe that taxation should fund the government.
2. Beleive that the government has the responsibility to help the people.
3. Are generally pro-choice.
4. Generally will raise taxes.

A person certainly does not have to believe EVERYTHING that the party has to say on a certain subject. Many people are moderate and believe in some of both parties.

It's best to choose the candidate that shares your beliefs (theoritically regardless of their political party).