Question for Democrats and liberals

[Budmantom]

I'd say that most liberals in this forum are to the left of the Democratic party so if anything the country isn't being destroyed fast enough for them, they could care less about transparency, the truth or promises made on the campaign trail.

I would also go out on a limb and say that most of the leftists are probably on government assistance so the bigger the government the happier they are, they have a stake in Socialism.

 

[GroundedSailor]

I don't feel qualified to speak for "true Democrats", since everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs. But on many issues, I do feel that I'm way to the left of the Democratic party. That said, I don't feel "betrayed", because I don't think the Democratic party has misled me into thinking they stood for something they don't. I think they could take a lot of their positions farther, but that's just personal choice. Overall, I think they've stayed relatively true to their stated goals.

I really don't think there is a lot of comparison with the Republican party here. The Republicans don't just moderate Republican beliefs, they seem to conveniently abandon them. Things like small government and personal freedoms are not even on their radar, except when it comes to nice, cheap words. They have, however, clearly stated that they are the party of the socially conservative now, and in that sense they've been remarkably true to their word.

While, broadly speaking, the Democrats may have stayed relatively true to their goals, the backlash against Bush policies in last election brought in a lot of right leaning Democrats. This has lead to a diluting of Democrat positions with each politician more interested in 1) getting reelected by the voters in his/her constituency and 2) raising enough money for that reelection, than in supporting changes which would benefit society as a whole and not just the chosen few.

I personally believe the Democrats could have tried harder. A couple of examples: In the health care debate they should not have taken single payer off at the start. Instead they should have used it as leverage to get better concessions from the other side and we may have had a decent public option compromise. At the beginning of the year they could have started the reform of wall street when public opinion was in favor, wall street subdued and the timing was right instead of dragging it till now. Public has largely forgotten their anger and wall street has become more confident now which will make any meaningful reform difficult.


To answer the OP's question, yes do I feel like the Democrats have squandered many opportunities but in the final analysis I'm very glad the President is Obama and not McCain.


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[Obsoleet]

Yes, I'm still happy. I'm happier with the Democrats by far because they don't spend AND cut taxes. They spend and raise taxes to pay for the spending, it's a little more sensible to be honest. If you're going to spend, try not to create an even bigger problem by borrowing against the future more than we would otherwise need to.

They aren't my ideal, but if it comes down to the GOP or Dems I'll go Democratic everyday no question. People think things are bad now or they have it rough under Obama.. I would've loved these Republicans shipping off to McCain's war in Iraq, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Afghanistan, anywhere his aggression could be exercised and our nation could be bankrupted. Not to mention he'd done the same bank bailout, same GM bailout, Chrysler, there's no doubt after watching Bush for 8 years how terrible they'd be.

It's a shame people don't realize this. The past 10 years has solidified me in the Dems corner for sure. We're not blind.


By the way I consider myself a Leftist for sure, definitely a socialist and work and am not on government aid of any sort. Today was my first day off since the 31st, I work more than a Republican could and still think I should not be greedy, help my neighbor and want the government to focus on lifting up the people instead of power a war machine.

 

[dmcowen674]

So to the Democrats and liberals, do you feel as if the Democrats you voted for and supported have not held true to the Democratic beliefs? Do you feel sold out by those you supported?

Other than a handful of Republicans that had infiltrated the Democrat party (the Alabama guy, Lieberman etc) , No.