What is a Democrat?

[MrScorpio]

It should be an easy question to answer in a place like this that's so very full of opinion.

[rpannier]

1. A Democrat

1. Thinks about how their decisions impact others
2. Recognizes the value and importance of Labor - Profit does not trump all
3. Supports Unions
4. Believes society has a responsibility to help the weak, the elderly, the disenfranchised, etc
5. Does not believe in the corporate superman

on edit: Gave you a rec. Got a total of zero. Not sure why someone unrec'd this. I guess some people don't know why they're Democrats and/or can't explain why

[MrScorpio]

3. Thanks for the answer

BTW, I wouldn't sweat the unrecs at all.

[JDPriestly]

7. I would add, believes in human rights and in particular in those

rights set forth in the Bill of Rights and included in the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Bill of Rights implicitly to include the right to privacy.

[LatteLibertine]

21. Good answer

[Hell Hath No Fury]

24. I would add --

- Understands the importance of a healthy environment and people, and isn't afraid of regulations that will achieve those goals.

- Is for diplomacy over bombs.

[flvegan]

2. Depends what sort of Democrat you ask.

[LaurenG]

12. this. nt

[davepc]

4. It's not an easy answer at all. Big tent politics dont have a lot of room for narrow definitions.

A Democrat isn't even the same thing as it was 50-60 years ago or 150 years ago, even though its the same party.

Sadly, because of the realities of the two party system and its prevalence in American politics a Democrat is a political label for people who are in some respects to the left of the Republicans...irregardless of where both parties lay on the political spectrum. And sometimes even that is too nuanced and the definition of a Democrat is "Not Republican".

[rpannier]

25. But there are things that are/should be shared by people who call themselves Democrats

They don't have to agree of every single thing, but there should be a few things (5-7?) that all Democrats have in common

[Ozymanithrax]

5. A member of the Democratic Party. n/t

[grantcart]

6. One attribute of a Democrat is that they ask questions - like you do

Repbulbicans would have a list and tell you what a Republican is.

[SeattleGirl]

8. Not a definitive answer, but

a Democrat is a person who cares about others.

Republicans haven't yet grasped that concept, and likely never will.

[tavalon]

16. Proof positive the Rahm Emanuel isn't a Democrat

but I never once thought he was.

There's a reason I call him "our" Turdblossom.

[Ichingcarpenter]

9. I grew up with George Wallace and the Dixiecrats

Democrats never agree on anything, that's why they're Democrats. If they agreed with each other, they would be Republicans.
Will Rogers

[Lasher]

11. I disagree.

[Ichingcarpenter]

13. LOL....

But most leftist do understand irony and humor.

Notice I didn't say Democrats.

[Lasher]

14. Republicans R not fun.

I know a Republican who says he once broke loose at a party and removed his neck tie. He thinks he might remember laughing once as a kid. Typical wingnut.

What more could you expect from pro-lifers who are in favor of the death penalty? Irony and nuance are just too much for them.

[defendandprotect]

10. I think at this point it is obvious that what WE think a Democrat is ....

is quite different these days from the political behavior of Democrats --

and therefore the criticism --

Here's one difference . . . the 1960 Democratic Platform upon which JFK ran

called for the Nationalizing of the oil industry -

Right now, we have a Democratic Party which is reversing its former support

and commitment to women to GLBT, to Seniors -- Unions -- Public Education --

Environment -- on and on --

[tavalon]

15. It used to be the team that cared for its constituents

The Republicans were always "me first, not you at all" and the Democrats were "you first, then me, then all of us all together". I'm not sure that still stands.

[sendero]

17. A Democrat..

... is a member of an extinct party that used to not be bought out.

[Scuba]

18. Are you referring to an average citizen Democrat, or a politician Democrat? The anwers differ.

[Toots]

19. A Republican says "you or me"..A Democrat says "you AND me"

:shrug:

[Orsino]

20. Five bucks, same as in town.

Seriously, money has so polluted the political landscape that it can be tough to distinguish the party from its richest contributors--just not impossible, as in the case of the GOP.

[Steely_Dan]

22. If By Liberal...

But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."

JFK - September, 1960

[Peacetrain]

23. I am a full bore, all out liberal Democrat.

and this is how I feel about conservatives

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x300836

[rucky]

26. We're supposed to be looking out for the little guy. n/t