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For better or worse, and more likely worse, we live in polarized times so I am trying to understand what is the driving force between Republicans and Democrats. I know there is no cut and dry answer but I am trying to garner an understanding of why one supports the Republican party to better understand other viewpoints. There are certain aspects of both parties that I believe in btw but many times people get too emotional AND positional so that rationale ideas are not shared/discussed when it comes time to elect our leaders and establish policy. So the question is simple, what is the biggest reason you support the Republican Party?
Last edited by johnathanc; 03-07-2013 at 03:10 PM..
That's pretty much it. In a two party system you support the candidate or party that comes closest to your objectives. The two parties have lined up pretty well on each side of the major issues of our day and for me, the Republicans aren't ideal, but they're better than the Democrats.
I understand this may not be a cut and dry answer but what is the strongest reason why one would support the Republican party?
I generally support the Republican party because I think it is the closest to what is best long term. I am personally economically conservative and socially liberal. Regarding social issues: gay marriage will eventually become legal in all states. That is an inevitability. Women will always have the right to get abortions. Roe v Wade is the most cited case in the history of US case law. It will never be overturned. I am 100% for equality in all social issues, but those issues are grassroots enough that they will legally come to pass regardless of the politics. Once gay marriage (to pick one issue as an example) becomes legalized in a quarter or so of states, then it will be politically disastrous for the republican party to NOT support it, and they will change positions at that time.
Now on to economics: It is a very disastrous policy to continue spending exorbitant money on social welfare programs, continue tax increases, and continue incentivizing people to work less. When unemployment benefits were extended to 99 weeks in 2009, the labor turnover ratio imploded as a result. Social Security has NEVER outperformed an index of the russell 1000 in any 30 year period of its history. Economically, social welfare spending is killing our country. The only economic issue on which I do not agree with republicans is military spending, but that is one concession I have to make.
Why do I support the republican party? In voting for a national leader, social issues simply don't matter. They will come to pass regardless of what a president, congress, or house wants, republicans simply mean they will take somewhat longer to come to pass, but I am OK with that if it means we can fix ourselves economically. This also obviously means that I support many democratic candidates at local and state levels, as those are the levels where social issues can have a bigger impact.
I support the republican party because at a national level when I divorce knee jerk emotions from the logic of what is best for this country, it is really the only choice.
Republicans leave a lot to be desired, but, the democrats are evil.
Isn't that a bit ridiculous?
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Why do you support the Republican Party?
