What is a Real Democrat?

[HassleCat]

Last edited Mon Nov 9, 2015, 01:10 PM - Edit history (1)

Here on DU, we have a broad cross section, I'm guessing. I noticed two posts that caused me to wonder about the diversity of opinion among Democrats, and whether there are certain issues on which one must hold a particular view to be a Democrat, some kind of line one must not cross.

One post seemed to exhibit a very bloodthirsty attitude about capital punishment. It expressed joy that one person was executed, and included the fervent desire to see another person executed. I know Democrats who support capital punishment, but with many reservations. Personally, I think Real Democrats oppose capital punishment under all circumstances, but I guess the line is drawn differently for others. Where is the line on this issue? Are there any of you who think we should execute more criminals? If so, why? And how does this square with calling yourself a Democrat?

The other post I noticed proposed it was a good idea for the Indian government to expel Greenpeace because opposition to development is a bad idea, and development is a good thing in poor countries. It has always been my impression that Democrats opposed headlong development because it (1) exploits the poor, (2) promotes oligarchy, (3) causes environmental damage, (4) leads to slums, disease outbreaks, sanitation problems, etc. What say you, DUers? Can I still call myself a Democrat if I advocate unfettered development in poor, overcrowded nations? Where is the line on this issue?

On edit: The reason I ask is because every Democratic candidate says something like, "I stand for the values, principles and policies that have defined our party..." and then they usually go on to mention some examples. What are those values, principles and policies? The Republicans seem more ideologically pure. They kick you out if you show even the tiniest shred of humanity. But we seem receptive to just about anything., as a couple responses have indicated.

[Hortensis]

1. Democrats span the spectrum, from conservative to radical liberal.

Many groups with very different interests are represented in the Democratic Party. There can be no definition of a "real" Democrat.

However, members do tend mostly liberal. Liberal is a basic personality type and has characteristics that differentiate liberals for conservatives and libertarians and that tend to shape most party positions. Understand those basic human differences and we can understand what a "typical" Democrats is.

At the link is just one article about differences between liberals and conservatives among many available. (Googling libertarian personality is also extremely interesting. Fortunately for all of us they're smaller in number, but we really don't these people in national office.)

[link:http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/02/studies-conservatives-are-from-mars-liberals-are-from-venus/252416/|

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. About the same as Real Men, Real Christians, Real Socialists, Real Liberals, Real Conservatives.

It's a Real Label.

[patricia92243]

3. People who vote Democratic. n/t