I'd like to learn more about how the Democratic and Republican parties function, concretely, at present.
Specifically: how establishment forces (influential donors, party officials, incumbents) influence the rise of candidates (at any level), and how these candidates integrated into the parties activities. I'm particularly interested in the role of
political consultants (in media, fundraising, messaging) - what dynamics are at play as they are hired by candidates, how do these consultants' careers develop, what pressures do they face from the establishment, and what role do they play in shaping the policy positions?
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posted by phrontist
on May 8, 2013 -
3 answers
I am looking for convincing arguments about why I should vote for a major party candidate for President of the United States. This isn't as direct a question as it sounds.
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posted by Invoke
on May 14, 2012 -
31 answers
Where did the "America is a republic, not a democracy" argument come from, and how much truth is there to it?
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posted by Rhaomi
on Jan 17, 2011 -
30 answers
What responsibility does the Bush administration bear for the current financial crisis?
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posted by Lownotes
on Mar 25, 2009 -
28 answers
I gather from Howard Dean's announcement today that he and the Obama People don't get along. I'm curious though how much Obama's win and the Congressional turnover are due to Dean's strategies and policies as head of the DNC.
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posted by serazin
on Nov 10, 2008 -
21 answers
Help! I desperately need to know what percentage of people in NYC are registered as democrats, republicans, and independent. Can anyone find the right link?! I can't find the information on NYC.gov but I have very little time, so I'm skimming. Thank you!
posted by omnigut
on Nov 4, 2008 -
2 answers
PoliSci filter: I was hoping that someone can rationally, without rhetoric, explain to me why the word "Socialism" creates fear and extreme responses in far right-wing people. Soem very detailed specifics within.
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posted by arniec
on Oct 14, 2008 -
61 answers
Can a person be an evangelical Christian and still be a political liberal? This may sound like a simple question but I am open to any and all answers...I find my political views excepting a very few far right beliefs all fall far left....do I have my ducks in a row or do these two worlds necessarily conflict....and yes, I am voting for Obama.
posted by snap_dragon
on Sep 24, 2008 -
55 answers
I need to better understand the proposed tax systems. Mainly the fair tax or sales tax versus an income tax. I am writing a paper for school on the viewpoints of TTARA (The Texas Taxpayers and Research Ass.) and CTJ (citizens for tax justice) but cannot gain a clear idea of what each side is proposing. Obviously the republicans want the fair tax, and since TTARA is business minded, I assume they too seek the fair tax, or at least support it. But what is the Dem idea of fair taxation? Do they want an income tax? What is all this talk on CTJ about income tax cuts? I don’t have the patience to sift through all the material so I'm hoping someone can give me a basic idea of the differing positions on the matter. Mainly answer the question of who wants what and why, and who benefits most from each plan.... Also what about the working poor, do they benefit most from an income tax? Etc. Etc.
posted by madmamasmith
on May 4, 2008 -
17 answers
what will happen to the 26 delegates won by john edwards? he also won some unseated delegates in florida (maybe 13 or so). does he get to give those delegates to whomever he wants, presumably obama or clinton?
posted by brandz
on Mar 9, 2008 -
5 answers
I'm thinking about voting in the Alabama primary. This is something I've never done before. I'm already registered as a voter. I didn't vote in the last election but I did vote in the two (presidential elections) before that. According to UAB's Kaleidescope, I should register by January 25th. Is this the same registration as the last time I registered (for the general elections)? Should I register again? Should I just show up at my voting location? I haven't moved or anything.
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posted by robtf3
on Jan 23, 2008 -
3 answers
Is it possible to make a decent, relatively steady living in (liberal to center left) politics in Raleigh NC? If so what job(s) should I start looking for?
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posted by DetonatedManiac
on Jan 4, 2008 -
5 answers
How can a person who doesn't even have a blog start a meme like thing, a cultural change or influence based on word play?
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posted by snsranch
on Oct 25, 2007 -
18 answers
Political filter: Tell me the main differences between republicans, democrats, and liberals. I'm trying to find out where i fall into.
posted by flipmiester99
on Feb 27, 2007 -
38 answers
What are some good online forums to talk about/debate politics on?
posted by Maia
on Nov 11, 2006 -
7 answers
If a political canididate demonstrates that he or she is most definitely not cut out for the job but is running with the political party which you find most inoffensive, what if any options exist?
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posted by SinisterPurpose
on Oct 5, 2006 -
18 answers
How does one in California become a delegate for the Democratic National Convention?
posted by semmi
on May 2, 2006 -
3 answers
What is the Democratic Party's official stance on the future of Iraq? If we were in power right now, what would we be doing differently?
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posted by Afroblanco
on Feb 4, 2006 -
12 answers
Have any MeFites run for local public office? How did you raise funds? [+]
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posted by mds35
on Jan 4, 2005 -
18 answers
