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? [more inside]
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. [more inside]
posted by Invoke on May 14, 2012 - 31 answers

I'm looking for a realistic political novel that's not a spy thriller. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer on Sep 17, 2011 - 17 answers

Where did the "America is a republic, not a democracy" argument come from, and how much truth is there to it? [more inside]
posted by Rhaomi on Jan 17, 2011 - 30 answers

Help me navigated the political differences between me and my spouse! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 28, 2010 - 42 answers

What responsibility does the Bush administration bear for the current financial crisis? [more inside]
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. [more inside]
posted by serazin on Nov 10, 2008 - 21 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. [more inside]
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? [more inside]
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? [more inside]
posted by snsranch on Oct 25, 2007 - 18 answers

How does one unregister to vote? [more inside]
posted by ZachsMind on May 29, 2007 - 20 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? [more inside]
posted by SinisterPurpose on Oct 5, 2006 - 18 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? [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Feb 4, 2006 - 12 answers

Have any MeFites run for local public office? How did you raise funds? [+] [more inside]
posted by mds35 on Jan 4, 2005 - 18 answers