I have repeatedly explained that there is no consistent platform/ideology for National US political parties.
There are no card carrying members, no dues paying members.
All politics is local, and most voters cast their ballots based on how the race affects them directly, not national or international policy.
I have been an enrolled D for more than 50 years, a member of my Democratic Town Committee, delegate to State and National convention.
I have never voted a straight party ticket, I choose who I consider the best candidate in each race.
That said, extremists in any party would not do well here in CT. I am happy that a certain member of Congress was censured this week.
In our local race this week I could in no way vote for the R candidate who wanted to lead our town. A warm and friendly man, who attended Mrs. CTL’s funeral and made a shiva call, he believes that discrimination does not exist and women should not have equal rights.
I saw him at the polls (I am Asst. Registrar of Voters) and as his party chair cringed at our friendly greeting and conversation he announced: we were friends yesterday and will be friends tomorrow. We don’t let politics invade every facet of our lives.
I don’t believe Republican or Democrat are dirty words, but there are dirty politicians in both parties.
To put it in perspective I look at our past 2 Gubernatorial races between the sane two rich candidates. They self funded their campaigns (not taking state election funds): if a candidate is willing to spend $10 million dollars to chase a $200,000 job (and not take the salary), there must be an economic payback to self, family or friends.