But for the fun of it here goes my attempt at comparing the two platforms. By my count two proposals are similar, and both parties believe some things that are either universal or really vague:
Meet the Needs of Working, Unemployed and Farm Families
– Raise the minimum wage to $12 an hour.
The 2008 Democratic platform would have had it indexed to minimum wage, but would have put it nowhere near $12 an hour
-Unemployment insurance for all workers.
This was in the Democratic platform, but UI should be self funding
– Moratorium on farm foreclosures
Nope. Nothing
– Labor law reform to remove barriers to workers who want to join a union.
Not Specific
– No privatization of Social Security. Increase benefits.
This is nonsense. There are lots of Democratic ideas that neither the Republican or Communist parties support. Does that make them the same?
– Universal prescription drug coverage administered by Medicare. Universal health care system.
Again, non-specific
– Restore social safety net. Welfare reform that includes job training, supports and living wages.
Who doesn’t support “welfare reform that includes job training?” Also, it’s not in the Democratic platform
– Full funding for equal, quality, bi-lingual public education. No vouchers.
The platform pointedly does not support equal bilingual education
Make Corporate Giants Pay
– Repeal tax cuts to the rich and corporations.
Not in the platform
– Close corporate tax loopholes.
Again, who doesn’t support this?
– Restitution to workers’ pensions.
Not even sure what this means, but if it means companies should honor their contractual obligations, than again this is pretty universal
– Strong regulation of financial industry.
Not specific. I imagine in 2008, this was also non-controversial. It’s unbelievable that it is now
– Regulation and public ownership of utilities
Not in platform
– Prosecute corporate polluters. Public works program to clean our air, water and land
Who opposes this?
– Aid to cities and states. Federally funded infrastructure repair and social service programs
Vague and universal
Foreign Policy for Peace and Justice
– No to war with Iraq – End military interventions
Nope. Dems favored “bringing it to a responsible close.”
– Repeal Fast Track and NAFTA, stop Free Trade Area of the Americas(FTAA). No secrecy.
Specifically not in the Democratic Platform
– Save Salt II Agreements, reject Star Wars and Nuclear Posture Review
Not in platform
– Abolish nuclear weapons
Certainly not
– End military interventions.
No
– Cut military budget and fund human needs.
No
Defend Democracy and Civil Rights
– End racial profiling.
Not in platform
– Repeal the death penalty.
No
– Enforce civil rights laws and affirmative action.
Enforcing laws is a pretty universal thing
– Repeal USA Patriot Act.
Explicitly not
– Legalization and protection of immigrant>rights.
Somewhat vague, but possibly in the both platforms
– Public financing of elections. Overall election law reform including Instant Runoff Voting.
Nope
– Youth and student bill of rights. Guarantee youth’s right to earn,learn and live.
Nope