Democratic Party - A Basic Definition

Before going into the Democratic Party's role in midterm elections, a history of the party and its goals are necessary.

History:

• initially strongly supported republicanism
• wanted weak federal government, states’ rights, adherence to Constitution
• changed after New Deal program, more liberal afterwards
• favored laborers, workers, minorities and programs to aid them
• recently advocated for social justice, workers’ rights, balanced budget, market economy with government intervention

Viewpoints:

• mostly liberals that want:
• universal health care, diplomacy over war, cultural diversity, women’s rights, human rights, immigration, stricter gun control are all favored
• progressives:
• anti-corruption, environmentalism, banking reform, fight against economic inequality
• mixed economy, where government interferes to oppose corruption
• government spending on social welfare services, wants richest to pay most taxes
• raising minimum wage
• affordable and quality healthcare

 Current issues within the midterm elections:

• currently holds majority in Senate, minority in House
• likely to lose Senate majority in midterms
• 21 Democratic seats held up for elections
• losing interest in elections, don’t trust Obama, who started helping campaign late
• Obama considered a campaign force, may make or break Democrat’s race
• less enthusiastic about elections, don’t want to vote
• entire house, third of the Senate up