Democrat or Republican, Essay Example

Although some have claimed that there is no difference between Republicans and Democrats, the two parties differ greatly on a wide variety of issues, ranging from healthcare and the economy to national security and defense. By comparing the party platforms, voters can see that the two parties believe that similar issues are important. Both parties emphasize the importance of national defense and security, healthcare, energy and the environment and the economy. However, the two parties have different views on how these issues should be addressed.

Consider, for instance, the issue of healthcare. The Democratic Agenda includes the phrasing “healthcare for all.” (DNC Services Corporation) Meanwhile, the Republicans say they support “common-sense healthcare reforms.” ( Republican National Committee) They oppose government-run healthcare plans, saying that these will harm competition, the patient-physician relationship, healthcare quality and choice. Meanwhile, the Democrats claim that insuring everyone as a “moral imperative” and believe that the government ought to be involved in helping provide it (DNC Services Corporation).

The two parties differ significantly on the issue of national defense as well. Both parties stress the importance of a strong national defense and both recognize the importance of diplomacy. But the Democrats are more inclined to believe that America has made mistakes in pursuing the protection of the nation, while the Republicans are more inclined to stress the importance of American leadership.

Finally, the two parties differ greatly in their plans for economic success. The Republicans, for their part, say that they believe “in the power and opportunity of America’s free-market economy.” They “oppose interventionist policies that put the federal government in control of industry and allow it to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.” ( Republican National Committee) The Democrats seem, at first, to agree with the Republicans. They speak of the importance of economic stewardship and responsibility. But they do not have the same aversion to governmental influence as the Republicans have. Rather, they believe the government can play a positive role in people’s lives by “bringing balance back to the housing markets” and preventing foreclosures (DNC Services Corporation).

Republicans and Democrats are concerned with similar problems, but their ways of handling each problem is significantly different.

Works Cited

Republican National Committee. “Issues.” 2010. GOP.com. 12 September 2010 <http://www.gop.com/index.php/issues/issues/>.

DNC Services Corporation. “Renewing America’s Promise: The Democratic Agenda.” 2010. The Democratic Party. 12 September 2010 <http://www.democrats.org/agenda.html>.