Reply #17: Newt was wrong: there NO conservative "silent majority"

[no name no slogan]

and that is why, after all their efforts over the last 20 years, they didn't gain nearly as much as they thought.

As much as the media and the rightwing likes to gloat about what a "conservative" country we live in, actual research proves things to be much different.

Yes, polls may show that only 20% of people "self-identify" as Democrats, but when you question them on the issues, you find that their beliefs are more in line with what Democrats have historically stood for.

For example, more people identify with the Democrats' positions on the economy than they do with the conservatives. Most Americans think trade deals are negotiated with the best interests of big business in mind, NOT the average person. Most Americans also support single-payer healthcare-- so do HALF of Republicans!

So, then, why aren't those people voting for Democrats? Very simple. Our candidates campaign as REPUBLICANS, and govern like they are, too!!!

Clinton was the best Republican president since Eisenhower. Even Richard Nixon was more liberal on economic issues than he was! Since the Democrats co-opted the Repubs' economic platform in the late 80s, we've been in steady decline: less Democratic victories, greater voter apathy, and a severe lack of VISION. Why do you think there's been a proliferation of third parties over the last decade? Because the Democrats have stopped representing the economic needs of the bottom 90% of the population.

Given the choice between a fake Republican and a real Republican, voters will pick the real Republican every time. Let's give the voters a choice between a Republican and a REAL bold, gutsy Democrat, who is NOT AFRAID to campaign as a DEMOCRAT.

John Kerry, step up to the mike.