I was having this discussion the other night with a couple of people, and the general consensus seemed to be that the Republican Party is, arguably, the weaker of the two - that it would be the first to split off into smaller sects (Trump Republicans/Ryan Republicans/Paul Republicans), and has yet to heal divisions created during the Bush years.

But at the same time, the Democratic Party is facing it's own issues - namely that the coalition it's formed is fragmenting due to issues from the 2016 primary, and with no state wide candidates who can step up and take control, is likely to face similar issues as Republicans are now.

So yeah. Let's hear your thoughts

PSU the only person who would argue the Democratic Party is weaker. Maybe Ian.

Was actually me, to a degree

The Republicans are definitely weaker, and have been on a slow collapse for over a decade,

On a national level, I'd agree. Paul Ryan's role to try and reunify Congressional Republicans has been a complete failure - in part due to the rise of Trump.

However, outside of DC, I'd argue that the Republican Party is (arguably) seeing a slight resurgence in terms of staying power and influence.

I think the Democrats', um...commitment to a singular goal (to put it nicely) and apparent strength, has helped them avoid fracturing like the Republicans.

I'd also disagree with this notion that Democrats are working toward a single goal (At least beyond electing Clinton)

In terms of the leadership, the Republican Party is the weaker of the two, since it's transforming from pro big business, to workers party. That alongside the Tea Party coming in at 2010 (which was a failure of a movement in hindsight).

In terms of actual local powers? The Democrats. Republicans control a lot.

Keep in mind that I'm only registered to the GOP because I wanted to vote in primaries and it was going to be a cold day in Hell before I registered with a party that hates me just for existing.

Which party hates you for existing?

Quote from: Ian on November 04, 2016, 03:58:06 PM

a party that hates me just for existing.

?

I'm assuming he's referring to the "feminist Democrats" hating him for being a cis-white male

On the other hand, Democrats have been the culprits driving a stake between voters resulting in the poisonous identity politics

I'm not sure I'd put sole blame on Democrats, let alone either political party

This thread exemplifies what's wrong with American politics. There are more than two parties. Yet we talk like there are only the big two. Limiting the frame of discussion to just the big two keeps us choosing just from the shiniest of two turds. Until we recognize this, we'll stay right where we are.

Oh, Johnson's Libertarian and Stein's Green parties also came up in the discussion.

Their collective issue as political parties is that, come November 10th, they will be forgotten for the next three and a half years because they make no real, concerted efforts to build a national name for themselves. Instead of using midterm and off election years to build up name recognition, fundraising capabilities, and actual candidates for legislative, judicial, and executive offices at the state and local levels, the two parties jump straight to (arguably) the most powerful office in the world to make their name.

They are at reddit-tier candidates - as in until 2019/2020 when someone starts talking about them again (Likely on reddit), they fade off into the background and cease to exist in terms of having political power.

Yes, the national media should cover Johnson and Stein more, and yes they should have been allowed at the debates. But their continuing failure rests on their shoulders as well for failing to attempt to build any semblance of power.

Quote from: MyNameIsCharlie on November 04, 2016, 08:22:34 PM

This thread exemplifies what's wrong with American politics. There are more than two parties. Yet we talk like there are only the big two. Limiting the frame of discussion to just the big two keeps us choosing just from the shiniest of two turds. Until we recognize this, we'll stay right where we are.

This tbh. We really needed to include the parties that don't even win elections into our discussion on who's weakest.

Then the answer would be obvious (The Communist party).

You're more than welcome to discuss them, but as neither really holds political power in the terms of governing, they can't really be placed in the same category

Well you must keep in mind, our two party system has existed the way it has because they continue to adapt and evolve overtime. Keep in mind not that long ago, Republicans were the ones calling for blacks to have rights, and Democrats supported the KKK and segregation.

Even in the last convention you had Democrats acting like Republicans with the military, chanting USA USA, and waving the flag around, where as Republicans took the usual Democratic approach in that everything was shit and needed to change.

Quote from: Luciana on November 04, 2016, 11:14:08 PM

Keep in mind not that long ago, Republicans were the ones calling for blacks to have rights, and Democrats supported the KKK and segregation.

LOL

It was the exact same parties as now, they just had different names. The parties didn't do a 180 on social issues.

Uh, what? Kinda. If you wanna go further back, Democrats were the ones who supported slavery. They have most definitely transformed and flipped on a few occasions on issues.

You better stop that LOL before I fuck it outta you

Now that we have the 2016 Elections behind us, have any opinions changed?