[ROCKLOBSTER]

The Democrat and Republican parties are in essentials identical parties, in fundamental operation. They advance government to achieve social and economic goals, BOTH OF THEM.

NO. They are not.

The RAT and Republican voters are worlds apart from each other on issues, and that's who create the platforms. The elected RATs seldom betray their voters, unlike RINOs.

The RINOs are little more than RAT infiltrators who have taken over leadership positions in Washington. (why do you think they call them RINOs?)

However, you could safely say "The RATs and RINOs are essentially identical"

[Finny]

I think a lot of "Republican" voters identify as "NOT Republican!!!" because the party has, deservedly, a craven image. Romney wrote the original version of Obamacare -- he's Republican. Ted Cruz advocates for completely overturning Obamacare (and I heartily agree with him), and he's Republican.

So when I vote "Republican," which opposite am I calling for? If it's Cruz, what in hell is Romney even doing in the party? How is it that it's that confused and hapless?

Frankly, I think we're ripe for a game-changing new party, a second party. The Republican party represents Grade B Democrat even when it wins.