Liberals vs. Conservatives

Democrat Republican Conservative Liberal

Liberals Believe in big government Setting rules for business Setting rules for the economy

Ensure fair treatment for many groups Especially the poor Minorities: Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and others

Money Wealthier should pay more taxes Worry about government spending Support government programs to help poor

Conservatives Limit the government Conservatives stress ‘freedom’ More decisions without government interference

Reduce government Reduce government spending Cut taxes

State governments are better than federal governments

Meeting in the middle Democrat Republican Liberal Conservative Loving Liberals Liberal Conservative Compassionate Conservatives Meeting in the middle

“Loving Liberals” Loving liberals implies wanting to help everyone Clinton began movement away from liberalism – will the Democratic Party continue to be less liberal?

“Compassionate Conservatives” Term used by George W. Bush to imply conservatives who still believe in some social issues Some conservatives distrust the government in being the best way to solve social issues, but still want the government to control some behaviors or attitudes

Many Presidential candidates must stay true to the roots of their parties political affiliations – and appeal to some of the issues of the opposing political party (to attract swing voters)

Democrat Republican Liberal Conservative Meeting in the middle