Divisions within the Democratic and Republican Party

Republican Party
The 2012 primaries revealed huge divisions within the GOP. Mitt Romney ran for Presidency, he came off as a very moderate conservative in which the Tea Party slammed Romney as a ‘weak moderate candidate’ who was hand picked by the ‘mushy-middle’ GOP. Further candidates from different factions: Rick Santorum (social) and Newt Gingrich and Ron Paul (Libertarians) ran for the primaries but made no significant gains, the fact that so many candidates from different factions were running emphasising the very fact that the GOP are not dominated by one faction but there are many conflicting ones seeking to gain control. 

With certain provisions of the PATRIOT Act set to expire soon, divisions have emerged among the Republicans on whether or not to renew the PATRIOT Act. Civil libertarians are at odds with traditional defence hawks who back tough spying measures to fight terror. The divisions have most prominently become evident on the PATRIOT Act in response to Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks which revealed the extent of mass surveillance operations conducted by the NSA involving collecting internet data from and tapping phones from millions of citizens. On one side we have Senator Marco Rubio who wants to reauthorize the law believes it to be necessary given the growing threat of global terror, particularly the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and al-Qaeda. Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul, however, have spoken against it saying that the PATRIOT Act infringes upon citizens right to privacy. Rand Paul said that the federal government and NSA want to trace every detail and aspect of peoples lives and use it to control people. Paul has also threatened to filibuster the expansion and renewal of the PATRIOT Act. John McCain, also in support of the PATRIOT Act believes it should be renewed, pointing to the ‘draw Mohammed’ competition whereby two Islamic extremists were gunned down, in order to prevent terrorism and especially homegrown extremism. .  Moreover, divisions are also clear on strategy on how to deal with ISIS. For instance, Rick Santorum wants to deploy 10,000 American troops in Iraq as part of a coalition with Arab nations to fight ISIS. Jeb Bush believes those troops would have been useful few years ago but today ground troops won’t help. Marco Rubio has adopted a tough stance, taking a line from Taken and saying “we will look for you, we will find you, and we will kill you” and provide the most devastating air support available. Scott Walker and Rick Perry are in favour of a combat missions while Rand Paul only wants Arab boots on the ground.  

More divisions within the Republican Party have recently been evident from the recent stripping of a bill which allowed for young illegal immigrants to serve in the United States military. The divisions have come from GOP members of Congress who are anti-immigration and GOP members who represent districts with large Hispanic populations. The bill was defeated by a 221-202 vote. In total 20 Republicans sided with the Democrats in opposing the amendment to the bill which came from Mo Brooks (Senator from Alabama). This isn’t the first time divisions have emerged within the GOP over immigration, earlier ones date back to the Gang of 8 Bill which was a bipartisan bill which was introduced by Republicans and Democrats, proposing a path to citizenship. Republicans have called the party to soften its tone on immigration to make it a more competitive force in elections with 56% of Republicans saying their party is not doing a good job on immigration. When Democrat Hilary Clinton discussed her stance on immigration (seeking comprehensive reform, path to citizenship, etc) several Republicans such as Scott Walker and Ted Cruz spoke out against it while Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio made no comments.  

As a polarising force in Washington, the Tea Party Movement has caused major divisions within the Republican Party. The Tea Party have been targeting and scrutinizing Republicans who they don’t seem fit, such as John Boehner whom they have criticised as being a ‘leader without followers’ and being too moderate. The Tea Party have been winning seats from key Republican figures such as Eric Cantor (former House Majority leader in 2014) who was defeated by Tea Party challenger Dave Brat. 

There's also obvious divisions with attitudes towards social issues such as the death penalty, gay marriage and abortion. The Christian Right or, social conservatives have lost the battle against gay marriage as illustrated by US v. Windsor, Hollingsworth v. Perry and the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, more Republicans are becoming increasingly more tolerant of gay marriage. For instance, Jeb Bush has spoken out in support of gay marriage and Ted Cruz although he opposes it, said he will still love his daughter if she were gay. Marco Rubio, in response to the Obergefell v. Hodges case has argued that it is ridiculous to assume that gay marriage is a right provided by the constitution and has remained in stark opposition to gay marriage. Also, divisions have emerged at state level in Nebraska with fiscal and social conservatives along with Libertarians from the Republicans seeking to ban capital punishment. 17 Republicans in the Nebraska House legislature advocated for passage of an abolition bill, the bill passed its first hurdle with a 30 to 12 vote in favour of abolishing the death penalty, however more conservative Republicans are threatening to filibuster and the governor (Pete Ricketts) is threatening to a veto. 

Democratic Party

Most recent development in divisions within the Democrats comes from Senate Democrats blocking a bill granting Obama 'fast track authority' he needs to negotiate the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement which would include 12 countries representing about 40% of the world economy. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has become de facto Democrat leader in the Senate, opposed the bill because she believes Obama cannot be trusted to make a deal in the interests of American workers as previous trade pacts have not effectively enforced existing labor standards. The 52-45 vote was a sign of bitter divisions within the party over the economy. Democrats have been long suspicious of trade deals blaming them for job losses and lax enforcement. Harry Reid also sided with Warren. Right now, all Obama can do is pretty much hope that Republicans deliver the vote given the fact they agree with the president on trade and almost every 2016 presidential candidate, except Mike Huckabee, supports TPP. Republican leaders in Congress and corporate lobby groups, particularly the U.S. Chamber of Commerce support giving the President fast track authority while most congressional Democrats, along with Labour unions, environmental groups and advocates of Internet freedom oppose it.


 TO BE UPDATED...
Last edited 26/05/2015