A "Democrat [fill in the noun]" question

[drmeow]

Could someone explain to me why it is seen as so insulting/infuriating to be referred to as a Democrat instead of a Democratic ? I mean, I understand that it is the Democratic party but I don't say "I'm a Democratic." I say, "I'm a Democrat." How is "Obama is a Democrat" different from "Obama is the Democrat President"? What am I missing?

[Aristus]

1. Democrat as a noun is fine. I'm proud to be a Democrat. Democrat as a modifier is not.

It's insulting. We are the Democratic party. Our President is a Democratic President. End of lesson...

[drmeow]

6. This is the only reply so far

that actually answered my question. It is confusing because Republican is both a noun and a modifier.

[babylonsister]

2. It's very juvenile imo. Do you call Boehner a republic rep.?

If you have to call him at all? But they all do it; I think rush started the trend, which makes it worse. He's their leader? :scared:

[Gold Metal Flake]

10. Joseph McCarthy is on film referring to the Democratic party as the "Democrat Party"

It's an old way for Republicans to fuck with Democrats. They didn't turn into assholes on January 20, 1981 (or January 20, 1969).

[NMDemDist2]

3. when the repukes say the "Democrat Party" they are messing with us

the name of the Party is the Democratic Party. members of the Democratic Party are Democrats.

it's the lack of respect. I'll stop calling them repukes when they start getting the name of my Party correct.

[snowbear]

4. Anytime I hear someone bring this up...

.
.

It reminds me of the awesome youtube video of Congressman Anthony Weiner of NY ripping who he kept referring to as the...

.."Republic Party"

I forget who originally posted it here, but what an incredible congressman he must be!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsqprEihjXg

[rurallib]

5. OK - well the gurus of language for the reich wing decided about

4 years ago that the word 'democratic' had to them a connotation that something was favored by the people. Ergo a 'Democratic President' would imply that this president was favored by the people. On the other hand a 'democrat president' would not have that connotation, but would instead emphasize the party aspect. Ergo a 'democrat president' would connote a party person whereas a 'democratic president' would connote someone favored by the people.
Semantics in other words. But semantics that are like nails on a blackboard to me. Which is why I say thing like 'republic president' or my favorite 'republiKlan'.

[drmeow]

7. Ah - thank you. That clarifies things for me.

[rurallib]

8. repeat after me 10 times "republiKlans". Soon it will feel natural.

[drmeow]

12. I have NO problem with that

although Repukes roles off my tongue better.

[TahitiNut]

9. FAQ ... Here's a summary of the use of "Democrat Party" as an epithet

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Democrat_Party

[Wetzelbill]

11. it goes back at least to the Gingrich era

As a noun it's fine because that's how it's supposed to be used. But in using it as an improper modifier the idea was twofold. First to frame the Democratic Party as the "Democrat Party" meaning that they are just politicians looking out for themselves. In other words, they aren't looking out for all Americans as the "DemocratIC Party" they are just looking out for themselves for selfish reasons as the "Democrat Party." The second aspect of it is even more childish. It's an improper modifier used to accent the ending syllable, which is RAT. It's a way to permeate negative imagery into people's minds, so that they associate the negative RAT sound with the Democratic Party. It's also a slightly subtle way to childishly name call, but it's definitely on purpose. The about it, these are adults in serious positions supposedly working on serious matters and they openly call the other side names, so much so that it's an every day part of their vernacular. Bush would always say it. He was the most powerful person in the world, but such a small man that he'd call people playground names. That's the GOP for you.