CL1

**Dave K:** I identify with the Republican Party on several issues: fiscal conservatism and low taxation, tempered free markets, strict interpretationist judicial system, pro-life, border control, a strong national defense, states' rights, punitive criminal justice, and school choice. I oppose the redistribution of wealth, nationalized health care, and most union activities, particularly in public schools.

**Peter W:** My identification with the Democratic Party stems from a general agreement with the principles, values, and platform of the party. What parties represent, in policy and in rhetoric, are important. In my view, the Democratic Party has a more realistic and inclusive worldview. Successful foreign relations require respect, understanding, empathy, and the almost forgotten study of statecraft. We must realize that most modern threats (climate, financial, natural resource scarcity, terrorism) require strong multi-national institutions and relationships to craft responses that protect the collective security for the sustainable future. On the domestic front, the Democratic Party tends to value intellect over dogma, which takes it far beyond the tired arguments about the size of government. The discussion should be about the importance of succeeding in the tasks that lie ahead: finding solutions to education, climate change, affordable housing, transit, and infrastructure needs. These challenges will require investments in science, technology, innovation, environmental stewardship, education, and economic development- things that Democrats have been working on for years.