Methods and public opinion research

¶ … American citizenry elects a Democrat as President in the 2008 elections, then what will be some of the changes evidenced shortly thereafter, due to those results?" Understanding the fact that politicians make promises during their campaign(s) and that they will, for the most part, at least attempt to keep some of those promises leads to the conclusion that there will indeed be changes in a number of areas if a Democrat is elected. Hillary Clinton knows that some of those changes will be made but that others will be impossible. She recently said, "The challenge is to practice politics as the art of making what appears to be impossible, possible" (Clinton, 2006). She is cognizant of the fact that she is making promises she will probably never be able to fulfill.

The differences, however, between the approaches to government offered by both parties (Democrat and Republican) are as glaring as they are divergent. The Republicans believes in lower taxes, a right to life policy and a preemptive policy in regards to war. The Democrats, on the other hand, believe in strong social programs, a woman's right to choose in regard to abortions, and "affordable health care for all Americans" (Democratic, 2007).