Presidential Election

Why Do Democratic Candidates Agree More Than Their GOP Counterparts?

The Democratic candidates agreed with each other a lot more than Republicans, so what does it say about their party?

Why Do Democratic Candidates Agree More Than Their GOP Counterparts?
Getty Images / Alex Wong

"The more our economy grows-" Martin O'Malley said before Sen. Bernie Sanders jumped in to add "Let me just, let me just, let me just add to that, this is not an esoteric argument." 

During CBS's Democratic presidential debate, candidates talked over each other to ... agree with one another. (Video via CBS)

"How are you supposed to know Megan?" Chris Christie asked, before Rand Paul spoke over him, shouting, "Use the fourth amendment, use the fourth amendment, get a warrant!"

That cut a sharp contrast with their Republican counterparts, who have openly argued during their debates. (Video via Fox News)

This speaks to the divides, or lack thereof within their respective parties. 

The GOP has the Tea Party: A strong far-right faction that brought some candidates, like Rand Paul, to prominence. (Video via CNN)

The divide between the far right and the Republican mainstream played a role in driving out former Speaker of the House John Boehner, and showed itself in the so-called Freedom Caucus after he resigned. (Video via C-SPAN)

If GOP candidates move too far to the right to try to court those voters, they could scare away independents, or even moderate Republicans in a national election. 

There isn't really a comparable split in the Democratic party, which means a Democratic candidate might avoid that problem. (Video via Democratic National Convention)

This video includes images from Getty Images.