With the coming election is there any real difference between these two giants of media and State? Of course the mainstream media would have you believe so but...

Indefinite detention, drone assassinations, the welfare state, corporate bailouts, diminishing civil liberties, the rising police state, and of course the drowning economy...

I don't think there is much of a difference in the dirtiest game in the land. Thoughts? :)

I agree. There is no discernible difference in the parties anymore. It used to be a matter of focus: Republicans on warfare and Democrats on welfare. Now it's just a matter of speed, with the Republicans running to the brink much faster than before.

Agree with Eric...and unfortunately, Republicans use small government and free market rhetoric to get elected.

However, when in power, they make Democrats look like chumps when it comes to expanding the state.

At least the Democrats are honest with you, and tell you to your face that they'll rip you off. Republicans get elected to shrink government and then rip you off harder.

Forgive me if it's bad etiquette to reply after so much time. Know necro posting is a discouraged thing in forums.

Add my voice to the chorus. I'd state the main difference is which corporation/special interest is getting handouts from the state. As Chris points out the Repubs are good at usurping free-market slogans for votes.

Locally there may be an argument made there is a difference, but I'd wager that's due more to the individual than the party. Easier for an individualist to slip in where turnout is lower vs getting a Ron Paul in the White House.

Thanks for being welcomed to this discussion!
My voice might start a new chorus perhaps, but I think that there are significant differences in the parties. The Republican Party, from my perspective is no longer a centrist party. They are now a right-wing party. The Democratic Party, on the other hand is today's centrist party.
Both are beholden to the extreme wealthy, but one would like to try and make life a little more humane for those on the lower socio-economic scale, I think.
So, I think there are differences.
As for the commonalities mentioned earlier - well, yes, those do exist and I don't know what will change that. For example there is no real conversation about cutting the budget of the Department of Defense. Why is this?

Sean, not sure I agree. I think both parties are now to the edges of the spectrum, I don't believe the Democratic party is primarily centrists. While their causes are good with the ideas of safety nets and equal access to education and opportunities, it's based too much collectivism, that those who are the most successful should disproportionately fund those who aren't. What I would love to see is a flat tax system, starting from twice the poverty line (in reference to income). Also, to truly make it fair, eliminate ALL deductions, including the precious mortgage deduction. Canada doesn't have it and homes still get built and sell.

Perhaps the appearance of both parties being at the edges is just that - an appearance, Tony. I see the Republican party as having moved so far to the right and the Democrats not really moving left that much. Is wanting to have marginal tax rates go back to the rates they were under Clinton really on the edge? Isn't that what the original law was supposed to do - have those tax cuts expire?

I'm not sure a flat tax system would work (but in fairness I do not know enough about how it might work). Would a flat tax generate enough revenue? I don't know. And yes, Canada does some pretty amazing things, too. :)