I would personally never identify myself as a democrat. It's not because I dislike democrats, but more because I think party labels should be reserved for the politicians. It's really just an organization in the end that we aren't really a part of. You identified part of the problem that I agree with. Once voters start carrying the democrat or republican labels for themselves, there is a tendency to just vote for that party and ignore what the actual issues are really about.
If you want me to explain what a democratic politician is these days, then I really don't know anymore.
If you want me to explain what a democratic politician is these days, then I really don't know anymore.