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The '''Democratic Party''' is one of the two major political [[parties]] in the [[United States of America]]. It is the center-left party. Its leadership is [[liberal]], and as such tends to behave that way. The Party contrasts with [[conservative]] voters who tend to support the rival [[Republican Party]], who have a largely Conservative leadership.<ref>See [[political spectrum theory]]</ref> Members and supporters of the Democratic Party are known as Democrats. Republicans for partisan reasons sometimes call it the "[[Democrat Party]]" as a term of ridicule.  

The '''Democratic Party''' is one of the two major political [[parties]] in the [[United States of America]]. It is the center-left party. Its leadership is generally [[liberal]], but there are powerful moderate and conservative factions. The party contrasts with rival [[Republican Party]], which is generally more [[conservative]] and pro-business. Members of the Democratic Party are known as Democrats. Republicans for partisan reasons sometimes call it the "[[Democrat Party]]" as a term of ridicule.  

In 2007-08 the Democrats at the national level raised far more campaign funds than the Republicans, with Obama's presidential campaign outspending McCain by 3:1.

In 2007-08 the Democrats at the national level raised far more campaign funds than the Republicans, with Obama's presidential campaign outspending McCain by 3:1.

The Democrats currently control the [[111th United States Congress]] together with the majority of State governorships and legislatures.<ref>[http://www.multistate.com/Site.nsf/Elections2006PostMaps?OpenPage Multistate.com] Post-Election 2006 Maps</ref> According to a Pew Research Center poll, 50 percent of Americans identify themselves with the Democratic Party as opposed to 35 percent for the Republican Party.<ref>[http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=312 Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007] Pew Research Center, 22 March 2007</ref> However, Democrats have served out only three of the last ten presidential terms. The AP/Ipsos Poll reports that the Democratic-majority U.S. Congress currently has a 37% approval rating.<ref>[http://www.ipsos-na.com/news/client/act_dsp_pdf.cfm?name=mr080110-1topline.pdf&id=3782 AP/Ipsos Poll], January 7-9, 2008.</ref>

The Democrats currently control the White House and have strong majorities in the [[111th United States Congress]], together with the majority of state governorships and legislatures and control most large cities as well, while suburbs and rural areas are more likely to be in republican hands.<ref>[http://www.multistate.com/Site.nsf/Elections2006PostMaps?OpenPage Multistate.com] Post-Election 2006 Maps</ref> Polls show 50% of voters identify themselves with the Democratic Party as opposed to 35% for the Republican Party.<ref>[http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=312 Trends in Political Values and Core Attitudes: 1987-2007] Pew Research Center, 22 March 2007</ref> Polls show the Democratic-majority Congress currently has a negative approval rating, while President Obama has a strong 61% approval.<ref> Laura Meckler, [http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124095605121565495.html#articleTabs%3Darticle "So Far, Obama Remains Popular With Public; Poll Finds Reservations About Policies on Terrorism and Deficit, but Tentative Backing for Health-Care and Energy Overhauls," ''Wall Street Journal'' April 29, 2009]</ref>

The current [[President of the United States]], [[Barack Obama]], is a member of the Democratic Party.

The current [[President of the United States]], [[Barack Obama]], is a member of the Democratic Party.