You think the Republican Party has changed?

Question

Vanity Fair editors estimated that McCain's fierce saffron shirt dress with the popped collar, diamond earrings, four-strand pearl necklace, white Chanel watch and strappy shoes totaled up to $313,100. McCain's known to favor Escada, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera and was recently seen shopping at Oscar de la Renta's showroom in New York. By MELANIE COFFEE, Associated Press Writer

Fri Sep 5, 7:17 AM ET That is the salary for a year of 300 people earning $30,000 a year! You think they represent you?

Answer 1

The answer about McCain's jewelry is absurd.  Jackie Kennedy had far more jewelry and money and they were Democrats.  To give you a human response instead, yes, it has changed just like the Democratic party has.  Like the Federalists, they have always been concerned about maintaining a strong economic policy to foster business success.  Republicans (and many Democrats) believe economic and military strength will keep our country free from invaders, though 9/11 changed some of that thinking.  Republicans have always subscribed to the "big tent" idea (since they ran as an anti-slavery party) and therefore they welcome everyone whereas the Democrats want to keep certain groups, some say, to a lower level so they depend on the Democrats to take care of them.  Compared to most developed countries, we have few social programs, but for Republicans and others who pay taxes, they are still alot, so Republicans oppose giveaway programs and tax increases.  They'd rather have everyone contribute rather than those who can (that's Marxist philosophy)