When did Democrats become the left-of-center American party?

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

The problem with the question is the problem with the whole left/right spectrum in general.  There are so many issues to be considered, and more than a few demographic groups as well - and they don't always band together.

On social/race issues the big flip came around 1964 with the civil rights act.  In terms of pragmatism vs. ideological purity they have all but completely flipped over the past two decades.  In terms of demographics, Democrats are attracting a larger number of the well educated while Republicans are attracting more people with less education.

In economics it's a bit lopsided, with Democrats largely for free markets and Republicans supporting corporate cronyism (socialists are almost non-existent in American politics).

LOL

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

James, stop trolling

At least when you troll, you stick to one-liners. James is trying to make his trolling sound like legitimate debate by using lots of words.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

James, stop trolling

At least when you troll, you stick to one-liners. James is trying to make his trolling sound like legitimate debate by using lots of words.

Lots of words?  There are barely over a hundred there.  It is unfortunate if you consider that to be a lot of words.  I suppose you're eyes must have glossed over at the detailed posts of Beet and pragmatic liberal.  But hey - I'm just following the good old appeal to ridicule which you so skillessly wield (helped only by the tendency for the human brain to shut down in response to mockery.

Hey, I recognize that this is just a playground.  No actual policy is decided here, so it isn't world changing if you cling to old stereotypes rather than take a look around and recognize how many assumptions there are out there in the real world that go unchallenged.

If you feel like it - perhaps on a break from your trollish duties - take a good look around you and try observing the world without prejudice - you might just be surprised at what you find (if you can find the courage to think - a false certainty in a specific worldview can a lot more comforting than embracing the doubt that comes with recognizing that we don't know it all and that our information is always imperfect.   But I doubt you even read this far - too many words, I suppose. 

James, the moment you claimed that Democrats are "largely for free markets", it became obvious that you were either a troll or seriously misinformed.

[Obnoxiously Slutty Girly Girl]

James, stop trolling

At least when you troll, you stick to one-liners. James is trying to make his trolling sound like legitimate debate by using lots of words.

Lots of words?  There are barely over a hundred there.  It is unfortunate if you consider that to be a lot of words.  I suppose you're eyes must have glossed over at the detailed posts of Beet and pragmatic liberal.  But hey - I'm just following the good old appeal to ridicule which you so skillessly wield (helped only by the tendency for the human brain to shut down in response to mockery.

Hey, I recognize that this is just a playground.  No actual policy is decided here, so it isn't world changing if you cling to old stereotypes rather than take a look around and recognize how many assumptions there are out there in the real world that go unchallenged.

If you feel like it - perhaps on a break from your trollish duties - take a good look around you and try observing the world without prejudice - you might just be surprised at what you find (if you can find the courage to think - a false certainty in a specific worldview can a lot more comforting than embracing the doubt that comes with recognizing that we don't know it all and that our information is always imperfect.   But I doubt you even read this far - too many words, I suppose. 

James, the moment you claimed that Democrats are "largely for free markets", it became obvious that you were either a troll or seriously misinformed.

I'd wager both.

Indubitably.