What is a "real" Democrat?

As everyone here is probably aware, the issue of which of the 9 candidates is a "real" Democrat comes up quite a bit. What do you think are the issues that make someone a "real" Democrat, and what are the issues that are deal-breakers?

This is not a trick question, I'm just trying to get a sense of the general attitude here on this. I have my own opinions of course, but I'm curious to hear what everyone else has to say.

EDIT: I don't know if I made this clear in the first version --- what I mean to say is what ISSUES specifically make or break a given politician's staus as a "real" Democrat?

A real Democrat is someone who sticks with this party through the thick and thin. A real Democrat loves their party and respects their pary.

That's more what I was getting at --- are there specific issues that a politician MUST support (or fight against) in order to qualify as a "real" Democrat?

our Democratic principles...justice, equality, responsibility, and freedom.

Sigh...

Dream Ticket. :)

is someone that has lived the Democratic ideology, like the great description Zidzi gave.

You can look at one's life experience's resume to see which paths they have taken.

... but I think the whole concept of a "real Democrat" is more or less a weapon to bash other candidates.

not running attack ads comparing my fellow Democrats to Osama bin Laden. Doing that removes one from the ranks of "Real Democrats" in my opinion.

the Democratic party the next day. The Democratic party is hopelessly corrupted by corporations, but the Republicans ARE the corporations. Our democracy has deteriorated into duopoly of corruption. I trust the Dems to steal less. Mostly because the repuKKKes will persecute by prosecution any Dem that gets out of line. We are doomed by our Constitution to a choice of the lesser of 2 evils. The evil party or the stupid party? Zell Miller or Gingrich? Gray Davis or the Recall? Dean or Bush? Why can't we have better choices?

That, my friend, is the $1,000,000 question, and I don't have the answer.

Are for People, not corporations.

...are concerned for the future generations, not just todays profits.

...believe in unity, not false divisions.

...believe America can do better with progressive hope and optimism.

That is the epitomy of a Democrat. They represent the people. Repubs represent big business.

for the great things government has done.

...for a straight Democratic slate. Doesn't seem all that complicated to me. Perhaps I am missing something here?

Don

for people to write about specific issues that they consider either mandatory or deal-breakers if one is to be called a "real" Democrat. For example:

1. Gun control
2. Affirmative action
3. Welfare reform
4. Gay marriage (not civil unions, marriage)
5. The Pentagon budget
6. Abortion
7. Capital gains tax
8. The V Chip
9. NAFTA
10. Greater funding for the National Endowment for the Arts

and so on. For example, let's say you have a public figure who is anti-abortion, advocates for stricter gun laws, opposes a capital gains tax cut, wants to cancel NAFTA, and thinks gays should be allowed to marry, but not adopt children. Let's also make it interesting and suppose this figure was once a member of the clergy!

Is this person a "real" Democrat? Inquiring minds want to know.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This composite is not based on any candidate currently running.

The shit is on the line here. If you wish to discuss this stuff I don't mind, but my decision for next election is already made. I will be voting straight Democratic next election. See ya later.

Don