Dear Editor, 

I thought I had straightened everyone out with a response in January concerning the use of democrat vs. Democratic Party. But I see that some were not paying attention.

Again, the party name is the Democratic Party. As a member of the party we are known as Democrats. Saying or writing “democrat party” is considered a slur. The history of that slur is below.

Since the 1990’s many Republicans use the term probably not necessarily knowing that it is considered a slur. Rush Limbaugh helped to popularize the term but it started as a slur with Limbaugh more than willing to disparage Democrats. The ‘Democratic’ or ‘Democrat’ Party? By Justin Bank Posted on Dec. 7, 2007 Factcheck.org

The Democratic Party traces its roots to 1792 and the anti-federalist faction led by Thomas Jefferson. The Jeffersonians called themselves “Republicans” at first, and later “Democratic-Republican.” The party splintered in the late 1820s, and the faction led by Andrew Jackson in his successful presidential campaign of 1828 became the modern Democratic Party. It formally adopted the name “Democratic Party” at its convention in 1844.

However, some Republican leaders have made a habit of referring to their opposition incorrectly and discourteously as the “Democrat Party.” The reason isn’t entirely clear; it may be meant to imply that the party isn’t sufficiently “democratic” in the general sense, or may just be meant as a petty insult. In August 2006, Hendrik Hertzberg traced this Republican usage, which he termed a “slur” on his party, back to the 1940s. He says it was used by opponents to needle the powerful Pendergast organization in Kansas City, which backed Harry Truman. He also says it was used often by the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

Rosemary Schwartz