DINO stands for Democrat In Name Only, a disparaging term for a member of the modern-day United States Democratic Party whose words and actions are thought to be too fiscally or socially conservative. The term "Fox News liberal", "Fox Democrat," "Fox News Democrat," or "D-Unot" has also been used in this context [1]. "D-Unot" stands for "Democrat You Not." The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ... Conservatism is a political philosophy that usually favors traditional values and strong foreign defense. ... Fox News Channels slogan is We Report, You Decide The Fox News Channel is a U.S. cable and satellite news channel. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

The term was created as an analogous opposite to the acronym RINO (Republican In Name Only), which refers to more liberal members of the United States Republican Party. The acronym is a pun on the popular English-language shortening of the word dinosaur (which is often used metaphorically to refer to a long-obsolete person). It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Backronym and Apronym (Discuss) Acronyms and initialisms are abbreviations, such as NATO, laser, and ABC, written as the initial letter or letters of words, and pronounced on the basis of this abbreviated written form. ... Republican In Name Only, or RINO, is a disparaging term for a member of the Republican Party of the United States whose political views or actions are perceived as not conservative and outside the conservative mainstream. ... American liberalism—that is, liberalism in the United States of America—is a broad political and philosophical mindset, favoring individual liberty, and opposing restrictions on liberty, whether they come from established religion, from government regulation, from the existing class structure, or from multi-national corporations. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... It has been suggested that dajare be merged into this article or section. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... Orders & Suborders Saurischia Sauropodomorpha Theropoda Ornithischia Thyreophora Ornithopoda Marginocephalia Dinosaurs were vertebrate animals that dominated the terrestrial ecosystem for over 160 million years, first appearing approximately 230 million years ago. ...

"DINO" is used by more ideological (politically speaking) members of the Democrats to challenge fellow party members for their heterodox or relatively conservative positions. In some cases, the platform of the member in question might not be necessarily close to the opponents—but they do not necessarily follow the party line in every case. Many (but not all) of the DINOs are "conservatives" from Southern states which were predominantly Dixiecrat before they switched en masse to the Republican Party. Unlike those who switched parties, these DINOs are content to remain Democrats. A political spectrum is a way of visualizing different political positions. ... Conservatism is a political philosophy that usually favors traditional values and strong foreign defense. ... The Dixiecrats were a white supremacist splinter-party of the Democratic Party in the mid-20th century who were determined to protect what they saw as the southern way of life against an oppressive United States federal government. ...

Fox News Liberals

The similar term Fox News liberal is used among Democrats and liberals in the United States to refer to those commentators and politicians who hold themselves out as liberals and/or Democrats, yet often agree with their conservative and/or Republican counterparts on TV talk shows or in legislative bodies on various issues and positions. Fox News Channels slogan is We Report, You Decide The Fox News Channel is a U.S. cable and satellite news channel. ...

The term is similar to Democrat In Name Only (DINO). It references the conservative bent of the Fox News Channel, which many media watchdog groups and left-of-center activists contend is essentially a mouthpiece for right-wing talking points. Media watchers on the left often claim that the supposed "liberal commentators" on Fox News are merely straw men hired to present liberal viewpoints as ineffectively as possible. (This accusation has also been applied in reverse to supposedly conservative commentators such as Tucker Carlson and William Safire.) A straw man or man of straw is a dummy in the shape of a human created by stuffing straw into clothes. ... Tucker Carlson, from a December 6, 2004 broadcast of CNNs Crossfire. ... William L. Safire on NBCs Meet The Press with Tim Russert. ...

The term was first applied in 2004 to Alan Colmes, the liberal co-host of conservative Sean Hannity on the Fox News show Hannity & Colmes. Progressive viewers generally find Colmes' quiet, deferential style infuriating, particularly in contrast to the outspoken Hannity. It hasn't helped Colmes with progressive critics that he has defended Fox's "fair and balanced" slogan as accurate, or that he has been praised by prominent conservatives such as Newt Gingrich and was once chosen as the favorite liberal by posters on a Free Republic forum. However, some may see his ability to hold a conversation in good faith with conservatives part of the long-sought after civility that is constantly being called for across the aisle. Liberal commentator Al Franken lambasted Colmes in his popular book Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, accusing him of refusing to ask tough questions during debates, neglecting to challenge erroneous claims made by Hannity and his guests, and purposefully refraining from making arguments which could substantially damage conservative positions. Alan Colmes (born September 24, 1950 in New York City, New York), is a Jewish-American television journalist, and the liberal half of the Fox News Channels popular political debate program Hannity & Colmes, opposite conservative Sean Hannity. ... Sean Patrick Hannity (born December 30, 1961, in New York City, New York) is an American conservative talk radio host, an executive producer of Fox News Channels program Hannity & Colmes, and the author of two books. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Newton Leroy Gingrich (born June 17, 1943) served as the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. ... Alan Stuart Al Franken (born May 21, 1951) is an Emmy Award–winning American comedian, actor, author, screenwriter, political commentator, radio host and, recently, politician. ... Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right is a book of political commentary and satire by comedian and political commentator Al Franken, published in 2003 by Dutton, a subsidiary in the Penguin Group. ...

Susan Estrich, Ed Koch, Juan Williams, Kirsten Powers, Bob Beckel and Pat Caddell have also been called Fox News liberals for exhibiting tendencies similar to Colmes'. Each has faced criticism that he/she cares more about continuing to appear on television than articulately defending progressive ideals. In 2004, Koch even voted to return George W. Bush to the White House, despite Bush's conservative policies. Susan Estrich on Fox News. ... Edward Irving Koch (born December 12, 1924; pronounced to rhyme with scotch) was a United States Representative from 1969 to 1977 and the Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. ... Juan Williams is an Emmy Award-winning writer, radio, and television correspondent. ... Kirsten A. Powers (born c. ... Bob Beckel is an American radio and television personality, he is a left-leaning pundit and loyal expositor of the Democratic Party. ... Pat Caddell is a former United States Democratic Party pollster who has had harsh words for his party. ...

The 2004 documentary Outfoxed contends that Fox producers purposely choose unthreatening liberal commentators; it supports its argument by interviewing former network producers as well as a former commentator who claims that he was summarily fired by Fox after challenging the case for the 2003 invasion of Iraq too forcefully. For more details on this topic, see Fox News Channel controversies. ... Combatants Coalition Forces: United States United Kingdom South Korea Australia Poland Romania others. ...

Regional differences and issues

As with the term RINO regional variations have some factor. Many "DINOs" come from more socially or fiscally conservative states or districts where a more liberal politician would face difficulty. In particular Utah, Nebraska, and Indiana are highly Republican states with above average church-attendance.(Gallup) Likewise the "Bible Belt" tends to be more socially conservative and has for decades been a home of conservative Democrats. (see Dixiecrat) Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  Ranked 13th  - Total 84,876 sq mi (219,887 km²)  - Width 270 miles (435 km)  - Length 350 miles (565 km)  - % water 3. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area  Ranked 16th  - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 430 miles (690 km)  - % water 0. ... Official language(s) English Capital Indianapolis Largest city Indianapolis Area  Ranked 38th  - Total 36,418 sq mi (94,321 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 270 miles (435 km)  - % water 1. ... The approximate extent of the Bible Belt, indicated in red A Bible Belt is an area in which socially conservative Christian Evangelical Protestantism is a pervasive or dominant part of the culture. ... The Dixiecrats were a white supremacist splinter-party of the Democratic Party in the mid-20th century who were determined to protect what they saw as the southern way of life against an oppressive United States federal government. ...

Putative DINOs

Democrats who have been accused of being DINOs include:

• Former Rep. Brad Carson of Oklahoma, who often touted his 'A' rating from the National Rifle Association, support for many of President Bush's tax cuts and support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.

• Former Mayor Ed Koch of New York City who supported Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and several Republican mayors, governors, and senators of New York

• Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, a hawkish supporter of much of the Bush administration's foreign policy who has also sided with the Republicans on school vouchers. He lost the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont in his bid for re-nomination in 2006 and then won his re-election bid under the banner of his own party, Connecticut for Lieberman. [2]

• Rep. Jim Matheson of Utah, a Blue Dog Democrat, whose voting record is more in line with moderate-conservatism than liberalism.

• Former Sen. Zell Miller of Georgia, keynote speaker at the 2004 Republican National Convention (called an "in name only" by Terry McAuliffe), who had a 94% voting record with the Republican leadership from 2003 to 2004.

• Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Nelson has maintained a conservative voting record on foreign policy and many social issues. Considered to be the most conservative Democrat in the senate.

• Rep. Gene Taylor of Mississippi who voted for all four articles of impeachment against Bill Clinton, and for the Federal Marriage Amendment. Rated 48% liberal by Americans for Democratic Action, Taylor is the most conservative Democrat in the chamber.

• Former Rep. James Traficant of Ohio, who voted for Republican Dennis Hastert for Speaker of the House in 2001. Afterwards, the Democrats refused to give him a committee assignment, making him the first member of the House of Representatives in over a century without any committee assignment who was not in a leadership position.

Brad Rogers Carson (born March 11, 1967) is a American lawyer and politician, a Rhodes Scholar, educated at Oklahoma and Trinity, graduating in 1989. ... Official language(s) None Capital Oklahoma City Largest city Oklahoma City Area  Ranked 20th  - Total 69,960 sq mi (181,196 km²)  - Width 230 miles (370 km)  - Length 298 miles (480 km)  - % water 1. ... National Rifle Association logo This article concerns the National Rifle Association of the USA. For the UK organisation, see National Rifle Association, UK The National Rifle Association, or NRA, is a non-profit group for the promotion of marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection of hunting and personal protection firearm... Edward Irving Koch (born December 12, 1924; pronounced to rhyme with scotch) was a United States Representative from 1969 to 1977 and the Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. ... Nickname: Big Apple, Gotham, NYC, City That Never Sleeps, The Concrete Jungle, The City So Nice They Named It Twice Location in the state of New York Coordinates: Country United States State New York Boroughs The Bronx Brooklyn Manhattan Queens Staten Island Settled 1676  - Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) Area    - City... Joseph Isadore Joe Lieberman (born February 24, 1942) is an American politician from Connecticut. ... It has been suggested that this article be split into multiple articles. ... Hawkishness or Hawkism is an informal term used to describe a political stance of preparedness for aggression, by diplomatic and ultimately military means, against others to improve the standing of their own government, country or organization. ... A primary election is an election in which voters in a jurisdiction select candidates for a subsequent election (nominating primary). ... Edward Miner Lamont, Jr. ... For the Manfred Mann album, see 2006 (album). ... A Connecticut for Lieberman bumper sticker logo. ... James David Jim Matheson (born March 21, 1960) is a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the second district of Utah since 2001 (map). ... Official language(s) English Capital Salt Lake City Largest city Salt Lake City Area  Ranked 13th  - Total 84,876 sq mi (219,887 km²)  - Width 270 miles (435 km)  - Length 350 miles (565 km)  - % water 3. ... Blue Dog Democrats are conservative to moderate Democratic Party members of the United States House of Representatives[1]. Blue Dogs are an actual coalition of like-minded Democrats organized as the Blue Dog Coalition, rather than just an expression such as Yellow dog Democrat. ... Liberalism is an ideology, philosophical view, and political tradition which holds that liberty is the primary political value. ... Zell Bryan Miller (born February 24, 1932) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Georgia. ... A keynote in literature, music or public speaking is the principal underlying theme of a larger idea — a literary story, an individual musical piece or event. ... 2004 Republican National Convention Logo President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney accepted their partys nomination to run for second terms. ... Terry McAuliffe opening the 2004 Democratic National Convention Terrence Richard Terry McAuliffe (born 1957) is an American political leader from the Democratic Party; he served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from February 2001 to February 2005. ... Earl Benjamin Ben Nelson (born May 17, 1941 in McCook, Nebraska) is an American politician from Nebraska, where he was born and has lived for most of his life. ... Official language(s) English Capital Lincoln Largest city Omaha Largest metro area Omaha Area  Ranked 16th  - Total 77,421 sq mi (200,520 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 430 miles (690 km)  - % water 0. ... Gary Eugene Gene Taylor (born September 17, 1953) is an American politician of the Democratic Party and a U.S. Representative from the 4th District of Mississippi (map). ... This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Depiction of the impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson, then President of the United States, in 1868. ... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ... Americans For Democratic Action (ADA) was formed in January 1947, when Eleanor Roosevelt, John Kenneth Galbraith, Reinhold Niebuhr, Hubert Humphrey and 200 other activists. ... James Anthony Traficant, Jr. ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area  Ranked 34th  - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 km²)  - Width 220 miles (355 km)  - Length 220 miles (355 km)  - % water 8. ... John Dennis Hastert (born January 2, 1942) is an American politician and former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. ...

Conservative Democratic politicians according to National Journal

• Gene Taylor-Composite Conservative score of 54, Social Policy Conservative score 73
• Ben Nelson-Composite Conservative score of 50, Foreign Policy Conservative score 52
• Robert Cramer (Alabama's 5th congressional district)-Composite Conservative score of 50 with no area standing out as more conservative.
• Jim Marshall (Georgia's 3rd congressional district)-Composite Conservative score of 49, Social Policy Conservative score 55
• Mike McIntyre (Represents North Carolina in the House)-Composite Conservative score of 48, Social Policy Conservative score 50
• Dan Boren (Represents Oklahoma in the US House)-Composite Conservative score of 48, Social Policy Conservative score 52
• Lincoln Davis (Tennessee's 4th congressional district)=Composite Conservative score of 47, Social Policy Conservative score 52
• Collin Peterson (Represents Minnesota in the US House)-Composite Conservative score of 47, Social Policy Conservative score 50
• Ike Skelton (Represents Missouri in the US House)-Composite Conservative score of 46, Social Policy Conservative score 48
• Jim Matheson-Composite Conservative score of 46, Foreign Policy Conservative score 47
• Charlie Melancon (Louisiana's 3rd congressional district)-Composite Conservative score of 45, same in all areas.
• John Barrow (Represents Georgia's 12th district)-Composite Conservative score of 44, Social Policy Conservative score 48
• Henry Cuellar-Composite Conservative score of 44, Economic Policy Conservative score 47

Source National Journal[3][4][5] Gary Eugene Gene Taylor (born September 17, 1953) is an American politician of the Democratic Party and a U.S. Representative from the 4th District of Mississippi (map). ... Earl Benjamin Ben Nelson (born May 17, 1941 in McCook, Nebraska) is an American politician from Nebraska, where he was born and has lived for most of his life. ... Robert E. Bud Cramer Jr. ... Alabamas Fifth Congressional District since 2002. ... James Creel Jim Marshall (born March 31, 1948) is an American politician, and has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 2003, representing the 3rd District of Georgia (map). ... Map Represented by Jim Marshall Category: ... Rep. ... Official language(s) English Capital Raleigh Largest city Charlotte Area  Ranked 28th  - Total 53,865 sq mi (139,509 km²)  - Width 150 miles (240 km)  - Length 560[1] miles (901 km)  - % water 9. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... David Daniel Dan Boren (born August 2, 1973) is a Democratic U.S. politician from the state of Oklahoma, representing Oklahomas 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives (map). ... These are tables of congressional delegations from Oklahoma to the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. ... Lincoln Davis Lincoln Davis (born September 13, 1943) is a U.S. Representative from Tennessee, currently representing the states 4th Congressional district (map). ... The current boundaries of Tennessees 4th District The 4th Congressional District of Tennessee is a congressional district in Middle and East Tennessee. ... Collin Clark Peterson (born June 29, 1944), is an American politician. ... // These are tables of congressional delegations from Minnesota to the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. ... Isaac Newton Skelton IV (born December 20, 1931), an American politician, has been a member of the United States House of Representatives since 1977. ... These are tables of congressional delegations from Missouri to the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. ... James David Jim Matheson (born March 21, 1960) is a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the second district of Utah since 2001 (map). ... Charles Joseph Charlie Melancon (pronounced Meh-law-soÉ´) (born October 3, 1947, in Napoleonville) is a Democrat who was elected in to represent Louisianas 3rd congressional district. ... The 3rd Louisiana Congressional District in contained in Greater New Orleans. ... John Barrow (born October 31, 1955), American politician, is currently a Democratic Congressman from Georgias 12th District ( map), having defeated incumbent Republican Max Burns in the 2004 election. ... These are tables of congressional delegations from Georgia to the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. ... Rep. ... National Journal is a weekly magazine about American politics and government, published by National Journal Group, Inc. ...

American Conservative Union Lifetime ratings

The following are Democrats who received 50 or above as a lifetime rating from the ACU.[6] Some of the following names are of former politicians.

• Zell Miller-73
• Ken Lucas (Formerly Kentucky's Representative)-72
• Charles Stenholm (Formerly a Texan Representative)-70
• Gene Taylor-69
• Lincoln Davis-61
• Stephanie Herseth (South Dakotan Representative)-57
• Mike McIntyre-54
• Chris John-(Formerly Louisiana's Representative)-52
• Ben Nelson-52

Zell Bryan Miller (born February 24, 1932) is an American politician from the U.S. state of Georgia. ... Lucas Kenneth Ray Lucas (born August 22, 1933), is an American politician. ... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Frankfort Largest city Louisville Area  Ranked 37th  - Total 40,444 sq mi (104,749 km²)  - Width 140 miles (225 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Rep. ... Official language(s) English (de facto) See also languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area  Ranked 2nd  - Total 268,581 sq mi (695,622 km²)  - Width 773 miles (1,244 km)  - Length 790 miles (1,270 km)  - % water 2. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Gary Eugene Gene Taylor (born September 17, 1953) is an American politician of the Democratic Party and a U.S. Representative from the 4th District of Mississippi (map). ... Lincoln Davis Lincoln Davis (born September 13, 1943) is a U.S. Representative from Tennessee, currently representing the states 4th Congressional district (map). ... Stephanie Herseth (born December 3, 1970) is an American lawyer and Democratic politician, currently serving as the sole member of the House of Representatives from South Dakota. ... Official language(s) English Capital Pierre Largest city Sioux Falls Area  Ranked 17th  - Total 77,163 sq mi (199,905 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 380 miles (610 km)  - % water 1. ... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Rep. ... Christopher John (born January 5, American politician, was a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives from 1997 to 2005, representing the 7th District of Louisiana. ... Official language(s) de jure: none de facto: English & French Capital Baton Rouge Largest city Baton Rouge [1] Area  Ranked 31st  - Total 51,885 sq mi (134,382 km²)  - Width 130 miles (210 km)  - Length 379 miles (610 km)  - % water 16  - Latitude 29°N to 33°N  - Longitude 89°W... Seal of the House of Representatives The United States House of Representatives (or simply the House) is one of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the other being the Senate. ... Earl Benjamin Ben Nelson (born May 17, 1941 in McCook, Nebraska) is an American politician from Nebraska, where he was born and has lived for most of his life. ...

See also

• Left-Right politics
• Left-wing politics and Right-wing politics
• Party switching
• Republican In Name Only
• Blue Dog Democrats: A caucus of Democratic Representatives in the House who are generally more conservative
• Conservative Democrat
• Southern Democrats
• Boll weevil (politics)