Well, based on your question, I decided I'd go look it up. I don't think I've ever actually read the Republican Platform before today. I've just always felt the Republican party is far more in line with the "teach a man to fish" philosophy. This of course appeals to me as a former instructor used to the "I do, we do, you do" approach to improving oneself.

Your question did, however, force me to look at various elements of the RNC's website. Let me say this. How could any Democrat find anything wrong with "The Republican Oath" which is as follows...

The Republican Oath
I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.

Okay maybe the last sentence is too much for Democrats to bite but the rest kind of makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. Please note that there is no language stating positions against abortion or, indeed, anything else. I like that, I like being "for stuff" not "against stuff." You'll also note there isn't a position on abortion here.

Anyway, back to your question. The Party platform is only changed once every 4 years at the party's convention. While having practically no real value as a controlling document, it is nonetheless the "official" party position. It is also 64 PAGES LONG. I read as much as I could over lunch but didn't get through it all. To make this easier, I'll just address this question to the always much debated "preamble" to the platform. Keeping in mind that the last one was written prior to September 11th, 2001 and the resulting economic troubles, its preamble goes as follows (my comments interspersed):

"We meet at a remarkable time in the life of our country. Our powerful economy gives America a unique chance to confront persistent challenges. Our country, after an era of drift, must now set itself to important tasks and higher goals. The Republican Party has the vision and leadership to address these issues.

This of course is the obligatory opening paragraph that includes nationalism and a little Clinton bashing. Hey, putting "Bill" or "Hillary" in any fundraising flier instantly garnered you a higher return of investment.

"Our platform is uplifting and visionary. It reflects the views of countless Americans all across this country who believe in prosperity with a purpose - who believe in Renewing America's Purpose. Together.

As opposed to being downtrodden and narrow sited. I know you HAVE to but this stuff in but come on, is it really a differentiator?

"This platform makes clear that we are the party of ideas. We are the party that follows its bold words with bold deeds.

I doubt anyone would disagree that Republicans use bold words which are usually followed by bold deeds.

"Since the election of 1860, the Republican Party has had a special calling - to advance the founding principles of freedom and limited government and the dignity and worth of every individual.

There is the sound bite...or motto if you prefer.

"These principles form the foundation of both an agenda for America in the year 2000 and this platform for our party. They point us toward reforms in government, a restoration of timeless values, and a renewal of our national purpose.

The only thing that might make a Democrat's teeth itch in this is the "restoration of timeless values" piece. For some reason, they tend to think this is "code" for rolling back civil rights. In my opinion, it's classic fear mongering.

"The twenty-fifth man to receive our party's nomination is equal to the challenges facing our country. After a period of bitter division in national politics, our nominee is a leader who brings people together. In a time of fierce partisanship, he calls all citizens to common goals. To longstanding problems, he brings a fresh outlook and innovative ideas - and a record of results.

Hard to judge this one through the filters of history as we are still in it and 9/11 kind of made it hard NOT to work together but I think the above is a fair statement. All the stuff going on today is nothing more than party politics leading to a Presidential Election. Hell, Democrats are getting everything they wanted.

"Under his leadership, the Republican Party commits itself to bold reforms in education - to make every school a place of learning and achievement for every child. We will preserve local control of public schools, while demanding high standards and accountability for results.

Leave no child behind...SOL reforms...check.

"We commit ourselves to saving and strengthening Social Security. After years of neglect and delay, we will keep this fundamental commitment to the senior citizens of today and tomorrow.

Okay, now we have something I REALLY disagree with. What appears to be their idea of "reform" means giving more than was originally committed to our seniors while placing the burden on the next generation. They won't increase the age qualification to match changes in life expectancy, they won't means test it, and they have yet to privatize the investments into a higher growth individualized fund. Instead of acting to get a hand on the EXPLOSION of new recipients that are right around the corner, they are EXPANDING coverage. Yes I know grandma needs drugs but maybe at 106 years old, the $180K a year it costs to cover kidney dialysis might be a bit much don't you think? Is it heartless? Only if you don't realize that the money is coming from someone else's pocket and you think that there is an unlimited supply of resources. Okay, calming down. Rage subsiding. Pulse normal. Where was I?

"We commit ourselves to rebuilding the American military and returning to a foreign policy of strength and purpose and a renewed commitment to our allies. We will deploy defenses against ballistic missiles and develop the weapons and strategies needed to win battles in this new technological era.

Done, done, and done...fuck the French.

"We commit ourselves to tax reforms that will sustain our nation's prosperity and reflect its decency. We will reduce the burden on all Americans, especially those who struggle most.

Not sure that the last sentence can be backed up unless you identify who the "those that struggle most" are. If you mean families of four making under $100k then yeah, they did great. However, I'm not at all happy the Republican party caved in and increased the earned income tax credit to those who already pay no taxes. Please, you're getting more back than you ever even put into the system? How is that not a simple redistribution of wealth with no "good or service" changing hands? They shouldn't have caved.

"We commit ourselves to aiding and encouraging the work of charitable and faith-based organizations, which today are making great strides in overcoming poverty and other social problems, bringing new hope into millions of lives. For every American there must be a ladder of opportunity, and for those most in need, a safety net of care.

This was the first item Bush tackled. There was absolutely nothing wrong with this but the ACLU screamed bloody murder. God forbid the clergy and their hard working congregations might be willing to lend a hand in solving our nation's problems without a government bureaucrat's expert assistance. Jesus knows they might try to impose their morals on some hapless unsuspecting citizen in need of help. Not like "Planned Parenthood" would EVER do such a thing.

"We recommit ourselves to the values that strengthen our culture and sustain our nation: family, faith, personal responsibility, and a belief in the dignity of every human life.

For those of you who don't know, that has got to be the softest abortion stance I have ever heard. You could almost miss it and assume they mean something else. But, re-read the sentence again and let me hear how you could be against what it states.

"We offer not only a new agenda, but also a new approach - a vision of a welcoming society in which all have a place. To all Americans, particularly immigrants and minorities, we send a clear message: this is the party of freedom and progress, and it is your home.

A direct nod a couple of well known minorities but I'm wondering if it might also be a nod to a few new ones?

"The diversity of our nation is reflected in this platform. We ask for the support and participation of all who substantially share our agenda. In one way or another, every Republican is a dissenter. At the same time, we are not morally indifferent. In this, as in many things, Lincoln is our model. He spoke words of healing and words of conviction. We do likewise, for we are bound together in a great enterprise for our children's future.

Good rhetoric, hard to argue, Democrats likely to scream "they're lying."

"We seek to be faithful to the best traditions of our party. We are the party that ended slavery, granted homesteads, built land grant colleges, and moved control of government out of Washington, back into the hands of the people. We believe in service to the common good - and that good is not common until it is shared.

Shared, not stolen. If I force my oldest son to give half his cookie to his brother, he's not sharing, he's following orders. Sharing and giving charity can only come from the individual. And never underestimate the value of an hour of your time to a good cause. "Giving" doesn't always have to be in dollars.

"We believe that from freedom comes opportunity; from opportunity comes growth; and from growth comes progress and prosperity.

Amen

"Our vision is one of clear direction, new ideas, civility in public life, and leadership with honor and distinction.

Meaningless but obligatory. Replaces the phrase "and in conclusion..."

"This is an election with clear alternatives. The Republican Party offers America a chance to begin anew: To give purpose to our plenty. To apply enduring principles to new challenges. To extend to all citizens the full promise of American life.

ditto

"With confidence in our fellow Americans and great hopes for the future of our country, we respectfully submit this platform to the people of the United States."

All in all I can't argue much with this but then, it isn't really that argumentative. It would be hard to complain about much of the above but I'm sure my leftwing friends will give it a shot.