I'm of the opinion that it doesn't matter - AT ALL. Until we limit terms on congressmen and supreme court justices, the same old farts will continue to run things how they see fit. Supreme court justices and congressmen have a lifetime political career, which pretty much spits in the face of politics. The reason everybody else has limited terms is to avoid dynasties and aristocracies. If terms are limited to several years, they have just enough time to learn and do their jobs without becoming corrupt and for sale to the highest bidder. Until these old fucks are brought to heel with limited terms, we will not have a government worth voting for. But that's just my two cents.

A lot of us RP guys seem to be Libertarians if that helps any.

None of them will benefit you unless you want a career in politics. In that case either of the big two will do, just learn the narrative they're each pushing and stick to the script your handlers give you and you'll do fine.

If you're just some random scrub looking to register with a political party, it won't matter at all. Or are you talking about running for office/getting involved with politics?

Both Democrats and Republicans are fucked. Libertarians are slightly less fucked but still fucked. Why sully yourself? Be an independent thinker.

However since it seems you plan on running for office, I can understand why you must join a party. Definitely a smart move.

I'd go with Republican or Libertarian simply for the fact that the tide is turning swiftly against the Democrats as the latest mid-term has shown. Liberal Democrats are out of favor right now and I wouldn't associate with them right now. 20 years from now it might be different. Conservative Democrats (yes, they do exist) are just nasty...worst than the worst right-wing Republican.

I'd say your best bet is to be Republican. Seems to me like the mood in this country is that the Left has dropped the ball and now it's the Right's turn. You can ride that momentum pretty far if you want a career in politics. Plus, as long as you are subtle about it, you can be RP and it won't look too far afield from the Religious Right, even though the Religious Right is BP as fuck. You won't alienate as many voters if you operate from a RP mindset.

You have to look at your local climate. National politics are not important to you. As a Democrat in Arizona or Texas, you won't be gaining much, since all the important people are Republicans. Even then, the county might go into the other direction, so if you think you'll never make it out of local politics, stick with the more powerful party on a local level. If you have aspirations to meddle in state politics (or your business interests go beyond the local level), look who is more powerful on a state level. Also, don't just look at who is in office now, look at the forseeable future. You can't change sides too often and loyalty will be rewarded.

There is no difference but any appearance you want to spin for personal advantage. In real terms of real action, real laws, real money, the biggest banks & pharmaceutical companies give the same money to both parties to rig both sides into a candidate that supports the same things, just gives a different emotional message & financial message. They act identically.

Otherwise for a personal gain make a judgment what level - state, federal - is the kind of influence you need & where it's heading for the future. Odds are good the federal-level Dems are screwed so for the next 8 years you'd want Republican influence leverage. Believe nothing, just use what's in your advantage and be ready to bolt because tides change quickly on that front, while nothing changes at all in the background from elections.