Nope--not even close. Not saying Republicans are innocent by any means, but the big difference is Democrats support socialism/communism, Republicans support capitalism--the latter IMO is the only economic system that works. Smaller government trumps every other issue and while I'll admit that Bush did nothing to shrink the government, the typical Republican philosophy is less government and less regulation. Reagan revolutionized the economy with his historic tax cuts and economic policies.
Seriously--isn't the one thing we ALL AGREE ON is that more government is a bad thing. Do you really think that will EVER happen with Democrats? That's only going to happen with Libertarians or Republicans. At least the latter group recognizes there shortcomings. The Democrats thing more government and more regulation is the fucking answer to all our problems.
I was referring to the thing you said about rhetoric, but I'll bite. I agree, capitalism is the best economic system. Although, pure laszie faire capitalism is horrible in my opinion. Personally, I think a degree of socialism is needed in every capitalistic society to take care of the unemployed, disabled and a couple other groups I can't think of right now. I think the amount Dems want is too much, but the amount Reps don't want is too little. The US's social programs need a massive reworking that I think neither Obama or McCain will do.