Ostensibly one could argue there are four party candidates running under two party banners: Democrat and Republican.

Sen. Bernie Sanders' political views align more closely with a Social Democrat (and that's how he refers to himself) than with a traditional Democrat. Republican pundits slammed him after the debate when he referenced Denmark. The pundits cited the tax rate on Denmark's citizens. It all boils down to how much bang those citizens get for their buck. A tax hike on US citizens would not be so bad if it resulted in greater access to health care, education, and other social programs.

Secy. Clinton (in this race) represents a more mainstream view of Democrat values, despite her "hawkish" proclivities, which she earned apparently, for her vote as senator to invade Iraq, and her stance on intervention into Libya as Secretary of State.

Sen. Ted Cruz represents the "Tea Party" faction of the Republican party while Gov. Jeb Bush represents the staid "country club" Republicans.