Final answer:
The values on the 1956 and 2008 campaign buttons showcase the political shifts and increasing polarization between Democrats and Republicans over the years. Both eras promoted democratic values, but the degree to which these values align with core democratic principles may vary due to the growing ideological gap.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparison between the values expressed on the 1956 campaign button and those on the 2008 button reflects the societal and political shifts over the years. In 1956, political messages during campaign seasons were often about leadership and peace, tying into the context of the Cold War and an emerging modern America. By 2008, the values had become more polarized, as noted by increasing ideological differences between the Democrats and Republicans. While both campaign eras likely couched their messages within the framework of democratic values like leadership, security, and prosperity, the 2008 campaign also exhibited a sharper divergence in political philosophy and policy issues that can be credited to the increasing polarization within American politics, as demonstrated by Pew Research's findings on the growing gap in values.
It is indeed the case that many of the values from both eras can be considered democratic values since they typically aim at enhancing governance, social equity, and national prosperity. However, whether these values remain consistent with the core principles of democracy can be debated, especially in the context of heightened ideological division and how it affects governance and political discourse.