Who will you Vote for 2008

[mreichert]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chikky An interesting poll, but I don't consider myself Republican OR Democrat. I just vote for who I like most (or dislike the least). I'm not sure I even know who's what.

I completely agree- I am generally Republican, but... I'm not too happy with McCain's view on the war. (I need to study up some on both his and Obama's view on different things before I really decide)

I truly don't get the whole Republican vs. Democrat "setup"- does it have to be a clear cut line? Shouldn't there just be 2-3 candidates that we vote for. I can't remember much from Government class, but it just doesn't make sense to me about the clear cut separation... A candidate is a candidate- I vote for what they believe in and if I think they will do what's best for our country.

 

[ratmist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Stargazer* I've found that most people that want to pull out of Iraq don't actually have a clue how things work in the military or how warfighting works. And there is nothing more annoying that people who claim to want withdrawal "for the troops." For my peace of mind, I'll pass on the withdrawal.

Many people who want to pull out of Iraq and never supported the war in the first place have a very good understanding of how the military works, and are correct in thinking that it's more dangerous to continue than it is to withdraw.

People who have family in the military have a ringside seat to see how war affects the military, but it doesn't give them the authority over how everyone should think.

And can I just point out, people who join the military know the risks involved. If we can't provide that level of support through international coalitions and a steady flow of money - and we really really can't afford to stay in Iraq - we have no business expecting the military to carry out the over-extended duties without at least exploring the option of withdrawal.

 

[ratmist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkylarV217 I feel like we as Americans were miss lead about the "WAR ON TERRORISM" & would love to have all of our Soldiers home and out of harms way, however simply pulling all of our troops out at one time under-minds everything that has been accomplished up until this point. Thats a terrible shame to all of the men and women that have given their lives up until this point. I know our country is in terrible need of reform in every area possible. But I would like to see that after all our soldiers and country has been through since 9/11 that some good comes out if it. Simply backing down now would open us up to further attacks. Things should be handled differently without throwing out everything that has been worked for up until this point.

Iraq had nothing to do with the attacks on September 11. There was more consensus about the role the Taliban played, so attacking Afghanistan was more easily justified, but Iraq was just something Bush wanted to do to show up his daddy.

And can I just ask, why exactly would withdrawing and looking for diplomatic solutions for peace, homegrown from the Iraqi people rather than dictated from our way of life, be a bad way to honor the troops who've died in Afghanistan and Iraq?

 

[MAC_mallory]

I support McCain.

 

[MahalMac]

Mccain. I feel like the demo's have been lying and I don't like Obama because he's so cocky.. I hated when he called that one reporter "sweetie".. just how he said it then NEVER answered her question until she went public, pist me off.. Michelle Obama makes me mad, also. I can't stand watching her on the tube.. ugh.. shes on the chicago news every night and it makes me sick..

I live in chicago and I am probably the only non-obama lover here.. but who cares..

 

[newagetomatoz]

I'm more of a libertarian than anything else, but I'm voting for Obama. I just can't take having another republican for four more years.

 

[crissy22]

So not voting.

 

[KAIA]

 

[Shimmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crissy22 So not voting.

By not voting, you effectively eliminate any serious consideration of any complaints you may have about the candidate who wins.

 

[*Stargazer*]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimmer By not voting, you effectively eliminate any serious consideration of any complaints you may have about the candidate who wins.

Do you think this holds if someone votes for someone that they know can't possibly win? If I vote for Ron Paul or Nader, have I forfeited my right to complain because I know realistically that neither one is getting elected? I always think about that.

I've always thought that you lose the right to complain when you don't vote at all. I think it's hard for a lot of people to cast a vote for someone when they are really opposed to the policies of both candidates. Sometimes I don't vote in every single race on my ballot and every now and then it's for a major race. I didn't mark a presidential vote in '04 even though I picked a candidate in every other race on my ballot. I'm an equal opportunity complainer, though. I think everyone in DC sucks regardless of party

Oh and HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA to KAIA's picture. Don't you think BC is probably overdressed? I get the feeling that guy wears little to bed. Probably little silk thongs.

 

[xsnowwhite]

I liked Guiliani but obviously he's out. Honestly, I don't even care. I really dislike Obama and Hilary, and I do not like Mccain either.

 

[xsnowwhite]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkylarV217 My only problem with Obama is that I don't know what he stands for, I know he wants CHANGE ... But what kind of change ?????

I agree. He never mentions

 

[purrtykitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Stargazer* Do you think this holds if someone votes for someone that they know can't possibly win? If I vote for Ron Paul or Nader, have I forfeited my right to complain because I know realistically that neither one is getting elected? I always think about that.

I think that as long as you're doing your civic duty by voting, then you have every right to demand the best representation possible. By voting for someone outside the 2 major political parties, you're sending them a message that you don't agree with what they stand for, and therefore someone else is getting your vote. And for every person who doesn't think their vote doesn't count, just look at the democratic primary and the Bush v. Gore elections - those weren't landslides by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[Fearnotsomuch]

I'm registered independent, but still not sure who I'm voting for at this point. While I appreciate the "drive" Obama has, I worry about his lack of experience especially dealing with international/military issues. I'm also not too fond of the idea of government controlled healthcare. Yes there needs to be reform, but there are better ways to go about it.

On the end of McCain, on the issues I stated above, I agree more with his platform. My concern with him is that he will not provide a needed change from the Bush administration.

 

[Shimmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Stargazer* Do you think this holds if someone votes for someone that they know can't possibly win? If I vote for Ron Paul or Nader, have I forfeited my right to complain because I know realistically that neither one is getting elected? I always think about that.

I don't care if they write in Bugs effing Bunny, at least they got off their butts and went to the polls.
Quote:

I've always thought that you lose the right to complain when you don't vote at all.

Yes.

 

[purrtykitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shimmer I don't care if they write in Bugs effing Bunny, at least they got off their butts and went to the polls.

Hell, in some states you don't even have to get off your butt, except to walk to the mailbox, because you can vote by absentee ballot.

 

[Aprilrobin]

Somewhat begrudgingly voting Republican this year. While I consider myself a traditional conservative, there is no longer a real Republican party, it bites.

There's no real conservative party anymore period, except maybe the Libertarians. they're kinda cool in theory, but I do dig things like building codes.

I digress, McCain doesn't get me excited but I'll be casting my vote for him against Obama becase I DO NOT very much care for socialism.

 

[Aprilrobin]

Now after I've read every thread a few more comments.

2 ) I absolutely have the right to not vote and to complain! In fact, perhaps MORE right to complain than those that voted for whatever screw up will end up in office. So there! My choice to not vote is hand in hand with my ability to do so. However, I will be voting.

3) McCain is too old??? WTF? He has to stay alive for FOUR YEARS. I'd be willing to put my money on him making it.

How come racism and sexism are so not OK, but ageism is absolutely fine? Gross.

 

[ratmist]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aprilrobin Now after I've read every thread a few more comments. 2 ) I absolutely have the right to not vote and to complain! In fact, perhaps MORE right to complain than those that voted for whatever screw up will end up in office. So there! My choice to not vote is hand in hand with my ability to do so. However, I will be voting. 3) McCain is too old??? WTF? He has to stay alive for FOUR YEARS. I'd be willing to put my money on him making it. How come racism and sexism are so not OK, but ageism is absolutely fine? Gross.

Yeah, he has to stay alive for four years, but this is four years in a job that probably has the highest stress and longest working hours than any other in the world (though Bush was renowned for keeping his hours as close to 9-5 as possible and taking as many sojourns to his ranch as possible). I don't think it's unreasonable to question whether McCain's health is up to the task. It's really not the same as asking whether someone's gender or colour can handle the stress of the position. If either of the other candidates were McCain's age, we'd be hearing the same arguments about them too.

 

[Shimmer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aprilrobin Now after I've read every thread a few more comments. 2 ) I absolutely have the right to not vote and to complain! In fact, perhaps MORE right to complain than those that voted for whatever screw up will end up in office. So there! My choice to not vote is hand in hand with my ability to do so. However, I will be voting.

Sure. And whoever listens to the complaint has the right to say that the complaint is unsubstantiated because you had the chance to voice your opinion in the most meaningful manner possible and didn't take it.
At least people who vote can say "MAN, that guy sucks balls. You people who voted him in are fucking retarded." or "MAN! That guy really let me down! He talked a mad game and I fell for it, and he's not done ANYTHING like what he said he was going to do."
People who don't vote can complain, but their complaints aren't generally taken seriously.
Quote:

3) McCain is too old??? WTF? He has to stay alive for FOUR YEARS. I'd be willing to put my money on him making it. How come racism and sexism are so not OK, but ageism is absolutely fine? Gross.

Because, as Ratmist pointed out, it's one of the, if not THE, most stressful, mental and physical and emotionally demanding jobs on the planet? Take a look at Clinton before his first term, then take a look at him at the start of his second, and the end of the two. Look at Bush the same. The office aged them visibly in a *very* short period of time.