Showing posts with label Bob's viewpoint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bob's viewpoint. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2008
A Big Week For Bob.
In addition to being a huge political week, last week was also a very big week for our very own Bob. He was able to get on the air with Rush Limbaugh (not an easy feat with an audience that size) to discuss the media's apparent fear of Sarah Palin. Then on Friday he went to the huge McCain-Palin rally in Sterling Heights, Michigan. When he asked if they had any "Veterans for McCain" signs they let him sit on the stage behind the candidates. He also got to shake hands with both McCain and Palin and even got Governor Palin to sign his poster. So congratulations, Bob, on a big week for any political junkie.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Back off Obama already!
Back off Obama already!
I must say I am sick of hearing people ask Senator Obama about the specifics of his plans, or to question him about his position of Foreign policy, or to actually have the nerve to bring up his supposed "lack" of experience. Hello he's in the Senate and has been since January of 2005 that's over 37 months! Let me be crystal clear on his people. President-elect ( cmon its a formality ) Obama is intelligent, charismatic, and my word what a speaker. He makes us feel good, he uses the words "Hope, Feel, and Believe" regularly and that is what matters. He gives me the tingles, that's is after all what I am looking for in a President.However for those that are still skeptical let me make this point. Oh the area of experience, hello Obama works with Republicans 3.5 % of the time and on issues that have broad bipartisan support and are not continuous! He also is willing to work with Republicans and be bipartisan when they agree with him. After all, what it will take is for Obama to talk to them, smile at them, make them feel warm and fuzzy and they will vote for the over 2 trillion in spending, a rolling back of tax cuts for the rich ( who deserve after all to be taxes, hello their rich which means they did something bad to get that way!) they will vote to provide health care for all Americans by putting the control of health care where it rightfully should be in the hands of the Government. Now all this will only be necessary if the American people fail to elect along with President Obama at least 60 Democratic senators, which will of course happen because that's what he wants and we don't say no to our Glorious President-elect. Second he will have plenty of time to learn the ropes as President, hello he makes people feel good.Also on Foreign policy, this idea that he is naive or dangerous is silly and I think Racist. Hello he will meet with America's enemies, talk with them, appear in photo's with them, understand their concerns. This I know will have the effect of disarming North Korea, and opening up their society. Iran will come to the table and after the warm and fuzzies start it will not be long before they recognize Israel, allow free elections and religious freedom, and open up to the west. After all the main reason for these nations opposing America was George Bush and he will be gone. President Elect Obama will express to them that he understands that there opposition to us did not stem from an ideology but from the fact that Bush was a warmongering idiot that didn't make them feel comfortable. I believe that within months of the inauguration we will see a wave of peace break out all over the world as people feel good and wrap themselves in this mans lovely words. As for Iraq, we will begin pulling out in 90 days, again President Obama will meet not with the current government as they are corrupt ( they were supported by President Bush after all) but with the misunderstood insurgents, after apologizing for the election of Bush and after making them feel good about themselves with the use of words like hope, believe, and feel, they will throw down there arms and Iraq will become a bastion of peace. This idea that experience in government and foreign policy is necessary is silly and racist.Also lets talk about President-elect Obama's so called opponent ( the voting at this point is a formality that must be observed). First he is not a baby boomer, anyone over say 47 years old is obviously too old to be President. Second this is a man who had to get elected to the House of Representative and reelected before getting elected to the Senate, obviously not eloquent enough to be an effective President. Second he has served in the Military, over 22 years this was time he could have been attending lectures at Harvard and supporting Barack Obama and he WASN'T! This is a man who understand war, that means he actually thinks war might be necessary when we all know that simply talking to ones enemies and making them feel good will keep the peace. Second this man works with the other party almost 15% of the time. That means he actually gives in and is not a good enough speaker to convince them to do what he wants. He also has at times been willing to risk the nomination of his party to support unpopular causes, again making people feel good and talking smoothly is all it takes. This man has too much experience, he has almost 30 years and 22 years experience in the military it is time for a new generation that can be eloquent and talk in generalities, in broad strokes, with almost a religious zeal and little substance that my friends is what America needs. The choice is clear in November, ( although cmon we all know its in the bag) a man who has served his nation his entire adult life, who sacrificed for his country his freedom, comfort and blood, a man who has worked across party lines to get things done, who transcends party, and has a moderate voting record, another words a hack. Or a man who speaks with words that make you float on air, painting a mural of words in bold colors,not to be bothered with filling in the lines, someone who uses the power words, "Hope, feel, believe" someone who votes with his party 96.5 percent of the time ( as he should ) someone who believes that if you can simply put him in a room with America's enemies ( created by George Bush of course) then he can charm them into liking us. A man who has 37 months experience on the world stage, before that working as a legislator in Illinois and as an organizer in Chicago. That is our choice, what do we answer "YES WE CAN" after all we have never been burnt by a candidate long on Charisma and short on actual experience before have we? So stop all the prattling about specifics, and qualifications, sit back, put on some Obama speeches and let the politics wash you a way to the world that we would wish for rather then the one that actually exists. Yeah man! Obama '08
I must say I am sick of hearing people ask Senator Obama about the specifics of his plans, or to question him about his position of Foreign policy, or to actually have the nerve to bring up his supposed "lack" of experience. Hello he's in the Senate and has been since January of 2005 that's over 37 months! Let me be crystal clear on his people. President-elect ( cmon its a formality ) Obama is intelligent, charismatic, and my word what a speaker. He makes us feel good, he uses the words "Hope, Feel, and Believe" regularly and that is what matters. He gives me the tingles, that's is after all what I am looking for in a President.However for those that are still skeptical let me make this point. Oh the area of experience, hello Obama works with Republicans 3.5 % of the time and on issues that have broad bipartisan support and are not continuous! He also is willing to work with Republicans and be bipartisan when they agree with him. After all, what it will take is for Obama to talk to them, smile at them, make them feel warm and fuzzy and they will vote for the over 2 trillion in spending, a rolling back of tax cuts for the rich ( who deserve after all to be taxes, hello their rich which means they did something bad to get that way!) they will vote to provide health care for all Americans by putting the control of health care where it rightfully should be in the hands of the Government. Now all this will only be necessary if the American people fail to elect along with President Obama at least 60 Democratic senators, which will of course happen because that's what he wants and we don't say no to our Glorious President-elect. Second he will have plenty of time to learn the ropes as President, hello he makes people feel good.Also on Foreign policy, this idea that he is naive or dangerous is silly and I think Racist. Hello he will meet with America's enemies, talk with them, appear in photo's with them, understand their concerns. This I know will have the effect of disarming North Korea, and opening up their society. Iran will come to the table and after the warm and fuzzies start it will not be long before they recognize Israel, allow free elections and religious freedom, and open up to the west. After all the main reason for these nations opposing America was George Bush and he will be gone. President Elect Obama will express to them that he understands that there opposition to us did not stem from an ideology but from the fact that Bush was a warmongering idiot that didn't make them feel comfortable. I believe that within months of the inauguration we will see a wave of peace break out all over the world as people feel good and wrap themselves in this mans lovely words. As for Iraq, we will begin pulling out in 90 days, again President Obama will meet not with the current government as they are corrupt ( they were supported by President Bush after all) but with the misunderstood insurgents, after apologizing for the election of Bush and after making them feel good about themselves with the use of words like hope, believe, and feel, they will throw down there arms and Iraq will become a bastion of peace. This idea that experience in government and foreign policy is necessary is silly and racist.Also lets talk about President-elect Obama's so called opponent ( the voting at this point is a formality that must be observed). First he is not a baby boomer, anyone over say 47 years old is obviously too old to be President. Second this is a man who had to get elected to the House of Representative and reelected before getting elected to the Senate, obviously not eloquent enough to be an effective President. Second he has served in the Military, over 22 years this was time he could have been attending lectures at Harvard and supporting Barack Obama and he WASN'T! This is a man who understand war, that means he actually thinks war might be necessary when we all know that simply talking to ones enemies and making them feel good will keep the peace. Second this man works with the other party almost 15% of the time. That means he actually gives in and is not a good enough speaker to convince them to do what he wants. He also has at times been willing to risk the nomination of his party to support unpopular causes, again making people feel good and talking smoothly is all it takes. This man has too much experience, he has almost 30 years and 22 years experience in the military it is time for a new generation that can be eloquent and talk in generalities, in broad strokes, with almost a religious zeal and little substance that my friends is what America needs. The choice is clear in November, ( although cmon we all know its in the bag) a man who has served his nation his entire adult life, who sacrificed for his country his freedom, comfort and blood, a man who has worked across party lines to get things done, who transcends party, and has a moderate voting record, another words a hack. Or a man who speaks with words that make you float on air, painting a mural of words in bold colors,not to be bothered with filling in the lines, someone who uses the power words, "Hope, feel, believe" someone who votes with his party 96.5 percent of the time ( as he should ) someone who believes that if you can simply put him in a room with America's enemies ( created by George Bush of course) then he can charm them into liking us. A man who has 37 months experience on the world stage, before that working as a legislator in Illinois and as an organizer in Chicago. That is our choice, what do we answer "YES WE CAN" after all we have never been burnt by a candidate long on Charisma and short on actual experience before have we? So stop all the prattling about specifics, and qualifications, sit back, put on some Obama speeches and let the politics wash you a way to the world that we would wish for rather then the one that actually exists. Yeah man! Obama '08
Saturday, February 23, 2008
My Short list for Obama runningmates
(Bob is back with his suggestions for Obama VP. This is a list of 4 strong candidates and 1 dream running mate.)
My Short list for Obama runningmates
by Bob Wells
As promised I have compiled a list of the those people that I think would make the best runningmates for Barack Obama in this years Presidential election. I tried to put aside my endorsement of McCain and my membership in the GOP and make this list according to which Democrats would most benefit the Obama campaign. I know I said that I would do a list for both Democratic candidates however after eleven straight primary victories by Senator Obama it is becoming increasing unlikely that Senator Clinton will be the Democratic Nominee there for I will not be writing a list of possible runningmates for her. However if she manages to pull an upset and win in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania I will of course write a list for her. Oh also my choices do not take into account which candidates the choices endorsed in the primary. Some of my choices may be people who endorsed Senator Clinton.
1) Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH) Age 67
The reason the Governor makes the first spot on the list is because he is from the state of Ohio a swing state that has gone Republican in the last few elections cycles but by no more then a few points. He is extremely popular, was elected in a landslide and would I believe make it much harder for Senator John McCain to carry the all important Buckeye state. He also has experience not only as an executive but as a member of congress for over ten years. While he endorsed Senator Clinton I believe Senator Obama would do well to choose the governor, as a OBAMA/STRICKLAND ticket would be very hard to beat.
2) Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) Age 52
The Senator, a moderate Democrat would appeal to independent voters, as putting the state of Indiana in play. Senator Bayh is a former governor and arguable one of the most popular elected official in the state and possible the only Democrat that could put Indiana, a state that has not voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate in decades into play. He is also a policy wank that would bring some much needed substance to the Obama campaign. He also brings executive experience to the campaign. The only short fall is that he has been know at times to have the charisma of a stump, when he gave the key note address at the 1996 Democratic Convention some pundits said it was like "watching paper mache dry" however this is not to much of a problem as Obama has more then enough charisma for this campaign.
3) Bill Nelson (D- FL) Age 66
The senator is again from an important swing state, he also has a rather moderate voting record in the senate which would help to appeal to moderates and independents. He is also considered by some to be a policy wonk who would again bring much needed substance and experience to the Obama campaign.
4) Bill Richardson (D-NM) Age 61
This choice brings the most experience and knowledge of government to the ticket. Governor Richardson is not only from an important swing state out west, but is also extremely popular. He has served in the U.S. House, As secretary of Energy under President Clinton, Ambassador to the U.N. and now as governor. He was the candidate that I believed and still believe would have been the best choice for President and had I been a democrat I would have endorsed him.He also brings a lot of experience and credibility to the Obama campaign.
5) Former Vice President Al Gore ( D-TN) Age60
Possibly the most popular Democrat in America, he would bring all the experience and credibility to the campaign as well as give the press joygasms and ensure nothing but great coverage. He would also energize the Democratic base even more. I also choice him because it would be very interesting
My Short list for Obama runningmates
by Bob Wells
As promised I have compiled a list of the those people that I think would make the best runningmates for Barack Obama in this years Presidential election. I tried to put aside my endorsement of McCain and my membership in the GOP and make this list according to which Democrats would most benefit the Obama campaign. I know I said that I would do a list for both Democratic candidates however after eleven straight primary victories by Senator Obama it is becoming increasing unlikely that Senator Clinton will be the Democratic Nominee there for I will not be writing a list of possible runningmates for her. However if she manages to pull an upset and win in Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania I will of course write a list for her. Oh also my choices do not take into account which candidates the choices endorsed in the primary. Some of my choices may be people who endorsed Senator Clinton.
1) Governor Ted Strickland (D-OH) Age 67
The reason the Governor makes the first spot on the list is because he is from the state of Ohio a swing state that has gone Republican in the last few elections cycles but by no more then a few points. He is extremely popular, was elected in a landslide and would I believe make it much harder for Senator John McCain to carry the all important Buckeye state. He also has experience not only as an executive but as a member of congress for over ten years. While he endorsed Senator Clinton I believe Senator Obama would do well to choose the governor, as a OBAMA/STRICKLAND ticket would be very hard to beat.
2) Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN) Age 52
The Senator, a moderate Democrat would appeal to independent voters, as putting the state of Indiana in play. Senator Bayh is a former governor and arguable one of the most popular elected official in the state and possible the only Democrat that could put Indiana, a state that has not voted for a Democratic Presidential candidate in decades into play. He is also a policy wank that would bring some much needed substance to the Obama campaign. He also brings executive experience to the campaign. The only short fall is that he has been know at times to have the charisma of a stump, when he gave the key note address at the 1996 Democratic Convention some pundits said it was like "watching paper mache dry" however this is not to much of a problem as Obama has more then enough charisma for this campaign.
3) Bill Nelson (D- FL) Age 66
The senator is again from an important swing state, he also has a rather moderate voting record in the senate which would help to appeal to moderates and independents. He is also considered by some to be a policy wonk who would again bring much needed substance and experience to the Obama campaign.
4) Bill Richardson (D-NM) Age 61
This choice brings the most experience and knowledge of government to the ticket. Governor Richardson is not only from an important swing state out west, but is also extremely popular. He has served in the U.S. House, As secretary of Energy under President Clinton, Ambassador to the U.N. and now as governor. He was the candidate that I believed and still believe would have been the best choice for President and had I been a democrat I would have endorsed him.He also brings a lot of experience and credibility to the Obama campaign.
5) Former Vice President Al Gore ( D-TN) Age60
Possibly the most popular Democrat in America, he would bring all the experience and credibility to the campaign as well as give the press joygasms and ensure nothing but great coverage. He would also energize the Democratic base even more. I also choice him because it would be very interesting
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Short list for McCain running-mate.
(Bob has submitted to me his list of people he would like to see as John McCain's running-mate. I like the fact that these are not necessarily the names I hear being thrown out in the media right now. Some are more likely than others, but they are all people I would give serious thought to. Especially Powell, but I think he's pretty much enjoying his retirement these days.)
Short list for McCain runningmate
By Bob Wells
Ok here is my short list of possible runningmates for Senator McCain I will give them in order of preference first through five. Later I will give a list for both the Democrats but it is becoming more apparent that Senator Obama is likely to be the nominee.
1) Lt Governor Michael S. Steele (R-MD) Age 49He is my first choice because his brings the most benefit to the ticket. He is young and vibrant, he is from a blue state and has been a proven vote getter. While he lost his 2006 Senate race I would point out that he took nearly 45% of the vote in a very Democratic state in one of the worst years for the GOP since 1974. He will not only appeal to conservatives and help sure up the base but he may also put Maryland into play, at the very least he forces the Democrats to spend money there instead of in a swing state. He may also appeal to minority voters him being an African American. He would if necessary make a fine President.
2) Mike Pence (R-IN) Age 49He is again very young and vibrant ( this is an important issue because of McCain's age), he is from Indiana which while a solidly conservative state could be in play if Evan Bayh is the V.P. nominee of the Democrats. He is a favorite of the conservative base, he is also a very principled conservative who is a fine speaker and is a champion of a return to small government, low taxes, balanced budgets, and less intrusion into peoples lives. Finally I just like the guy, he has good political sense and midwestern sensibilities I think he would make a fine Vice President.
3) Former Congressman J.C. Watts (R-OK) Age 51He too is young in political terms, he is a very good speaker ( important after the Bush years) he has always been a great champion of conservative ideas and thought. He would bring energy and excitement to the McCain campaign. He would also again help McCain to appeal to minority voters. One of the other major benefits of Watts as a runningmate is the fact that while he has political experience he has for the last six years been out of elected office. He has worked in the private sector and is untouched by the current brand-tarnish of the GOP. He would make a fine Vice President and would I believe be able to if necessary set in and fill the Office of President if need be.
4) Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) Age 44She is young, articulate, attractive, and so far very affective. For the record I am not picking the Governor simply because she is a pretty women, while it helps there is substance there. Her appeal would be I believe to younger voters, to young upwardly mobile women many of whom are not as the media proclaims all raging liberals. She is from a very conservative state and is herself a respected conservative, although her appeal to independent voters is still unknown. She is also a relatively fresh face and would help a great deal to rebuild the Republican brand. She would also be an important voice on the importance of domestic exploration for oil. I believe that Governor Palin would do well under President McCain she would not only be a good Vice President and champion for the administrations agenda but would also be a possible successor for the Presidency in either 2012 or 2016 should McCain decide to serve only one term.
5) Former Secretary of State Colin Powell While he is of the same generation as John McCain, a more moderate Republican then John McCain he makes the list for one reason. HE IS COLIN FREAKIN POWELL. His record as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not to mention the fact that he has nearly universal name recognition and his integrity is second to none. While Secretary Powell would not help McCain with conservative he would more then make up for it with the massive amounts of Independent and even democratic voters he would bring to the ticket. I believe to spite the harpings of a few on the far right a McCain/ Powell ticket would amount to a perfect storm in politics and would give McCain this election by at least 15 points.
Short list for McCain runningmate
By Bob Wells
Ok here is my short list of possible runningmates for Senator McCain I will give them in order of preference first through five. Later I will give a list for both the Democrats but it is becoming more apparent that Senator Obama is likely to be the nominee.
1) Lt Governor Michael S. Steele (R-MD) Age 49He is my first choice because his brings the most benefit to the ticket. He is young and vibrant, he is from a blue state and has been a proven vote getter. While he lost his 2006 Senate race I would point out that he took nearly 45% of the vote in a very Democratic state in one of the worst years for the GOP since 1974. He will not only appeal to conservatives and help sure up the base but he may also put Maryland into play, at the very least he forces the Democrats to spend money there instead of in a swing state. He may also appeal to minority voters him being an African American. He would if necessary make a fine President.
2) Mike Pence (R-IN) Age 49He is again very young and vibrant ( this is an important issue because of McCain's age), he is from Indiana which while a solidly conservative state could be in play if Evan Bayh is the V.P. nominee of the Democrats. He is a favorite of the conservative base, he is also a very principled conservative who is a fine speaker and is a champion of a return to small government, low taxes, balanced budgets, and less intrusion into peoples lives. Finally I just like the guy, he has good political sense and midwestern sensibilities I think he would make a fine Vice President.
3) Former Congressman J.C. Watts (R-OK) Age 51He too is young in political terms, he is a very good speaker ( important after the Bush years) he has always been a great champion of conservative ideas and thought. He would bring energy and excitement to the McCain campaign. He would also again help McCain to appeal to minority voters. One of the other major benefits of Watts as a runningmate is the fact that while he has political experience he has for the last six years been out of elected office. He has worked in the private sector and is untouched by the current brand-tarnish of the GOP. He would make a fine Vice President and would I believe be able to if necessary set in and fill the Office of President if need be.
4) Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) Age 44She is young, articulate, attractive, and so far very affective. For the record I am not picking the Governor simply because she is a pretty women, while it helps there is substance there. Her appeal would be I believe to younger voters, to young upwardly mobile women many of whom are not as the media proclaims all raging liberals. She is from a very conservative state and is herself a respected conservative, although her appeal to independent voters is still unknown. She is also a relatively fresh face and would help a great deal to rebuild the Republican brand. She would also be an important voice on the importance of domestic exploration for oil. I believe that Governor Palin would do well under President McCain she would not only be a good Vice President and champion for the administrations agenda but would also be a possible successor for the Presidency in either 2012 or 2016 should McCain decide to serve only one term.
5) Former Secretary of State Colin Powell While he is of the same generation as John McCain, a more moderate Republican then John McCain he makes the list for one reason. HE IS COLIN FREAKIN POWELL. His record as Secretary of State, National Security Advisor, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, not to mention the fact that he has nearly universal name recognition and his integrity is second to none. While Secretary Powell would not help McCain with conservative he would more then make up for it with the massive amounts of Independent and even democratic voters he would bring to the ticket. I believe to spite the harpings of a few on the far right a McCain/ Powell ticket would amount to a perfect storm in politics and would give McCain this election by at least 15 points.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Endorsement
(Bob submitted this post to me and I thought it pretty well summed up my feelings on the presidential race, and I agree with 99% of it I thought it would serve pretty well as a statement of endorsement)
Possible conversion on Candidates
Tonight Senator John McCain won the South Carolina Primary. I have over the last several weeks started to reexamine the senator and his candidacy. In the 2000 primary I supported John McCain because I like the fact that he spoke truth to power and was willing to buck the system when he thought he was right.This year I wrote the Senator off, this was a mistake of mine I for the first time in my life bought into the pundits opinions. As I look at his positions there are some I don't agree with, like his stance on immigration ( the amnesty bill) and his support of campaign finance reform. But I like that fact that he is trying to get things done and is willing to go against his party if necessary to do so. He has a consistent conservative voting record, he is a rational logical conservative. He is a supporter of a balanced budget and against pork barrel spending, and his foreign policy experience is first rate. I like that he has spent his life in public service, that he honorably and courageously served his country in Vietnam and sacrificed his pride, blood, and a whole lot of pain for his nation. The fact that he knows the horror of war makes him very qualified to be President and Commander and Chief. He also has the credibility to talk about issues like torture and techniques for interrogation. I like that fact that he doesn't wear his religion on his sleeve that he is one of the millions of Americans who for the most part believes religion is a private matter. He doesn't pander to the likes of Pat Robertson or James Dobson and I like that very much.He also appears to be against the defense of marriage amendment which would ban gay marriage, he says that it is a states rights issue and this is a good start and a good position for a President from the GOP to take. So as I look at the Senator again and reassess what I'm looking for in a leader of my party and more importantly my country I am considering doing something I have never done this late in a Primary and that is switching my support.I think I may be a McCain Republican, I believe that he can appeal to Republican and independent voters alike, I also think he can beat Hillary Clinton like a drum. More importantly I believe he is just what America needs after seven years of the Bush Presidency and a Democratic party that is clueless to the threats this nation and world faces. John McCain is an elder statesman, a man who has been tempered by war, is schooled in how government works, and has a core set of Principals. I think that America taking a break from being governed by Baby Boomers may very well be what this nation needs. I still like Mike Huckabee but the political realities are that if he can't win in South Carolina, how can I expect him to win in Indiana, Connecticut, and Colorado and supporting a losing candidate leads to very bad policies by the person that beat him. I think Mike would have made a fine President but I realize now that McCain may be a better fit for me.So I am considering switching my support to Senator McCain. Now I am not a fair weather fan, I simply realize that I may have chosen Governor Huckabee too quickly. I have always called myself a Reagan Republican and that is very true he is after all my political hero but I also think I am a McCain Republican. So we shall see I hope the Senator wins in Florida and can go on to take out Romney on Super Tuesday. As for Governor Huckabee I believe he spent his energy on Iowa, he may win a few more primaries but I think for the most part he is done. So I will mull it over for a few more days and decide weather to stick it out with Governor Huckabee until the nomination is decided or whether to change my support to Senator McCain.
(Steve's note: What it came down to for me in a race where there is no candidate that I agree with 100%, I liked the fact that McCain is more of a known quantity to me. He has more experience in lawmaking than all three leading Democrats combined. And while I disagree with McCain on how long we can stay in Iraq, I don't believe any of the dems on this issue. When's the last time any president moved our forces away from oil? So I feel that most likely any candidate will find an excuse to continue the war. The difference is that McCain is honest about it, and I believe he will be much more competent in these matters than our current president.)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Undecided voter, make a decision already.
(note: This post is the first of hopefully a series written by my friend Bob,who is currently working as a contractor in Iraq and is one of the most hard-core political junkies I know.)
I have been following the Presidential election as closely as I can what with being in Iraq and all and heard some commentator refer to the what I believe has become the staple of American politics and that is The Undecided Voter. This particular commentator was talking about how with only two days to go until the Michigan Primary there was something like nine percent of voters who claim to be undecided? This makes me ask the question "Who are these people?" I mean how is it possible for someone to not know with only two days before the election who they are going to vote for? I might remind you that I am referring to people who vote in primaries. These are individuals who by all accounts are the people the most interested, involved, and passionate about the political process. The grassroots activists,party faithful, union members, NRA,NARAL, Veterans groups, religious groups and of course political junkies like myself. These voters are suppose to be among the most involved and informed voters and yet we have large numbers of people who claim right up to going into the polling booth to be "undecided". I would argue that we aren't choosing what ice cream flavor to pick at Baskin Robbins we are choosing a President.My question is how can a voter not know who they are, that's what this comes down to. See if you know who you are and what you believe it is very easy to decide on a candidate. I for example know that I value freedom, personal responsibility, individual liberty and rights, the sanctity of life, and a strong vibrant military. There for I am naturally drawn to the Republican party, after listening to all of the candidates running for office. Hearing the positions and ideas I then narrow down the ones I can't vote for. I first eliminate Ron Paul because while I like his libertarian views on personal freedom and spending I believe he is clueless on the need to aggressively fight the war on terror. Then I eliminate Duncan Hunter who I like on most issue but realize that he cannot win and think that he is a bit to much of an establishment candidate. I then go through all the candidates until I find one that I can support. In this case I chose Governor Mike Huckabee for a myriad of reasons. I knew several weeks before the election that I would cast my vote for the Governor. Now the question I pose to you is how can anyone who plans to vote and is in anyway informed not know who they are going to vote for? While I do understand that candidates taking watered down positions doesn't help in the decision making if you know what you believe its still rather easy to choose.I believe this happens first because people are afraid in some cases to take a firm stand for whatever reason. Second because they are waiting to see which candidate will kowtow to them and whatever set of issues is important too them, and third because too many voters base there votes on how they "feel" about a candidate. A good example of this is the Barack Obama candidacy, here is a man who undoubtedly has great skill as an orator, a lot of charisma, and extreme intelligence. Yet anyone who is honest with themselves will admit that this man has virtually no experience, little back ground, and will need a lot of o.j.t. ( on the job training) and yet he is in contention for the Democratic Party nomination because of how he makes people "feel" haven't we learned our lesson. I mean we got President Bush because Republicans "felt" good about him.Now I believe he has been a decent President and strong leader, but if the GOP in 2000 had based its decision on who would make the best President then John McCain would have been the nominee and would have gone on to beat Al Gore like a drum. Basing how you vote on your feelings can only lead to disaster. We end up with people who make us feel good about ourselves and possibly bypass better leaders.Time and time again I hear people talk about how just days before an election they are undecided and I just want to say "Hey Grow some balls, examine what you believe and make a damned decision already!" after all we are choosing the leader of the free world here, not a Fraternity President. Take a stand people, after all ITS IMPORTANT!
I have been following the Presidential election as closely as I can what with being in Iraq and all and heard some commentator refer to the what I believe has become the staple of American politics and that is The Undecided Voter. This particular commentator was talking about how with only two days to go until the Michigan Primary there was something like nine percent of voters who claim to be undecided? This makes me ask the question "Who are these people?" I mean how is it possible for someone to not know with only two days before the election who they are going to vote for? I might remind you that I am referring to people who vote in primaries. These are individuals who by all accounts are the people the most interested, involved, and passionate about the political process. The grassroots activists,party faithful, union members, NRA,NARAL, Veterans groups, religious groups and of course political junkies like myself. These voters are suppose to be among the most involved and informed voters and yet we have large numbers of people who claim right up to going into the polling booth to be "undecided". I would argue that we aren't choosing what ice cream flavor to pick at Baskin Robbins we are choosing a President.My question is how can a voter not know who they are, that's what this comes down to. See if you know who you are and what you believe it is very easy to decide on a candidate. I for example know that I value freedom, personal responsibility, individual liberty and rights, the sanctity of life, and a strong vibrant military. There for I am naturally drawn to the Republican party, after listening to all of the candidates running for office. Hearing the positions and ideas I then narrow down the ones I can't vote for. I first eliminate Ron Paul because while I like his libertarian views on personal freedom and spending I believe he is clueless on the need to aggressively fight the war on terror. Then I eliminate Duncan Hunter who I like on most issue but realize that he cannot win and think that he is a bit to much of an establishment candidate. I then go through all the candidates until I find one that I can support. In this case I chose Governor Mike Huckabee for a myriad of reasons. I knew several weeks before the election that I would cast my vote for the Governor. Now the question I pose to you is how can anyone who plans to vote and is in anyway informed not know who they are going to vote for? While I do understand that candidates taking watered down positions doesn't help in the decision making if you know what you believe its still rather easy to choose.I believe this happens first because people are afraid in some cases to take a firm stand for whatever reason. Second because they are waiting to see which candidate will kowtow to them and whatever set of issues is important too them, and third because too many voters base there votes on how they "feel" about a candidate. A good example of this is the Barack Obama candidacy, here is a man who undoubtedly has great skill as an orator, a lot of charisma, and extreme intelligence. Yet anyone who is honest with themselves will admit that this man has virtually no experience, little back ground, and will need a lot of o.j.t. ( on the job training) and yet he is in contention for the Democratic Party nomination because of how he makes people "feel" haven't we learned our lesson. I mean we got President Bush because Republicans "felt" good about him.Now I believe he has been a decent President and strong leader, but if the GOP in 2000 had based its decision on who would make the best President then John McCain would have been the nominee and would have gone on to beat Al Gore like a drum. Basing how you vote on your feelings can only lead to disaster. We end up with people who make us feel good about ourselves and possibly bypass better leaders.Time and time again I hear people talk about how just days before an election they are undecided and I just want to say "Hey Grow some balls, examine what you believe and make a damned decision already!" after all we are choosing the leader of the free world here, not a Fraternity President. Take a stand people, after all ITS IMPORTANT!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)