Let's talk politics. I'm deeply divided on this election. It's a tough decision, between two excellent candidates. My beliefs in this election are split between the candidates and the political parties they represent. I think the country needs a Democratic candidate. I think McCain would be a better president than Obama. This is the paradox I find myself in these days. This talk of "transformational figures" and "change you can believe in" is fluff. It's something to make you feel better without actually giving you anything. I'm interested in policies, not how many houses someone owns or what religious affiliation is implied about a candidate. They're both Christian by the way, before anyone gets offended.
I think both candidates are promising the country much more than they could hope to accomplish in four years in office. On most policies, I think McCain presents a more realistic view of what can be accomplished than Obama does. Obama's policies look wonderful, and if they were achievable, he'd have my vote. But I don't think they are achievable, given the economic crisis, our country can not afford either candidate's plan, but in my opinion, Obama's plans are more out of reach. Also, long Senate history gives McCain the knowledge he'll need to make decisions about policy that will have a chance of getting through Congress. I worry that Obama, even with Biden's help, will run into a huge problem of pushing legislation through the Congress. Nothing I have seen about Obama so far has led me to believe he can match McCain's knowledge of the Senate, which I believe is in important for passing legislation.
I was looking forward to voting Democrat this election, till I saw the candidates in the primaries. The Democrats were dead-wrong about the surge in Iraq, something they still have trouble admitting. Obama ran in the primaries on his inexperience, he was an outsider who was bringing "change you could believe in" because he wasn't tainted by business as usual Washington politics. If you buy that argument, tell me why he picked the quintessential Democrat Washington insider as his running mate? I felt the Biden pick was a smart political move, but also undermined Obama's credibility. I see the Biden pick as a blatant about-face of everything Obama ran on during the primaries.
I like McCain, he's always been more on the moderate side of the Republican party, a side he has not shown during the general election. His pick in Sara Palin is one I defend, even though I disagree with it completely. It was a clever move, but the Republicans squandered it. Palin is inexperienced, and probably not ready for the big time. Palin makes Republicans feel better about voting for McCain, while making moderates and liberals cringe. I think the media(mainly controlled by liberals) has crucified her and McCain and the Republican party. They deserved some of it certainly, and Obama has received more than a fair share of slander from conservatives. However, during the last presidential debate, McCain repudiated all negative ads and claimed he always has, Obama did not repudiate any negative ads his party ran. Obama spent more time attacking negative ads sponsored by Republicans than dissociating himself from his own party's negative ads. That bothered me, a great deal.
They are both excellent candidates and I agree with Colin Powell, either would make a fine president. I think based solely on the candidate's, McCain gets my vote. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. I think the country really could use a Democrat in office. I think the focus needs to be on education and taking care of American people struggling under debt and oppressive social systems. On issues of social justice, Catholics should mainly vote Democrat. The Democratic Party has the problem of being pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage, which are increasingly complex issues that should be major stumbling blocks for Catholics. Unlike what Nancy Pelosi says, the Church is quite clear in its opposition to abortion.
I don't know how I'm voting yet. If I can find reason to believe a McCain administration will be more moderate than conservative, it might be McCain. If not, I may vote Democrat, despite serious misgivings about Obama's ability to do as good a job as McCain. I tried to keep this respectful while clearly laying out my political thoughts, I hope this doesn't dissolve into a shouting match with anybody. Please feel free to respond if you like, I'm always up for discussion. Not arguing, but discussing. Can't wait to see some of you here on the Hill for Family Weekend this weekend!
5 comments:
I wish I could go to family weekend. I'm close enough.
As for politics, I kinda don't want either of them for president. I kinda also think that I won't be voting...
Frank, A very good post with lots to chew on...
Here is how I see things. The problem with voting Republican, even for a moderate like John MaCain, is that to some extent he Will be beholding to his base. That means he will be obliged to stand by his economic plan which I think will do more harm then good in the current situation.
With regard to Obama's ability to move legislation thru Congress, the democrates Do have control over the House and Senate. Obama actually has a better chance at breaking the grid lock then McCain.
Lisa... I know I am not your official Auntie yet but I want to urge you to vote. Take it from someone who has struggled over ever vote since Carter ran against Reagan the choice is often the lesser of two evils but it is always good to have your say!
But the Democrats aren't going to get enough votes to gain enough control in House and Senate to pass whatever they want, Auntie Clare. They have majority, but just barely and it's highly doubtful they'll pick up enough seats in the House to bypass Republicans completely, so there will need to be some bipartisanship, and on that count, McCain's the better pick. He's got a record of reaching across party lines, Obama may be capable of that, but point goes to McCain for bipartisanship.
Fun fact: On key votes, McCain voted with with his party 76% of the time. Obama voted with his party 97% of the time. Source: Rick Sanchez on CNN
"Not once did Dan Quale performed as bad as Palin has in the past month".
Seriously, This woman scares me. If you're not sure go check up on her case against fruit-fly funding... Hint... take a guess how some Autusim research breakthroughs were achieved. Anyways, there goes Auntie Anne's vote.
If that's not enough, go see what said about the role of the vice-president... before you do, read the constitution.
So you're scared by inexperience when it comes to Sara Palin but not when it comes to Barack Obama? Hmmm...
I don't like her either, but she serves the McCain campaign on a few levels. One, she's a conservative, non-intellectual, which appeals to the anti-intellectual voters. As much as we dislike it, they're a major part of American society and politics, and if they aren't taken seriously, the Democrats will not make much headway. She's also a woman and a Washington outsider which are obvious for the advantages the Democrats tried to claim. Also, the moment you bring up the "one heartbeat away from president" joke or any other sentiment, congratulations, you're biased against age, which is sort of like being biased against race.
If you're not concerned about autism, then you should check up on it, it's scary.
I defend Palin but I do not like her. I wish someone else had been picked, but I think she brings a lot of positive, if you're willing to accept it. Just like I think Obama brings a lot of positive energy, despite my stated misgivings about him.
If the best reason you have for me to vote Obama is Sara Palin, what does that say about Obama's candidacy?
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