Why I support who I support

[cheesybanana]

This is all politics. I am genuinely interested in why people are supporting specific candidates. Although I am sure debate will happen here, don't flame or degrade this thread. This is a big turning point for our country, regardless of what side of the aisle you are on. I think a mature discussion of the pros and cons of candidates will better all of us. Remember, debate is not about changing other's opinions or beliefs, but about strengthening your own. Keep that it mind when posting...

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To start, I am a Hillary supporter. I simply feel as if she is the best qualified candidate in the race, Republican or Democrat.

Truthfully, it was between Clinton, Obama, and Ron Paul. I initially supported Obama. I found his idealism to be refreshing. He is young, smart, funny, and knows how to speak. He could really be a uniting force in our country. However, I simply feel that he is too inexperienced. He will have his time, but that time is not now. Also, the more I considered his idealism, the more I realized how out-of-place it would be right now. We need a strong leader. We need someone who can get results as soon as s/he gets into office. I just don't think Obama can do that yet. Once again, maybe later. He has a long career ahead of him.

Ron Paul was my next choice. He is a lot of what every libertarian dreams of having as president. I was originally turned off by his stance on immigration, but I realized how insignificant that was compared to his drive to minimize government. I really do believe that our government has become too big and expanded in all the wrong areas. When government decides how best to protect ME from MYSELF, I see some serious issues.

But Ron Paul, along with every other second-tier and third-party candidate, simply can NOT get things done if elected. They would not have the political capital to carry through with the changes they want to initiate. Even with a mandate (which is now defined by politicians as any kind of majority, though I think that is really pushing it), it would be incredibly slow to get the smallest changes through congress. Our system was built to resist sudden change, for good reason. These candidates always have and will continue to have an indirect effect on politics, but they will not get elected. The two party system, rightly, will not disappear anytime soon.

This brings me to Hillary. Hillary has so many redeeming qualities, that I tend to forget about some policy matters that I may not exactly agree on. First, she is an experienced politician. She knows how and when to work the system. She has had her failures, and has learned much from them. Further, she has developed vast amounts of political capital. She can get things done. Second, she is a cold, calculating women. She does not make decisions on whims or a change of heart. She may not have much for emotion or personality, but do we really need that now? We need someone to lead us out of a war, not lead us in a prayer service. Third, she is incredibly nonpartisan. She has worked with some 40+ Republican senators in her term. She won over 50% of the vote in traditionally conservative upstate New York. Many former critics are now saying that she is quite enjoyable to work with in congress. In short, she can unite when needed. Lastly, she is smart. Say what you want about Hillary, but her intelligence is undeniable. We are done with practitioners (Bush). We need intelligence in office.

And the other Republican candidates? Ha! They have little by way of virtues. They are frantically trying to keep in their religious right base that is finally sick of being fed empty promises for years, while still trying to keep traditional conservatives, who are sick of being part of the 'moral' party, in line. It is simply not going to work.

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So please tell me why YOU are supporting YOUR candidate. I'm looking forward to reading through everyone's huge paragraphs

 

[TheCustomer99]

I did support Ron Paul until the 9/11 "truth" movement began supporting him. Ron Paul started out promising and has gotten a little kooky from what I've seen now. He wants to bring the gold standard back (even though it was a bottleneck on the economy), he's not entirely sure who was responsible for 9/11 (completely irrational), and I just don't like being associated with his base.

Right now, I like Romney, I suppose... a little. From what I've heard, he's pretty moderate when looking at his record as governor. It seems like, contrary to popular opinion, that he doesn't push his religious views on other people.

I also like Bill Richardson, the Governor from New Mexico, but he has no chance on earth of winning the Democrat nomination.

I was REALLY hoping that Michael Bloomberg would enter the race, I'd definitely support him, but now it looks like he isn't.

My Ideal Candidate:
1.) Non-interventionist
2.) Pro gun rights
3.) Pro free trade
4.) Recognizes Global Warming as a problem
5.) Has an above average knowledge of economics
6.) Uses science and reason instead of faith and superstition
7.) Realizes the War on Drugs is wasteful and not effective
8.) Doesn't pander to the evangelical vote
9.) Knows that the best work is done in the private sector
10.) Realizes that border walls are only built around dictatorial "heck"holes
11.) Wishes to abolish the Patriot Act and has a firm understanding of the Constitution.
And so on... and so on... and so on...

I think once election day rolls around, I'm just gonna flip a coin. I don't really feel that ANY of the frontrunners have views that are REMOTELY close to mine.

Or maybe I'll write in Mickey Mouse. I mean, he's become an unofficial symbol of capitalism, he's a nice guy, he has a great sense of humor, and he's proven that he can lead in tough circumstances. I mean, him and his dog Pluto have found their way out of a lot of pinches.

 

[baggss]

This is all politics.

I find it interesting that you liked Ron Paul for his stance on small government but now support Hillary. She is a BIG Government advocate if there ever was one. Her ideas for Socialized Medicine, among other things, smack of the Govt trying to protect me from myself and take care of me a bit too much.

I have not made up my mind yet to be honest. I lean towards Fred Thompson and Mike Huckabee, but away from Romney. I don't like Obama and don't trust Hillary. Edwards is...well...Edwards. Ron Paul is just too far from reality for me to even consider, although I like many of his ideas.

 

[cheesybanana]

I find it interesting that you liked Ron Paul for his stance on small government but now support Hillary. She is a BIG Government advocate if there ever was one.

Like I said, I don't agree with everything Hillary has to say. However, she is clearly the strongest candidate running. We need a strong candidate right now.

Plus, I am not a black and white small government advocate. I feel that government intervention in certain aspects will benefit the country (ie. Health Care and Education). I am also usually against big taxes, but that is simply not a possibility right now while we are in a war.

TC99, I agree with every one of your ideal candidate points. However, I am working with what we have

 

[TheCustomer99]

while still trying to keep traditional conservatives, who are sick of being part of the 'moral' party, in line.

Ah yes, the Rockefeller Republicans, the conservative intellectuals, the Alex P. Keatons, the Gerald Fords, the Milton Friedmans, etc. All have been abandoned by the neoconservative movement for the Pat Robertsons and Ann Coulters. The ones that are left are merely endangered remnants of a by-gone era.

(Gazes off towards the sunset with tear-filled eyes.)

 

[hondagus87]

No matter who wins we won't be leaving iraq anytime soon, the government used 9/11 as their reasoning to invade iraq. Our economy is destroyed from the Bush administration, and We are looked at by the majority of the world as the real terrorists.


It's funny we praise the original patriots of our country who fought off england and created the United States yet we call the religious groups fighting the invaders (that would be the U.S.) who attacked their country terrorists. I am pro military (Former Army soldier myself who has hundreds of fellow soldiers in Iraq right now) but I feel we are the real terrorists for invading iraq and trying to be the government of the world instead of focusing on our own country and our downfalls (healthcare, unemployment rates, homeless rates). What sense did it make to cut healthcare for children and then offer tax breaks to companies who hire children as young as 8 and give them health benefits.

OKAY, enough of my anti-bush ranting for the night

 

[TopDog]

Go Schwarzenegger

Never been to the US, but followed you guys a lot on the news and Internet, I have to say your politics seems somewhat ignorant conserning the rest of the worlds religions, politics, cultures... way of life in general.

And that's why I think the US get so many enemies. Stop for a second, listen and absorb how different we are, and respect those differences. It's what makes this world such and interesting planet to live on

While I'm on the planet issue... could you guys please stop making those redicilously huge pickups? What in the world do you need 7.3 litre engines for?

 

[mikethepirate]

I support a small government that is more concerned about the economy and education than morality. Despite the fact that I am a devoted Christian, I do not see where it benefits the country to tell people how to live there lives. Of course, there our certain moral laws that are crucial to our survival but I feel that if God gave us the free will to make our own decisions, than so should our government. I don't support socialized health care, and I'm not a big fan of the welfare system as it is extremely abused. Also, I want to see someone who brings unity and promotes respect for everyone's beliefs. We are all guilty of stereotyping people based on there beliefs and all that does is harden hearts. The only way you can change hearts is with love and I would love to see a canidate that promotes loving your neighbor. Another must for me is that we maintain all of the rights that our founders gave us. Education is extremely important as well. We need more qualified teachers and we need to raise our standards on testing. America's scores have been less and less impressive each year and in today's world, that is unexcusable. We have so much more information at our fingertips than ever before, and we need not let the ease of gathering this information make us lazy.

This being said, I am somewhat in the dark about canidates. I like Obama somewhat, but something keeps me from getting completely behind him. Clinton is a smart lady, I just don't agree with her big government views. Anyone have some recommendations of canidates I can do some research on. The elections right around the corner and I need to get my butt up and moving lol

 

[Village Idiot]

Hillary doesn't have experience. Her husband has experience. Her first real role in politics was as New York's senator and I believe that's really just to get her a run at the Presidency.

 

[mikethepirate]

While I'm on the planet issue... could you guys please stop making those ridiculously huge pickups? What in the world do you need 7.3 litre engines for?

Funny that you say we should embrace our differences, then say this. I personally don't need a 7.3 litre truck but my girlfriend’s father uses his F-250 daily for hauling and work. I would love to see a 6-cylinder pull the same load he pulls Also, people point at America as being one of the huge polluters in the world and that is not completely true. We have very strict emission laws and that is why companies try to build plants in other countries. China dwarfs the US in CO2 emissions and I'm glad to see that people are starting to realize this, but it still upsets that people get on boards and complain about our big trucks when they aren't even close to what’s causing most of the pollution. Large plants with no environmental and emission regulations are the killer and the destruction of rain forest by third world governments for resoruces doesn't help, so why not go to a forum with a lot of people from China and various third world countries and tell them to make their emission laws tougher . I really need to give up. America can do nothing to make anyone happy lol.

Yes, i agree that many America's buy big trucks just to look cool and that is not very smart. As far as close-mindedness goes, we are all guilty to an extent and pointing fingers just makes it worse. Try turning that finger on yourself and fixing your own problems and you will be amazed at how many hearts you change.

 

[Dillinger-63]

I like some of Ron Paul's ideas but in reality he won't be elected. I really like the approach of Mike Huckabee, but will wait to see if he is still running by the end of March 08.

 

[baggss]

Never been to the US, but followed you guys a lot on the news and Internet, I have to say your politics seems somewhat ignorant conserning the rest of the worlds religions, politics, cultures... way of life in general.

The same can be said for the rest of the world towards the US as well. Life here is not like the OC. The export version you see on TV or the news or even the web does not come even close to being representative of the US or our culture.

No matter who wins we won't be leaving iraq anytime soon, the government used 9/11 as their reasoning to invade iraq. Our economy is destroyed from the Bush administration, and We are looked at by the majority of the world as the real terrorists.


It's funny we praise the original patriots of our country who fought off england and created the United States yet we call the religious groups fighting the invaders (that would be the U.S.) who attacked their country terrorists. I am pro military (Former Army soldier myself who has hundreds of fellow soldiers in Iraq right now) but I feel we are the real terrorists for invading iraq and trying to be the government of the world instead of focusing on our own country and our downfalls (healthcare, unemployment rates, homeless rates). What sense did it make to cut healthcare for children and then offer tax breaks to companies who hire children as young as 8 and give them health benefits.

OKAY, enough of my anti-bush ranting for the night

You have missed the entire point of this thread. The point was to share ideas about the candidates, not to sit around and bash Bush. New flash, he's not running again so we don't need to go there. You're entitled to your opinion, as we all are, but silly rantings here are simply inappropriate and counter productive. Were I to counter you post this thread would descend into a flame war. I'm not going to do that because this is an interesting thread that I would like to see stay open. Continued posts like this one are simply going to lead this thread down the wrong path and get it closed in the end. Let's put the negativity away and talk about the candidates in a positive light, not in a negative one.

 

[Shannonb]

I think there all political hacks to be honest. If I had to choose, I'd pick Obama. But what ever happened to the Washington's and Lincoln's. Let's face it, with the current state of affairs, thats what we really need right now.

 

[cheesybanana]

The same can be said for the rest of the world towards the US as well. Life here is not like the OC. The export version you see on TV or the news or even the web does not come even close to being representative of the US or our culture.

I couldn't agree more. I may not always agree with US policy, but I will never leave this country because of the sheer magnitude and openness of our culture.

America's scores have been less and less impressive each year and in today's world, that is unexcusable. We have so much more information at our fingertips than ever before, and we need not let the ease of gathering this information make us lazy.

Actually, we are starting to make gains compared to the rest of the world. It is a very important issue. We do not have a future in manufacturing here. Our strong point is innovation. We should really take advantage of that.

 

[TheCustomer99]

But what ever happened to the Washington's and Lincoln's.

What ever happened to the Gerald Fords? I mean you don't have to go back as far as Washington and Lincoln to see that it has gotten more polarized out there. Nobody can be a moderate anymore, you're either hard-core conservative or hard-core liberal, nothing else.

 

[mikethepirate]

Actually, we are starting to make gains compared to the rest of the world. It is a very important issue. We do not have a future in manufacturing here. Our strong point is innovation. We should really take advantage of that.

Really? I though I just read about our test scores going down and our wieght going up lol. Either way, you can't believe everything you read (especially on the internet). I am a lot more willing to believe good news than bad news because I really do believe that our race can do amazing things if we work together. I agree with you 100% about what you said about manufacturing and how we need to concetrate more on inovation. So many companies choose to build their plants and refineries in other countries because we are so strict on work enviroments and emission and pollution regulations. America needs more engineers and less manual labor. That is why getting a degree is soooooooo important these days.

Nobody can be a moderate anymore, you're either hard-core conservative or hard-core liberal, nothing else.

Sad but true. I find myself longing for a great person that can relate to both sides. If you want to get a little, you have to give a little, but both sides don't seem to understand that

 

[baggss]

America needs more engineers and less manual labor. That is why getting a degree is soooooooo important these days.

While I agree with that statement in principal, a balance needs to be maintained. You're always going to need people to sweep the floors, clean the toilets and wash the dishes. A person that goes to school for years to get that degree is not going to want to do any of those things and paying them what they have earned to do them is just silly.

But what ever happened to the Washington's and Lincoln's

For those who may not be up on their history, neither Washington nor Lincoln were considered "great" until after their careers were over. Both practiced partisan politics when they had to and both were considered political hacks (or criminals in Washington's case) by their enemies.

What ever happened to the Gerald Fords?

Now there is a prime example. He was almost universally liked and respected in US politics, at least until he pardoned Nixon. His highest political ambition was to be Speaker of the House, and look where he ended up.

 

[PapaNoHair]

I support Romney (and not just because of his religion - for example I do not support Harry Reid). My main reason? I think the main issue is the disintegration of the family. I want a candidate who lives it not just talks about it. Also I want smaller government, less taxes and someone who has successfully run multi-billion dollar companies (which is what the US government is). We need someone who knows how to handle money. We need an honest person, someone with high moral values. There are other reasons but these are the main ones.

 

[cheesybanana]

I support Romney (and not just because of his religion - for example I do not support Harry Reid). My main reason? I think the main issue is the disintegration of the family. I want a candidate who lives it not just talks about it. Also I want smaller government, less taxes and someone who has successfully run multi-billion dollar companies (which is what the US government is). We need someone who knows how to handle money. We need an honest person, someone with high moral values. There are other reasons but these are the main ones.

If you want a small government, why would a president with good family values really matter? The government should not become involved in morals. Society has firm control over morals in our country, the government has little effect. Because government TELLS society what it considers 'good morals' does not mean society will listen. For example, 'Family Values Conservatives' may not want gay marriage to become accepted part of our culture, but each new generation is increasingly open to homosexuality in general. It is inevitable.

 

[PowerBookG4]

I don't have anything to add yet, but I just wanted to say this is a very interesting thread and I enjoyed reading it.