Originally Posted By DVC_dad Guys, Friends, Fellow LP'ers, and those that never discuss politics and rarely go into WE...I beseech your input! How about let's try to list some of the POSITIVE qualities of each candidate? Maybe throw in some links to positive sites, and so on. I am sooooo lost as to who to vote for and I am really sitting on the exact middle of the fence. NO BASHING!!! So, what do you like for each candidate? Anyone willing to go first? Well McCain is a war hero. Barak is very energetic and youger.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer I don't make my final decision until Election Day.... There is just too much to find out about... Neither major party has had its convention yet... What will be their official "platforms"? Who will be the Vice Presidential Candidate? And what new information will be discovered by the Media between now and November?
Originally Posted By mawnck This is going to be a tough topic. I think we've been trained by decades of negative campaigns not to vote for the candidate we agree with, but to vote against the other candidate because he sucks. For instance, I would vote for just about ANY Democrat just to keep the Republicans out, but there I've already violated the parameters of the OP. And when I try to talk about Obama's good points, it's usually by comparison with McCain's bad ones. I'm going to have to get back to you .....
Originally Posted By DVC_dad <<<but there I've already violated the parameters of the OP>>> I still have faith that this can be discussed in Community.
Originally Posted By rockcow1 Obama can bring a fresh perspective. McCain has made connections in Washington over the years. This could help in getting things done.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad LOL @ ecdc. I am going to assume that is a classic example of "If you don't have something good to say, don't say anything!" LOLOL Bravo post ecdc!
Originally Posted By LadyKluck I want to wait to see who they're going to pick for their running mates. I really like Obama but if he picks Hillary for his running mate I won't vote for him just because I don't want her "back".
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA After the mess that this Administration has made of the country, our economy, and our place in the world over the past 8 years, I just can't reward the Republican party and vote for another Republican. Can't do it. As much as I like John McCain, I just can't do it. Obama gets my vote this time.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip I will vote for Obama. This country desperately needs a mental break from where we have been. Obama will give us that... just as Reagan gave us that following the disappointing Carter years.
Originally Posted By mawnck OK - here's my best shot: Obama is an intelligent and thoughtful person with a practical outlook on what is best for the US. I believe that in any situation, he will consider all the facts, get advice from the most knowledgeable advisors he can find, and take the best course of action. He will take into account changing circumstances. He will also treat his political opponents and the leaders of other countries with respect, and move to make the US a part of the world community. I also admire his charisma and leadership ability. I think he will bring an enthusiasm for pitching in and working together for our country, much as Kennedy did, if he's given a chance. As a constitutional scholar himself, he will nominate court justices who will fairly and thoughtfully uphold the law and the Constitution, regardless of political leanings. As for McCain, I think he's also an intelligent and thoughtful guy who will also be unafraid to think independently. He sincerely wants what's best for the country, and I consider him trustworthy. (The preceding was edited 573 times before posting. Whew!)
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 DH and I vote by mail. We sit down and muddle through all the issues together. We have been known to cancel out each others vote on purpose when we can't decide. Stupid I know but hey. I'd say right now we are both firmly on the fence. Running mates will be a factor. I'm hoping for less mud slinging this time around. I have to admit that the mud slinger tends to tick me off and it sways me toward the other candidate. Stupid I know but hey.
Originally Posted By markymouse I like that Obama generally tries to stay positive, and offers an optimistic view of the future. I believe such a shot in the arm is what we need after the troubles of the past few years. I have friends to the left and the right who have terrible things to say about both of them. But I fail to generate anything but optimism about the whole thing. And not just of the "anything's better..." variety. McCain, whom I don't plan to vote for, is, I believe the most anti-torture person any where in the government. And with GITMO and secret prisons in eastern Europe, I think that is very important. He also seems to be much further along on environmental issues than his resume (western Republican over 60) might suggest. I believe both would work with the supposed "moderate middle" that helped Clinton pass welfare reform, for instance. But with less scandal. And I love to listen to both of them. Obama is the class president who gives great speeches that make us all feel better. And McCain is that kid who cracks you up during the class president's speeches.
