Originally Posted By avromark Just curious what people here look for when they vote. Is it a good hair-do? Education expenditures? Snazzy campaigns? An "everyman" appeal? Maybe because she came from a very powerful family? Or because he has been a member of a certain party for a million gazillion years?
Originally Posted By Mrs ElderP Mainly I would like someone who takes strong positions on big issues (poverty, health care, social security, forgien policy). All the mainstream canidates like to think they do, but they all leave lots of wiggle room in their platforms. I'd also like to see a media talk more about substantive policy issues and less about ads and image making and molehill/mountian scandels.
Originally Posted By christiemarsh88 I'd like to hear more about concrete changes. Then I'd like to see them. I'm a conservative, so I disagree with most of his policies, but if you want to know my ideal candidate personality-wise, check out the character Jed Bartlett from the West Wing. They really nailed that character. He's got everyman appeal, but is also incredibly smart and well-spoken. He can tell a good story, and really engages his listeners. If Aaron Sorkin and CO. can write speeches that stir me for a TV show, why can't the President's real-life speech writers do the same? Most of the speeches we hear are about as exciting and stirring as an economics class.
Originally Posted By avromark I'd like a frank politician, one with a true open doors policy. I'd like a government who puts citizens before big business (this basically means anyone who isn't from our Liberal party), one that attracts and promotes economic growth, but still provides a safety net. (Medical, prevention of loss of home), but I do not agree with out right welfare. I'm for soup kitchens but not fully subsidized lives. I feel if the government helps someone they should help society (Ie picking up litter). I want a government that emphasizes efficiency and fairness, one that tries to increase the middle class (who I think is the back bone of society). A government that ensures safety is a priority, but doesn't institute procedures that decrease ease of access...
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains An Honest Person - someone who can stand on their own merrit without having to bash their competiter. Some one who says exactly what it is they want to accomplish and then if elected sets forth to do just that! I want someone who even during the primaries doesn't tell me what's wrong with all the other hopefuls and then once they have the nomination chose one of the others they just spent 6 months bashing as a running mate. Just be honest and moral - don't do anything you would be embarrassed to tell your children you did.
Originally Posted By ShivaThDestroyer I am reminded of the old world philosopher Diogenes. He is remembered for walking the countryside with a lantern, looking for an honest man. The problem is that the term "man" did not translate well. It actually refers to a "man of position or authority" such as a politician. I used to live in the town where Diogenes was born and that was the meaning conveyed there. I don't think much has changed in a 2000 years. Over time, power still tends to corrupt. Television and other media make it very difficult to know who we are voting for. Most of us actually vote for an image of what we think they are. My ideal politician would be very similar to Mr. Lincoln. The problem is that I don't think he exists.
