Just wanted to vent a little more about the 2008 Presidential cycle. I read in today's USA Today that South Carolina's Republican primary is moving up even earlier in January in order to beat out the Florida primary on the 29th. My response is, "Really?! Come on!" While this is pretty bad, and likely will cause other states to change theirs, I still can't fathom why the Democrats have had, what, 5 debates now? It's not even September! The whole YouTube debate thing was a good idea, but it'd be an even better idea if it occurred between the two party nominees somewhere in Sept.-Oct. of NEXT year! Sure, the Republican candidates have had a debate or two, not that anyone actually watched them, but the Democrats seem to be moving full steam ahead to drive the voters crazy before the end of this year, and it isn't even an election year. All that said, it seems to me that the candidates in general are trying to alienate me as an independent voter, much like they did in 2004. This is disheartening, but quite understandable. At this point in the race, they have to make their own party love them, otherwise, they won't get the nomination, so they will say and do things that they'll, hopefully but probably, water down when it comes down to the general election, or after they get the nomination. If they don't do so, they should know from experience that they will lose independent voters because we don't care about party affiliations. We care about issues and character and the ability to lead. At least, that's what I care about. I guess I can't speak for all independents. Of course, I should really refer to us as unaffiliated, not independent, since there is apparently an independent party, which I am not affiliated with. So, as an unaffiliated voter, what do the parties have to offer me? Not very much I'm afraid, but in the end, absent a viable third candidate, I'll have to make a choice between the lesser of two evils. I've had to do that in two of the four elections for President I've voted in. That's not a good track record in my opinion, in case you were wondering.
So, with all the hype currently going on in regards to the election, I suppose the Republican candidates currently have the upper hand. Why? do you ask? I'll tell you. First, they haven't said much. This helps make me feel less bombarded and inundated than the Democrats have done and I don't think the election cycle should be in full tilt, but should just be getting started at this point in this year, so I'm a bit put off by all the Democrats flashiness. Secondly, because the Republicans haven't said much, they haven't been caught saying stupid things (Hillary and Obama), and they haven't alienated people with what they've said. This isn't to say they won't, just to say that they haven't, yet. Third, there are really only a couple of Republicans worth talking about and they seem to realize that, moving aside fringe candidates they don't really expect to have a chance (at least that's been my impression). The Democrats seem to think that every democratic person who announces a candidacy deserves equal time. It may have been a stupid blunder on Hillary's part to talk about getting rid of the chaff, so to speak, not her words, but she is largely right. In the CNN/YouTube debate, there was a question asked about bipartisanship and who a Democrat would choose for their running mate if they had to choose a member of the opposing party. Great question, in my opinion, but completely irrelevant as it turns out, because not a single viable candidate had to answer the question. You didn't get a response from Hillary or Obama in regards to this question. Who answered it? Well, at least John Edwards did, but Joe Biden isn't going to win the nomination, so what are we doing really? They both picked Chuck Hagel, fyi. Perhaps that should tell the Republicans something? Even if it did, they'd probably miss it. So, here it is for me. By the time we know who the Democratic nominee is going to be, we're going to be so tired of whoever it is, that almost anyone is going to look better. Of course, I think, regardless of how much a Republican candidate tries to distance themselves from the current administration, they are going to be painted with the same brush, so it'll be hard for any Republican this election cycle. Therefore, that leaves us all with the hope of a viable third party candidate. Anyone got a suggestion?
2 comments:
My state, Texas, never has a meaningful primary. Both parties will have one candidate with >50% of the vote already. Primary order should vary each year, and not finish in February, with both candidates mostly just standing around for 9 months.
The YouTube debate was supposed to show that the elite media no longer act as gatekeeper for the questions. Those same people were picking which questions to be presented. How is that different than when they were on cards?
The beauty of Obama and Fred Thompson is that they haven't ever done much. Thus, you can imagine they'll always agree with you. They haven't done anything you disagreed with in the past, did they?
No suggestions for third party candidates, but I will say that I think that both of the main parties have lost their minds, especially the Democrats. If I hear about one more debate or fund raiser, I just might go crazy. I tune them out when they come on the news and change the station when they are on the radio. I am mostly sick of their faces. Really, some of these people have been ‘running’ since the election of 2004 was finished, and in some cases (*cough* Hilary *cough), even before. When I think that we have another year and few months of this election cycle, it just makes me tired.
If I had to pick right now, though, Fred Thompson has my vote. I really need to know more about his social stance, but I’m with him on illegal immigration and protecting this country. I can’t think of a single democratic candidate that has a remote chance at getting my vote, but admittedly I tend toward Republicans anyway.
BTW…..Totally off topic but I noticed on the website that you have listed here that you played on Muds. That is very funny. I think I spent most of my early/mid 20’s on AberMuds. Haven’t been on one in ages, though.
Post a Comment