I'm an Independent, have been for some time, since I came to the conclusion that no party has all the answers (at least not all the right ones). I also know that all the candidates will do absolutely anything to win. Listen up, peops, there's a civil war going on, it's just of the passive-aggressive nature. The Parties tend to hurt us more than help us, splitting America cleanly down the middle. What I'm saying is, I am determined to weigh all the candidates and find the best man for the job (sorry, Hilary). I've chosen Obama, not because he's the lesser of two evils, like in past elections, but because I truly believe he can bring about change.
Vice Presidential Nominees and Lots of Fuss
Lately, all the talk has been about the VP candidates. Is Sarah Palin ready? Republicans say yes, Democrats say no. Is Joe Biden ready? Republicans say no, Democrats say yes. Here's my thought. The fact that a woman is nominated for the 2nd highest position in all the land absolutely thrills me. And Sarah Palin is a charismatic lady. It's obvious that she's strong and willing to do the job. Women can balance a career with motherhood. But, no, I don't think she's ready. Here's why: Palin is in her first term as Governor of Alaska, and although that gives her more executive experience, it was "hands-off" experience. She spends most of her time in Wasilla, which is a small town about an hour outside of the capital. This executive experience is said to give her an advantage; she can lead and make decisions. I don't know what the advantage is, I don't see anyone (McCain, Obama, Biden, or any other candidate, politician, public figure) having trouble making decisions. It's a question of making the right decisions, on a huge scale. It's true that Palin doesn't come from Washington, far from it, but why does that equal change, and the right kind of change? Someone that far removed from Washington isn't exactly in touch with those of us not living in Alaska. Lastly, Feminists might burn me at the stake for this, but Sarah Palin doesn't just have a family, she has a family with tons of issues right now, and I'm afraid they're going to suffer. With her daughter pregnant, and a brand new special-needs baby, it seems like very bad timing for her to run for office.
Joe Biden? Who is this guy? It's surprising that everyone started to frenzy when Palin was named Republican VP nominee, with questions like: "Who is Sarah Palin?" But, because Biden's been in the Senate for forever, no one said boo. But, I'm an average American and I don't know this guy. McCain really trumped Obama this time: Palin's getting all the publicity, and Biden slowly fades into the background. (By the way, according to McCain's standards, isn't Palin reaching unacceptable "Celebrity Status"??) All we know about Biden is his limited executive experience, and his extensive international experience. It will be interesting to hear Biden and Palin debate. But, it's really about who will be President, right?
Why I Won't Vote For John McCain
John McCain is an American hero, and he has lots of experience in the Senate and in Washington. I agree that he loves America and wants to lead us in the right direction. I just don't know if he knows what that is. In his career in the Senate, he has voted with George Bush 90% of the time. This year, however, 2008, he has voted with George Bush 100% of the time. For someone who talks about change a lot, he really doesn't have the record to back it up.
Now, Obama doesn't have a strong record either. He hasn't been in the Senate long enough to establish a body of work to compare. Both McCain and Obama walk the walk and talk the talk. Who do we believe? Experts say that most of their goals are too lofty to complete in the time frames they've promised. We all know polititians will do and say anything to get elected. They exaggerate, if not lie. The conventions are no help. The audiences are packed with cheering supporters, enough to get anyone jazzed. And you can't really look too hard at their policies. You agree with bits and peices and disagree with the rest. How do we choose?
I'm voting for Obama because when he speaks, I hear passion and conviction. I hear that he means what he says. When McCain speaks, I always hear some kind of angle, some way that he is manipulating me. It could be that Obama is just a better liar, but he would have to be pretty dang good. Obama is so sick and tired of the same old way things are, that he is fired up enough to do something about it. I like that.
Jesse
2 comments:
I agree with so many of the things you said. I can't stand how some people think it should be their way of the highway. This is why so little gets done. How about a little compromise? But it doesn't seem that many politicians can grasp the idea of compromise (not to mention so many people). I consider myself independant as well. And I'm still not sure who I'd vote for. I don't like how McCain is always talking about his POW experience like it automatically qualifies him for president. It's that same attitude that made me dislike Hillary (not that I really liked her before). He's not an eloquent speaker. Obama is and I do think that it's a great quality to have especially for a leader. I don't want another George Bush. I don't want a president to lead us to war unless it is a last resort, which is another reason I don't like McCain. But there are things I don't like about Obama as well, but this is getting too long already, so I think I'll stop now.
Heather would absolutely agree with your assesment of Palin's family needs. She is actually upset with her for running for vice president while her family really needs her. I applaud her for running a career and a family at the same time. I want to believe that she is capable of both. The two of you might be right about this one though.
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