Should you have any respect for a polotician who suddenly "changes party"?

Question

Is such a person worthy of being President?

"Politician", even! (LOLAM)

Some interesting answers... As I asked the question, I had in mind the late former Democrat, Mr. Ronald Reagan, who began his political career as a Democrat, but later became a Republican. Of course, in those days, the Republican Party far more closely resembled the Democratic Party of today. Mr Reagan would be appalled with the Republican Party as it is today!

Answer 1

I think it shows an independence of character. Today's republican party has changed significantly in the last few years. For example, they used to strongly "conserve" money and hold the Gov't accountable for spending (other than militarily). The reckless spending in Iraq is a polar opposite of careful spending and accountability.

I had to be true to my own ideas and switched parties as the times changed.
Emerson said "It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude."

It's important regardless of party to hold true to our character. So my answer is yes I would still have respect for them if I believed in their character.

Answer 2

People change. Do you think you're the same person you were 10 years ago? I had a pretty stern upbringing. In my early 20's I considered my self to be a moderate conservative. Since then, I've grown, became better educated, more aware of the world and a more thoughtful person. In other words, I changed. Now I'm a liberal and proud to be one. Does this make me a "flip-flopper"? I don't think so. I like to believe I'm in a journey and that as I walk along my path, I'll encounter many different perspectives, be open to them and be willing to admit mistakes. Holding on to an ideology just for stubbornness is a dead end in life, causes errors in judgement and creates resentment (just look at neo-cons...).

Answer 3

Not usually. They are embarrassing and opportunistic--simply crashing the party seeking new hors d'oeuvres and wearing the same lampshade they put on at the last party. If the last party was out-of-control, a true leader would have been able to make it more civilized.

Answer 4

If they up and change party, no I don't. But if they wrap their minds around something and think on it in such a way that it modifies their view points, I would have MORE respect for them.

Answer 5

Do you want a policitican who votes his mind or your wishes? If he votes his own mind and "Moral" standard, is he REALLY representing you? Winston Churchill crossed the floor several times throughout his career in Parliament. When he was good, he was a grand statesman and leader. When he was off his game, he was "In the wilderness."

Answer 6

If that person turns his back on a group that is becoming MURDEROUS, CORRUPT, and CHASES YOUNG BOYS. I have nothing but respect for him. It's hard to do the right thing, especially when you're turning your back on a pack of vicious dogs.

Answer 7

. no i dint have respect for politician who changes party that is sucks man. why did they change ? suddenly cant they w ait for sometimes? maybe they cant i Guss they couldn't. if it was me i wont change keep it the same change is no good. well maybe sometime u should change. change is good for u, what u think. well i don't know i Guss they shouldn't have changed just like that. well i don't know man sorry. by the way r u kkk? couse i realy hate kkk. if u r kkk then u should change so we can have respct for u. adios pato. cabron. habla espanol oye pendigo?

Answer 8

better than keeping the letter next to your name and disregarding the bases principles. SEE GWB.

Answer 9

I'd rather the pol change party than change his opinion or stance.

Answer 10

Changing potties? That depends if he's been toliet trained.