I thought in a democratic society, you were supposed to vote for the best candidate based on their principals and past actions. Which would mean that candidates from either party, moderate or extreme on issues, should be up for your consideration in every election.
Yet, many people (I'm including both republicans and democrats, conservatives and liberals, alike) pick their politicial affiliations and stick with them like it's their religion or favorite sports team.
The media makes fun of swing voters every election for not being able to make up their minds, but thank God for them... they might be the most rational and smartest Americans out of all of us for engaging the system the way it was meant to serve us.
2007-01-23 05:32:20 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
Actually, I think some people put more thought into picking their sports team. They can rattle off where the pros played in college, stats, where the coaches trained, etc, but know very little background on our nation's leaders and potential leaders. It's frustrating to no end!
I think it stems from voter apathy. My feeling is that this group of people do not want to do the research or even listen to the candiates. It is possible they do not fully understand the electoral system, therefore feeling that their vote does not count or it is the absenece of a true mainstream 3rd party. You have to admit, we're still very bipartisan. The other parties are still very much at the grassroots level. I'm always thrilled to see another party pull 3-5% of the popular vote, however they haven't grown significantly enough to actually pull many electoral votes. As antiquated as I feel this system it, it is still what counts. The electoral system was a great idea at the time.
The swing voters are good, I totally agree. They take in the information, digest it and then make an informed decision. I do the same, although I label myself as a democrat. The majority of the time, this is the party whose platform and agenda I agree with. However, I have voted republican before. I felt that candidate was more suited for the tasks ahead and would act in my best interests.
I am a huge John Edwards fan. I think he has the best interests of our country in mind. I feel he's a good man with excellent leadership abilities. I feel a sense of confidence from him that he can repair our nation. Oh, I almost forgot - he's a Tarheel fan! (hee hee! Sorry, I just HAD to go there!) :-)
2007-01-23 06:00:23 · answer #1 · answered by turnerzgirl101 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Its all based on what position you believe is correct on certain issues, because everyone wants the same thing a better United States of America but we see different paths to the same location. Most people will cross party lines if there is a particularly good candidate that is on the other side, but many are to stubborn to do anything but vote the party line. Free thinking seems to be just about dead in the politics of this country in that way, and that is why we still have a two party system when we could have several more which is actually preferrable. Imagine how nice it would be if there were maybe 4 parties splitting up power and having to get along to accomplish anything rather then one in a firm majority at seemingly all times.
2007-01-23 05:42:42 · answer #2 · answered by UriK 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In theory I'm a republican. Based on the two parties actions, I vote D 90% of the time.... My reason: They're both going to take a lot of my money and waste it. The Dems are adult enough to tax you at the time, as opposed to passing the buck. And, even if a lot of the social programs end up doling out some $ to ppl who are scamming the system or just plain lazy, i still prefer that ti bailing out businesses that go in the shitter because they were run poorly.. Also, the Republican parties treatment of the troops is absolutely disgusting. and finally, I don't want the government telling me what's moral and immoral (they're both guilty of this, but the R's to a much greater extent.)
2016-03-28 22:52:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a grand American tradition -- we want to be on the winning side, regardless of right or wrong. Politics is no different than sports these days. It's not about ideals or values, when you get right down to it, but the desire to be on the strongest "team" (in this case "party"). Republicans are the biggest offenders in this regard. But you're right, thank God for the swing voters.
2007-01-23 05:42:18 · answer #4 · answered by got_da_scoop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not true. I pick my candidate based on issues and ideas, character and integrity. I grew up in a blue-collar Kennedy-Democratic family and I am a now conservative Republican. I have stuck with it so far, because it is mainly consistant with my ideals.
On the contrary, I pick my sports team based on my hometown (Philly) influence, win or lose. Go Eagles! (Well...maybe next year)!
2007-01-23 05:43:28 · answer #5 · answered by Truth B. Told ITS THE ECONOMY STUPID 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is the government's fault. A divided government equals a divided nation. It's wierd how everyone is able to live day to day with eachother, but are so intensely divided when it comes to beliefs and politics.
2007-01-23 05:40:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
most people don't know the issues or the people involved in politics..people on this site prove it all day long
2007-01-23 05:40:22 · answer #7 · answered by ken y 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
becuose we are stupeds thats why>
who is wise enougth to believed in politicians word any more......SALUD. all at one are.......... you know what.
jajaja.this is like a clouse case...and forever will .
2007-01-23 05:39:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋