I will be voting for the first time next Presidential election. I know a little bit about the candidates themselves, but to be honest I am not informed enough to make an educated decision. I am neither republican nor democrat as I see the pros & cons of each.
What should I know about the candidates? I am looking primarily for FACTS and information I may not be aware of. Any help is appreciated.
2007-02-07 03:55:48 · 15 answers · asked by okeydokeyjal22 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
The first thing you should know is that typically, in a race without incumbents, the people who are the "leaders" 18 months ahead of the election are usually nowhere to be seen come election day.
At this point of the game, it's more name-recognition that's driving the "leaders" than anything else.
2007-02-07 04:01:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first red flag is someone that doesn't have experience leading in any type of government, military, corporate, or even non-profit capacity. For me, that removes Barack Obama (as charismatic and genuine as he may be) from consideration. I think he is great, but heaven forbid he get into office and be thrown into a situation like 9/11 or Iraq without having had any previous experience to draw from. Look what happened last time, and Bush even had governor experience.
Next, look at their stances. Before looking at who seems to agree with your views, look at whether or not the candidates know what their views are and stand by them. If you see someone who fears to take a definitive stance on issues, that person may not be primed to make tough decisions when he or she needs to. Edwards in some aspects has been this way, and McCain in other aspects has been that way in the past (not so much recently).
Third, look for candidates that are highly controversial. If a candidate's election will polarize and divide the people (even if 60% loves him/her and 40% hates him/her), that is not a good thing for the country. Bush has been somewhat this way. Although he has done many good things for the country, those things are overshadowed by his errors because so many people are so fiercely against him. For this reason, Hillary Clinton may be an unwise choice. It's not that she isn't capable, but that if she were to be elected, it would divide the nation more than it would unify it. Even though a candidate may align perfectly with your views, if he or she is despised by those with different views, it will be a rocky road getting any of the programs you support into place.
Based on these criteria, I have narrowed my choice to either Mitt Romney or Rudy Giuliani. You decide what would be best for you.
2007-02-07 12:14:51 · answer #2 · answered by James, Pet Guy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Past history,personal and in any office they've ever held, their voting records, how they stand on the issues now, their PAC contributions, where they get the majority of their support dollars from, whether they appear to be intelligent, eloquent, and involved in current events,. Also, you should subscribe to several different political websites, all free on the web to keep you on top of politics and what is happening with the candidates and the issues. Also, see what organizations they support in their bills.
One great place to start is www.projectvotesmart.org, or votesmart.ore. Type in the candidate's name and see if the info has been posted yet.
2007-02-07 12:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! Firstly, for coming of age and your ability to participate in your country's future, but also for having the intelligence and maturity to see the importance of this participation and your desire to do it justice.
Staring out without any party affiliation is a great first step. You have no biases that way. The first step is to decide what is important to you...what issues matter to you. (ie. The war, the economy, healthcare, social issues - gay marriage, abortion) Once you have determined what is important to you, I suggest you go to the official websites of each of the candidates...once they have been determined, and research their stand on these issues.
If you can, stay away from people's opinions...as they can't help but be biased. And also try to stay away from Fox News and CNN - both are very partisan and will bias how you feel. I would like to suggest you watch The Daily Show - its informative and funny, and he has on great political guests. But you should also know, he is quite democratic...so it might lean you in that direction.
Good luck to you. And once again...good for you for being so mature and responsible in your decision making process!
2007-02-07 12:05:33 · answer #4 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at what they say they stand for, then check their political history and voting record for inconsistencies. Try to gauge the importance of the problems they are proposing to solve, and the feasability of their solutions. This is all generic info, as I don't have specifics on candidates. I usually do this research a month prior to elections. Avoid media hype, it's all rhetoric and lies.
2007-02-07 12:00:13 · answer #5 · answered by Pfo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Man o man, Just know that you can never get enough info on a person to know his or her agenda once in office.If you relize that all of government is ruled by money, then relize non of them are good candidates. We the people are not rich and you wont find or true representation in a suit on tv, rather on a street corner or prison would be the likely place to find a heart felt candidate of the people . but try though to make due with what they offer , as it is our choice to make
2007-02-07 13:02:05 · answer #6 · answered by rick s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You must first decide what issues are most important to you, and prioritize them.
What are the deal-breakers?
What are no big deal?
Once you've done that, study each candidate and find out where they stand on those things. Vote for the one whose stances most closely mesh with your own.
The right to vote is no more important than the responsibility of casting an informed vote.
Welcome to the electorate.
2007-02-07 12:06:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't just rely on the big campaigns it's obvious some big orgs are backing them trying to wipe out all other potentials. Check into all candidates as above answerers suggested.
2007-02-07 13:19:38 · answer #8 · answered by spareo1 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first...their policies...second..their honesty...and third...their track record...you should listen to all sides of debates about them and with them...and remember...they are politicians, you will have to read between the lines on most of what they say...they are trying to finesse the largest amount of voters to vote for them...if there is a candidate who will not take a firm stance on a subject, that might be because they intend to see "which way the wind's blowing" before they vote...if you trust someone like this, you have only yourself to blame if they get elected and not do what you expected...
2007-02-07 11:58:53 · answer #9 · answered by badjanssen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well you've got two years to study up before the election... don't stress too much yet... a lot will change in the next two years of campaigns.
2007-02-07 12:03:38 · answer #10 · answered by Smitty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋