2007-04-19 10:39:56 · 15 answers · asked by hera 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Elections
I am not talking about Clinton OR Bush...I am talking in general terms...
2007-04-19 10:47:03 · update #1
Yes we should be more concerned with policies than popularity, but the fact of the matter is that the drive by media NEEDS people like Clinton and Bush Jr to fill in the gaps of watered down, filtered, "newsworthy" items. If policies are what win elections, then Ron Paul would get more airtime.
It's the independent thinkers like you and I that need to get the word out to people that there is more to being a President than being popular. I encourage you to visit www.ronpaul.org and to keep researching all of the candidates. Great question!
2007-04-19 10:52:46 · answer #1 · answered by Mark 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A candidate's ability to successfully perform the job is most important. The person you vote for will have political views similar to your own, but there is more than that to being a good President. They should be able to adapt to new situations and also be able to compromise when necessary. Their private lives really have nothing to do with the job but if things in their private life affect their performance or decision making ability then they are no longer private but part of the public part of the President. I would like to think that the President is moral and honest and sets an example so some parts of the private life do become public. I don't think I could ever vote for someone who was an obvious liar, crook or less than honest in their past dealings. I could forgive mistakes and past indiscretions but would have a hard time having faith in a person who tried to cover up those same things. Part of honesty is admitting mistakes and having the resolve to move on past those things. The ability of a candidate is of prime importance but parts of their private life may indicate that despite ability they may not be the best candidate.
2007-04-20 08:12:08 · answer #2 · answered by Sherilynne B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Political policies are certainly important, but are generally artificial during a campaign. Voters tend to want to know about the things a candidate would rather not talk about, as it's a more honest picture of the person.
2007-04-19 17:46:07 · answer #3 · answered by Beardog 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Sometimes they can. Think of it this way. What if your child's teacher, who seemed to be a great teacher and had no complaints, was running a meth lab in his garage or trading child porn on the Internet. Would you, as a parent, think you had a right to know that? Would you want him teaching your children and other children in your community or would you just shrug your shoulders and say his private life shouldn't have anything to do with his professional life? Or instead of him doing something illegal in his private life, what if he had a drinking problem or abused prescription drugs? What if he was a wife-beater? The list could go on. Where do you draw the line?
2007-04-19 17:48:44 · answer #4 · answered by Emily Dew 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We should be more concerned with their political policies. But like it or not, every President is a primary leader of morals in this country. A President's moral leadership can have a deeper & more long lasting effect on this country than
his political leadership. Bill Clinton is a prime example of
this. Part of his legacy will always be his moral weakness.
2007-04-19 18:09:20 · answer #5 · answered by JOHN T N 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am more concerned with their policies than with their personal lives. However, what they do in their personal lives gives great incite into their character. These people will be the spokesman for our entire country. Character is a very important aspect about the person that will lead our country.
2007-04-19 17:45:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You need both. A person with low morals can be bought. A person who has a questionable lifestyle could easily be blackmailed. I believe you need both, good sound policies and a solid set of core values you live by.
2007-04-20 19:28:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm more concerned with their policies, however, their personal lives can at times tell you about their character, Clinton had none
2007-04-19 17:43:13 · answer #8 · answered by kapute2 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I try to stay with policies, and past records. I am a little goofy, but my work is the best I can do. I am meticulous almost to a falt.
2007-04-19 17:46:48 · answer #9 · answered by Robert S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some of our worst presidents (Nixon, Carter , Bush the son) have not even lusted in their hearts (sorry Carter did admit to playboy he looked but didn't touch). As for great presidents that cheated the only one that comes to mind is FDR. So it only one of many criteria
2007-04-19 18:33:07 · answer #10 · answered by jean 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋