Such as certain tv shows, magazines, congressional hearing tapings, newspapers, TV ads, Campaign promises, Physical attributes, Political party...etc.
2007-05-15 05:39:08 · 12 answers · asked by grandmad 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
Past performance and policies. Experience. Ability to work well with others.
2007-05-15 05:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by Lori B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since the people that are running for the office of President vary in their personalities and thinking, I read as much about each as I can; however, you have to remember that their Party detates the platform upon which they run, (although they do have some input), and you have to pay close attention to the overall direction of the Party. Democrats tend to be leaning to the far left, (big government and a socialistic government), and the Republicans tend to be conservative and for stable morilistic values). Neither Party has been for smaller government and that lends me to lean towards the Libertarian Party as it is for less government and more States rights. People need to really study the political agenda's of all these parties, as once you understand that they all are seeking power and control over us, you can then learn to influence them with your input and ultimately your vote.
Fox News seems to give the best balances information as they tend to report news and political information from both sides, however, I think that they may be more conservative than any of the others. CNN and the big three Networks. all seem to lean to the left and support the Democrats.. So, you have to listen and pay attention to the direct statements of the people running, and not so much to the anaylsis of the news people as they find a way to explain it for their own Networks position.
Most all newspapers lean towards the left and it is hard to believe anything they support as they lean to the liberal side of everything. You must listen to the direct words of these politicians and their direct quotes, as the news media's tend to get those correct, but, then try and explain it to their beliefs. This has definitely been the trend against Bush as it relates to the Iraq war, and his position on the illegal aliens, and big business. He can't win no matter when right as all the news medias want the Democrats in office, as they themselves are liberal and socialistic.
Read between the lines and form your own opinions on the different politicians and pay little or no attention to the media's comments, and you will be able to have a true opinion, and not one that is shaped by the media.
2007-05-23 11:16:43 · answer #2 · answered by H. A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like to listen to their various speeches either by watching the news or by listening over the internet. Also, I like to go to their official websites and see what they've written.
I also start each candidate out with a clean slate. Meaning, I don't care about the gender, racial, religious beliefs or party affiliation. I'm trying to find the best candidate.
I then take all the info and pass it through a few filters.
Do they actually answer questions or is it alot of doublespeak?(I didn't vote for Bush the last two times due to this one. Anytime he was asked a serious question he would bring up terrorism. Essentially, he'd take a question about education and somehow by the end of his statement he'd be talking about terrorism or family values without actually answering the original question.)
Do they have solutions to problems that face the nation or does the candidate just say he or she will fix them? (I voted for Ross Perot because of this filter. I don't know if his methods would have worked, but he had solutions to problems facing the country.)
Do they contadict themselves from one interview or speech to the next one?( I didn't vote for Kerry last election due to this one. I found by watching news footage that he would have contradicting statements almost daily.)
You can have your own set of filters or standards, but listen to what the say and what they write. I try not to count on the media too much, alot of them seem highly biased to one party or the other. I just want to find the best candidate.
As you notice, I didn't vote for either Bush or Kerry last election. Neither of them met my criteria. If I was the boss of a company neither would have had the job and I would've looked through more resumes, but that is not how it works in reality.
2007-05-15 13:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like to listen to the debates, you have to be able to do some verbal sparring to be an effective president. Also the debates give you a glimpse of what the candidate really thinks, not what some some spin doctor thinks.
Fraginal - so in other words you can't decide for yourself. Do you really think you're going to hear what the "majority" of people want before the election?
2007-05-21 20:40:51 · answer #4 · answered by smartr-n-u 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I investigate a candidate's history and try to learn as much about him/her as I possibly can. Each official candidate has a webpage where you can view his/her campaign pledges and personal opinions/stances on speciifc issues. Seek and ye shall find. Often times you need to read between the lines to discover the real motives of each candidate. Some are more candid and truthfull, others merely spew the regular party-line nonsense that their fellow party-faithful drones want to hear.
2007-05-15 12:53:26 · answer #5 · answered by Jonathon M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The voice of the people is the primary source of whom to vote for President. What majority of the people say about a candidate is crucial because the people know more who is qualified and sincere to serve as the leader.
2007-05-15 21:38:54 · answer #6 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
News coverage on CBC,BBC,CNN
News Papers - New York Times, Washington Post
Air America Radio
But mostly the websites, mailouts and books of the candidates themselves
2007-05-23 11:44:14 · answer #7 · answered by lxtricks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Campaign ads have no effect on my choice. I watch debates, news programs and read internet articles. I get as much information about a candidate as I can then use my own judgement to make a choice.
2007-05-22 16:14:12 · answer #8 · answered by morgan j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all of the above. Yes even physical attributes. I won't vote for someone who looks like a blithering idiot no matter what. (No I did not vote for Bush)
2007-05-23 12:36:44 · answer #9 · answered by Penny K 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read, read, read. Magazines, newspapers, radio commentary, on both sides. I look at who doesn't like them. The have to align with my personal values.
Duncan Hunter is the "Man!"
2007-05-15 12:56:35 · answer #10 · answered by Who's got my back? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋