How can I make a difference in the 2008 election?

Question

I have some very passionate opinions about the candidates in the upcoming 2008 presidential election, but I'm just one person.

What can I do to make myself heard? How can I help people get informed about the 2008 presidential candidates?

I fully intend to vote. I am partial to Barack Obama's campaign, but my concern isn't to convince others to vote for him.

I do not support Hillary Clinton's campaign. I find her just as two-faced, dishonest, misleading, and just as much as a sneaky opportunist as most other politicians. I'm sickened by the way her campaign frequently plays the "female victim" and the "female activist" cards.

I want to open people's eyes and show her that behind that chest of hers lies the heart of a seedy, snake-tongued politician.

Obama on the other hand has been nothing but genuine and personable. He has not once used his being African-American as a tool in the presidential race. I would like to see, for once, a president get into office based on his moral merit, not his desperation to walk on and sabotage others.

Answer 1

Megan, here is a site that gives a list of all the candidates meet-up groups.

http://www.meetup.com/topics/polact/cand/pres/

You can click on the candidate of your choice's name and communicate with others, possibly in your area, that share your enthusiasm.

This sat. we are going to help with an elect Ron Paul group, at the local Wal-Mart, not too far from where we live.
Good Luck!
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Answer 2

You have to VOTE!!!! People often complain that they aren't happy with a leader in Washington, but the problem is that most of those complainers don't even vote! According to familyeducation.com, only 54% of eligible voters end up taking a trip to a voting center on election day. To be frank, if you don't vote, then don't nag. The best thing that you can do is to find a candidate that you relate to. Do some research and find who you think has values similar to yours and who you think can handle the job the best. Once you do that, you're not done. You need to make your opinion heard and promote your candidate-of-choice within your own community. See, there's a problem we have in America that puts a limit on our "democracy." That problem is the electoral college. This system is old and out-dated. It was created back before we had the technology to communicate the popular vote so each state had their own election, and depending on their population, got a say in who was to be president. This means that even if you vote for a candidate, if he/she doesn't get the most votes in your state, your vote doesn't count anymore. We saw this in 2000; Al Gore recieved more votes than George W. Bush, but because of the electoral college the presidency was handed to the man who actually had fewer votes. So, once you find your candidate, persuade others in your state why they should vote the same way you are going to, otherwise your vote could end up to be a waste of time.

Answer 3

Many years ago I volunteered to help with a campaign. I spent some time stuffing envelopes, but mostly went door to door, handing out leaflets and talking to people. It was a great experience, and I made some friends along the way. Although I was too young to vote (I was 19, and in those days the voting age was 21), I felt as though I really did make a difference.

I suppose that in the present time, door-to-door campaigning isn't done very much -- partly for safety reasons. But whoever your favorite candidate is, try contacting the campaign headquarters in your area, and see if they can find a way for you to help.

Answer 4

You may go to your candidate of choice's website and click on volunteering. They will have all sorts of information for you to get started. One vote you may be, but the logic behind voting is an aggregate one, meaning a sum of the total.

I am a Ron Paul supporter. I have contributed what I can to the campaign. I have ran booths with other memebers to get his message out. Also, I have joined the various groups for Ron Paul on meetup.com and have become involved with their events as well. It has been both fun and educational! Another thing is talking to those you know. Do not try to "push-them" but speak openly about the issues and try to see if they are a match or not for your candidate. Not only will you be doing this, but other swill too, and when all these votes happen they truly add up - and you were part of that process! Just make sure you know the issues well; the argument on both sides, and why you are supporting the one you are propagating. Sometimes this is difficult to do becaue it takes advance knowledge of policy, economics, and law; but it is worth the learning that will ensue as you investigate.

Good luck!

Happy Holidays!

Answer 5

Well unlike others I am not going to use this to advertise there "pick" for 08.

I think just listen to the issues, listen to them speak and look at there web sites. Maybe get some friends together and talk about the candidates and why they like this one or that one.
There area a lot of internet "blogs" out there that talk about the issues, thats a good tool.

its your vote, and in the end you have to be happy with it, if they win or loose you did what you wanted, not what someone told you to do.
People tend like some of your answers, PUSH there candidates down your throat, you have your own issues that are important talk about them, send e mails to the candidates and ask direct questions.
Good Luck, and Thanks for voting!

Answer 6

Find the candidate you support, go to their election headquarters and volunteer to help. They will have an orchestrated effort so your time and energy will be wisely used. I spent much time working to get Bobbie Kennedy elected and in the meantime I got to meet him, his wife, his mother, and other members of his family. I will never forget nor regret it. Meeting with like-minded people in the headquarters office will energize you to get clear and concise information out to those who aren't as involved as you are.

And vote, after you read the issues carefully, on every issue you can. They all matter.

Answer 7

Raise enough money to buy, or at least rent, a politician. The almighty dollar speaks louder than the pinings of any advocacy or special interest group, unless such a group is very rich and powerful itself. Then you can definitely have your way to get your message heard loud and clear.

Answer 8

If you have to ask then you don't pay attention to politics. I recommend one of two things.

1. learn about the parties. What do they stand for? Economy, moral, and domestic all are apart of politics. Don't get your information from just one source get it from many sources and different point of views. It takes a good six months of paying attention to learn who is who and what they stand for.

2. If that is too much trouble then STAY HOME. If you just what to say to your Friend s "im making a difference". STAY HOME. your not making a difference you are just looking like an ***.

Answer 9

Check:

http://www.ronpaul2008/video-network?channel=6&video=54

You will like the way issues are presented and you will love to join the activities of the campaign. Or you can just visit the website and search everything. Have fun surfing!

http://www.ronpaul2008.com

Answer 10

Host a debate party at your house or encourage a friend to do the same. Write letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

Answer 11

Gurl, Don't even sweat it. The moderator trip sometimes too. They don't follow the guidelines and I think they let their personal feeling get in the way. We all have gotten violations.