Why I'm voting for .....

[MannyIsGod]

Leave all partisan politics and arguments in the other threads. Let people simply post why they are supporting who they are supporting. Do not challenge their views, and let it be.

I'll go first.

I'm supporting Obama (duh) for many reasons but there are a few that stand out. I think that if McCain had been closer to the 2000 version of himself I may have had a tougher decision to make but the sad reality for me is that John McCain is no longer a maverick nor is he the straight talk express no matter how much he wants to claim he is. I believe this started when McCain sold out to the crazy Evangelical leaders he would later try to disassociate from.

In any event, the defining even of my adult life will always be 9/11. It is extremely clear that this event was used as an excuse by the Republican administration to invade Iraq. Cheney, Wolfowitz, and others in that administration simply used 9/11 as an opportunity.

I think there has to be consequences to this. When you add this up to the power grabbing of the current administration and their utter failure to handle anything competently I simply cannot vote for anyone in their party who does not represent a large departure from this. That is not McCain.

Obama is in many ways the anti-Bush. He's vastlly more intelligent, he's far more reserved, and his general views on the way America should handle itself on the world stage are far closer to mine than McCain's are. McCain's temper and demeanor are also of issue with me.

George Will said it best:

It is arguable that, because of his inexperience, Obama is not ready for the presidency. It is arguable that McCain, because of his boiling moralism and bottomless reservoir of cer udes, is not suited to the presidency. Unreadiness can be corrected, although perhaps at great cost, by experience. Can a dismaying temperament be fixed?

This is not to say I don't have issues with Obama. I worry greatly about his interaction with a congress controlled by the Democrats and possible economic legislation. It is ironic to me that the economy is the issue driving Obama into the White House because I think its his weakest issue.

I see the presidency as an office that has far more to do with foreign relations than it does with domestic agendas. Sadly, the American public doesn't see thigns this way and there is cause for concern if the Democrats are allowed to take controll of congress to the extent that they get any piece of legislation available.

That being said, considering the depth of the mess that the Republicans have us in at this time, its a chance I'm willing to take. People can talk about how the Democrats blocked Republicans from passing legislation, but the fact is that if the Republicans hadn't been busy trying to keep us safe from the gays and passing legislation against online poker then perhaps they could have focused on issues that really mattered to the security of our economy and nation. (On a note, one of the reasons I like Biden is he was one of the few Senators against legislation regarding online gambling)

If political reasons are not enough, I am also voting for Barack Obama because of his race. Let me be clear about this, I feel Barack is the most qualified candidate, but the fact that he's a minority plays a factor in how important this election is for me. Had I felt Barack was not the most qualified of the 2, I would not vote for him based on his race. That being said, i am far more excited at the moment because he is a minority.

As someone who has dealt with racism directily and indirectly, I feel I understand the importance that Obama can play as a symbol. People remember the Jackie Robinson, they remember Rosa Parks, and they remember Ceaser Chavez. These people all served to inspire people to walk in their footsetps and they all tore down doors and obstacles for the people who would come behind them. Obama can be more than a president; he can be the start of a movement for many Americans who come from the shadow of inequality and that is incredibly important for me.

[LaMarcus Bryant]

I am voting for Obama.

Number one reason is this, and I don't give a what anyone here says: I am tired of this nation getting ed by aged white guys and I'm willing to give a black guy a chance. So like you batmanuel, I am voting partly because of race.

I am also voting for Obama because I genuinely believe his socialized health care is a gimmick, a perfect parallel for how neocons use abortion as a political issue. It's not going to happen, folks. All the Obama haters who use this as a chief reason are delusional. Wake up, it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I am voting for Obama because of the way he can carry a crowd. I consider the way the rest of the world views us a big deal. If you look at any empire in the history of the world, part of their dominance is based on cultural influence. Our military dominance is cemented for at least the next 25 years. Our political dominance is vanishing by the day, so I have felt that our cultural domination of the world's memes is the best method by which we can cement ourselves as a dominant nation in the upcoming world reshuffling of powers. McCain is not as good as a catalyst for this as Obama is.


I am voting for Obama because McCain has completely souled out. I think John McCain was good for this country in 2000. I think he made himself a fool when he went on the record ridiculing W in the 03-05 era yet wholeheartedly supported him WHEN IT MATTERED.

I like the guy, think he would be a good leader, but anyone who pusses out like that does not deserve my vote. Obama is young and has an advantage that he has not d out as hardcore as McCain has because he's still relatively new to politics.....and Obama 'promising' to appoint members of both parties to his cabinet leads to my final reason I am voting for him, because I have only mild reservations about this statement of his.

[Hook Dem]

"Leave all partisan politics and arguments in the other threads." What a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you still trying to convince others to think like you?

[I Love Me Some Me]

I am voting for Obama.

Number one reason is this, and I don't give a what anyone here says: I am tired of this nation getting ed by aged white guys and I'm willing to give a black guy a chance. So like you batmanuel, I am voting partly because of race.

I am also voting for Obama because I genuinely believe his socialized health care is a gimmick, a perfect parallel for how neocons use abortion as a political issue. It's not going to happen, folks. All the Obama haters who use this as a chief reason are delusional. Wake up, it's NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I am voting for Obama because of the way he can carry a crowd. I consider the way the rest of the world views us a big deal. If you look at any empire in the history of the world, part of their dominance is based on cultural influence. Our military dominance is cemented for at least the next 25 years. Our political dominance is vanishing by the day, so I have felt that our cultural domination of the world's memes is the best method by which we can cement ourselves as a dominant nation in the upcoming world reshuffling of powers. McCain is not as good as a catalyst for this as Obama is.


I am voting for Obama because McCain has completely souled out. I think John McCain was good for this country in 2000. I think he made himself a fool when he went on the record ridiculing W in the 03-05 era yet wholeheartedly supported him WHEN IT MATTERED.

I like the guy, think he would be a good leader, but anyone who pusses out like that does not deserve my vote. Obama is young and has an advantage that he has not d out as hardcore as McCain has because he's still relatively new to politics.....and Obama 'promising' to appoint members of both parties to his cabinet leads to my final reason I am voting for him, because I have only mild reservations about this statement of his.

So you're voting for Obama because

1. He's black
2. His major platform is a bull gimmick
3. He's a good speaker
4. He's not John McCain

[Anti.Hero]

[101A]

I am voting for Bob Barr because he is the third party candidate who is going to get the most votes this cycle; and I want, at some point, for the complicit monopoly the two major parties have over this country to eventually be broken.

I used to (like 2 weeks ago, lol) drink the kool-aid that there is actually a reasonable amount of difference between the parties and their candidates. There is not. The biggest "divisive" issue they run on: Obama wants to "Make the Rich Pay their fair share" - and McCain calls this "Wealth redistribution". What is the difference in their actual stated positions? 35.4 vs. 39%! That's it. That's what the fuss is about. 3.6 percetage points. We are being worked; told to look at the left hand, while the right hand puts on a latex glove, and makes a fist. You know what's coming. I ain't gonna feel good; and there are going to be two parties driving it home.

You don't believe me? Look at the reeletion % for Senators and even House members this cycle; THAT is where the real power lies; and many of those people keep their jobs for life; despite the fact that congress has a single digit approval rating. You fear the OTHER side SO much, you wouldn't dare put vote for one of them to teach the in bent a lesson.

them.

[Bartleby]

I am voting for Bob Barr because he is the third party candidate who is going to get the most votes this cycle; and I want, at some point, for the complicit monopoly the two major parties have over this country to eventually be broken.

I used to (like 2 weeks ago, lol) drink the kool-aid that there is actually a reasonable amount of difference between the parties and their candidates. There is not. The biggest "divisive" issue they run on: Obama wants to "Make the Rich Pay their fair share" - and McCain calls this "Wealth redistribution". What is the difference in their actual stated positions? 35.4 vs. 39%! That's it. That's what the fuss is about. 3.6 percetage points. We are being worked; told to look at the left hand, while the right hand puts on a latex glove, and makes a fist. You know what's coming. I ain't gonna feel good; and there are going to be two parties driving it home.

Good post for the most part. When it comes to their respective policies and what they will probably try to do while in office, there isn't nearly as much difference between McCain and Obama as many people would like us to believe. The biggest real difference is probably temperament, and Obama gets the edge in that department.

However, there are substantive differences between Obama and Palin (and between McCain and Palin for that matter). We could probably get through a McCain administration, but I shudder to think what sort of decisions and/or appointments Palin would make if he died or became incapacitated during office.

And for the record, Obama will be getting my vote.

[VaSpursFan]

I am voting for Bob Barr because he is the third party candidate who is going to get the most votes this cycle; and I want, at some point, for the complicit monopoly the two major parties have over this country to eventually be broken.

I used to (like 2 weeks ago, lol) drink the kool-aid that there is actually a reasonable amount of difference between the parties and their candidates. There is not. The biggest "divisive" issue they run on: Obama wants to "Make the Rich Pay their fair share" - and McCain calls this "Wealth redistribution". What is the difference in their actual stated positions? 35.4 vs. 39%! That's it. That's what the fuss is about. 3.6 percetage points. We are being worked; told to look at the left hand, while the right hand puts on a latex glove, and makes a fist. You know what's coming. I ain't gonna feel good; and there are going to be two parties driving it home.

You don't believe me? Look at the reeletion % for Senators and even House members this cycle; THAT is where the real power lies; and many of those people keep their jobs for life; despite the fact that congress has a single digit approval rating. You fear the OTHER side SO much, you wouldn't dare put vote for one of them to teach the in bent a lesson.

them.

I'm not voting for Bob Barr but I agree with your sentiments wholeheartedly. I'm voting for obama simply because he's not republican or john mccain. this is truly an election of the lesser of two evils for me. for me, the biggest issue is to restore the image of America. We need a cool, even-tempered analytical guy versus another hothead. So, I give the edge to Obama because he's a composed leader...and well, smart...LOL

[MannyIsGod]

"Leave all partisan politics and arguments in the other threads." What a joke!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you still trying to convince others to think like you?

Why is that a joke? Is it a difficult request to have a thread where people can voice their views without having it all boil down to Whottt and Chump arguing over the same ridiculous things? Are the other bajillion threads in this forum not enough for that kind of thing?

The whole point was to have a thread where no one tried to convince anyone of anything, but apparently that too difficult a concept for you.

[clambake]

the most important factor is to restore americas image. obama will CLEARLY have an advantage of getting other countries to work together.

[TomBrady]

I'm voting for Obama for all the reasons Manny described in his post.

In addition, I'm a huge believer that this country is headed towards a disaster if we don't address the glaring issues in our education system. We need to be much further ahead in math and science to compete with other foreign countries. We need heavy investment in science and technology to stay relevant in the global economy. I want a President who does not view technology through a religious lens.

Also, as has been discussed the idea of Palin anywhere near the WhiteHouse scares the out of me. She's less qualified than even Bush was and I see in her a very divisive and polarizing future.

In the end I believe Obama will be more centrist than he is a lefty. He's pragmatic, calm, and cool under pressure. Exactly what we need in the next 8 years to get back on the right track. McCain is erratic, hot tempered, and itchy for fighting the next great war. The Republican Party in its present state needs to be dismantled. This can only happen if we elect Obama.

[Anti.Hero]

I made up my mind months ago I'd be voting third party. It's an easy choice living in Texas.

These RINOs can go themselves. It's just too bad we will have to suffer with far-left Noobama in the meantime.

[101A]

In addition, I'm a huge believer that this country is headed towards a disaster if we don't address the glaring issues in our education system. We need to be much further ahead in math and science to compete with other foreign countries. We need heavy investment in science and technology to stay relevant in the global economy. I want a President who does not view technology through a religious lens.

I agree on the Math and Science thing; and not debating here, but we are ED on this front. The math currucula that are being published and swallowed, and thus thrust down the throats of our children are a joke!!!

My wife is a Ph.D. Biochemist; our son got her smarts (lucky for him) - is VERY interested in Science; reads my old lady's journals (Chemical and Engineering News, Nature, Science), like other kids read, errr, I guess other kids don't read, anyway....Left to the public education's devices, and curriculum, even HE would be falling behind. Their are not REAL mathematicians or scientists teaching our children anymore. They are "Math Education" or "Science Education" majors; which means a little math or science, and a LOT of education courses!!!! Then, when they "teach" grading boils down to, 90% of the time - whether or not you could follow directions. Seriously; look at National Honor Societies these days; dominated by females (nothing wrong with that - look who I married), but boys are getting driven out of the education system in HUGE numbers because they don't fit the model of the demure, sit there and do what you are told, student. They challenge, they rebel, they squirm; all of which gets them relegated to the "lesser" tracks and classes. Net result? Intelligent kids who don't realize how intelligent they are - whose talents have not been fostered. It is scary. If you have children in school, you know what I am talking about. We have a coming intellect shortage in this country that is going to be difficult to get over (right now there are more non-Americans enrolled in Scientific Post-Graduate programs IN THIS COUNTRY than their are U.S. Citizens. We are going to teach them; train them, then send them back to their home countries (China, Taiwan, India), where they will compete with us.

The problem isn't money; we spend more than EVER on education per capita in this country in REAL dollars; and more than many other developed countries. The problem is the WAY we are educating kids, and WHO is educating them.

[Bartleby]

We have a coming intellect shortage in this country that is going to be difficult to get over (right now there are more non-Americans enrolled in Scientific Post-Graduate programs IN THIS COUNTRY than their are U.S. Citizens. We are going to teach them; train them, then send them back to their home countries (China, Taiwan, India), where they will compete with us.

Maybe part of the solution is to encourage these highly educated immigrants to stay in the U.S. rather than kick them out so they can make significant contributions to our own economy.

http://www.secure-x-001.net/SecureGe...e=109&Portal=1

[SpursFanFirst]

I'm voting for McCain.

From the moment Obama burst on the scenes, I haven't trusted him. The more he talks, the more scared I become.

*I get the impression that, once he becomes President, this country will become entirely dependent on the government. How scary is that?

Need health insurance? No problem. The government will give you that!

*I hate his views on Iraq.
Perhaps we never should have gone in there, but regardless, we're there.
We shouldn't pull troops out until the job is done.

*I think he talks out of both sides of his mouth.
For example, he's running an ad where he touts women making the same wages as men.
Not too long ago, I read on article where, within his own HQ, he pays women less.

Those are just a few reasons.

I wish we had better options. Since we don't, I'll vote the lesser of two evils.
I just wish I had a better feeling about the upcoming election.

[VaSpursFan]

I agree on the Math and Science thing; and not debating here, but we are ED on this front. The math currucula that are being published and swallowed, and thus thrust down the throats of our children are a joke!!!

My wife is a Ph.D. Biochemist; our son got her smarts (lucky for him) - is VERY interested in Science; reads my old lady's journals (Chemical and Engineering News, Nature, Science), like other kids read, errr, I guess other kids don't read, anyway....Left to the public education's devices, and curriculum, even HE would be falling behind. Their are not REAL mathematicians or scientists teaching our children anymore. They are "Math Education" or "Science Education" majors; which means a little math or science, and a LOT of education courses!!!! Then, when they "teach" grading boils down to, 90% of the time - whether or not you could follow directions. Seriously; look at National Honor Societies these days; dominated by females (nothing wrong with that - look who I married), but boys are getting driven out of the education system in HUGE numbers because they don't fit the model of the demure, sit there and do what you are told, student. They challenge, they rebel, they squirm; all of which gets them relegated to the "lesser" tracks and classes. Net result? Intelligent kids who don't realize how intelligent they are - whose talents have not been fostered. It is scary. If you have children in school, you know what I am talking about. We have a coming intellect shortage in this country that is going to be difficult to get over (right now there are more non-Americans enrolled in Scientific Post-Graduate programs IN THIS COUNTRY than their are U.S. Citizens. We are going to teach them; train them, then send them back to their home countries (China, Taiwan, India), where they will compete with us.

The problem isn't money; we spend more than EVER on education per capita in this country in REAL dollars; and more than many other developed countries. The problem is the WAY we are educating kids, and WHO is educating them.

here, here. the no child left behind act is purely insane. i don't have kids in school yet, my little one is about to turn 3 but the American public school education model is broken. I have nieces who are 10 and 7 and they don't learn. there is no criticial thinking taught, IMO. my nieces are being taught how to be professional test takers...some called the S.O.L. that all teachers are up in arms about.

there is a lot of work to get us back on the right track and we need to start looking towards Europe, Asia, and elsewhere for a model that works.

[baseline bum]

I'm voting for Obama because:

1) McCain's top economic adviser was Phil Gramm, who is right there with Cheney among the most corrupt politicians this country has ever had. After seeing Gramm push legislation that let Enron rip off the entire state of California, no way in do I want president who thinks this is good for the country ( you too Bush for vetoing the bill to close the Enron loophole).

2) Obama isn't a war hawk who thinks we should stay in Iraq for the next 100 years. We should have never been in Iraq in the first place, and the earlier we get out, the better. It's a huge waste of our tax dollars, the lives of our soldiers, and offers no utility to the American people.

Even though I hate the war and think it should not have ever happened, it's even worse the way the Bush administration executed it. Cheney and Rumsfeld gave the army way too small of an invading force incapable of keeping peace after taking Baghdad, leading to chaos.... and yet, I didn't hear a peep out of McCain until he jumped on with the surge in 2007. Another strike against McCain was him being a suckup to corrupt Shia piece of Chalabi that the administration tried to push as a leader to a mostly-Sunni nation.

3) Obama's a relative unknown. Yeah, he could end up being the same kind of corrupt prick that Bush is, but taking an unknown is better than taking someone like McCain who has shown himself time and again to at best make horrible decisions for our nation. He's not off to a good start with voting yes on the bailout, but the other option did the same.

SIDE NOTE: I'm thankful it's not Clinton on the Dem ticket after the way she and her husband sold our country and lots of manufacturing jobs out to China to make her allies at Wal-Mart richer. If it was Clinton vs McCain it'd be a much more difficult decision.

4) I'm scared as of Sarah Palin and of giving anymore power to the Christian right so they can further push bull like creationist dogma, throwing our tax money away on abstinence education, and perhaps force taxpayers to sponsor religious schools through vouchers.

5) the neocon warhawk big-spending low-taxing platform that's killing the value of our dollar. The Republican party is such a joke right now because of the neo-cons. If you want low taxes, then reign in the spending. I hate that the Republican party stands for only social conservatism and sometimes yes, sometimes no on economic conservatism. You can't ague for deregulation and then put money into propping up companies that destroyed themselves by gambling with that extra rope you gave them. Socialism for the rich is ing bull .

6) Voting third party in a presidential election is a waste. The election process is set up so that a strong third party candidate ensures Congress picks the president instead of the people. Nothing short of violent revolution will ever change that, as there's no way the two parties that control this nation will give up their power here unless they're looking down a rifle.

[shelshor]

McCain-he only disgusts me
I never did like Bob Barr
Obama lost my vote when he made his statement about those bitter small town people clinging to their guns & religion; I have have an immediate distrust for anything that is presented as the greatest thing since sliced bread; and anyone coming out of the machine politics of Boston, New Orleans, Chicago and Detroit should be kept as far from the White House as possible

[baseline bum]

In addition, I'm a huge believer that this country is headed towards a disaster if we don't address the glaring issues in our education system. We need to be much further ahead in math and science to compete with other foreign countries. We need heavy investment in science and technology to stay relevant in the global economy. I want a President who does not view technology through a religious lens.

I think one of our main problems is that our math and science courses are dumbed down to the lowest common denominator based on this insistence that everyone has to go to college (and thus be taught a college-prep sequence).

Our education system absolutely fails when it comes to non college-bound students. Instead of teaching them how to become carpenters, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, etc., our system tells them they're stupid because they don't have an ap ude for theoretical knowledge, which leads to high dropout rates with lots of people leaving with no skills.

This carries over into not being able to teach rigorous math and science courses to those who can/want to be our future engineers. High school science classes (with the exception of AP) don't teach any kind of critical thinking and thus are stuck doing more rote memorization and busy-work to keep them teachable to students that don't have the ap ude for them.

[BacktoBasics]

I'm not voting for anyone. I choose to not vote because it doesn't matter. The real voices of the people never play a huge part in how things are done to begin with. I don't care how many people line up to rant on and on about how they'll do things because its rarely them that gets its accomplished.

We live in a world where the publics needs and opinions are rarely taken into consideration to begin with. Sure they address our needs but its never cut and dry and its never something that can be accomplished unless its feeding the hands that grab for anything orbiting around it. Large fundamental things never get accomplished unless it supports a few with the power and ability to leverage it. No matter how much we stand up and no matter how many people speak out about it this country will never get what we truely need from our government because its too damn big. There are too many hands crippling the ability for the common man to make a difference.

I'll vote when the day comes where each and every important decision can be made on its own two feet. I'll vote when a bill can be voted on for its own merit and not a bunch of garbage attaching itself to gain a wider audience. How can we expect to ever break thru if every single defining moment has to have other lesser important issues attached. I'll vote when the size of the government shrinks down to a level where smaller groups or singular people can be easily isolated when something has to be accounted for. I'll vote when they establish a system that designed to work for the working people rather than be exploited.

I'll probably never vote.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

the most important factor is to restore americas image. obama will CLEARLY have an advantage of getting other countries to work together.

that. America needs to take care of America first. Not worry about people at the U.N. think.

[RandomGuy]

that. America needs to take care of America first. Not worry about people at the U.N. think.

Do not challenge their views, and let it be.

[clambake]

that. America needs to take care of America first. Not worry about people at the U.N. think.

mccain thinks spain is an enemy.

[ducks]

the most important factor is to restore americas image. obama will CLEARLY have an advantage of getting other countries to work together.

why do you think they like blacks?

[ducks]

I'm not voting for anyone. I choose to not vote because it doesn't matter. The real voices of the people never play a huge part in how things are done to begin with. I don't care how many people line up to rant on and on about how they'll do things because its rarely them that gets its accomplished.

We live in a world where the publics needs and opinions are rarely taken into consideration to begin with. Sure they address our needs but its never cut and dry and its never something that can be accomplished unless its feeding the hands that grab for anything orbiting around it. Large fundamental things never get accomplished unless it supports a few with the power and ability to leverage it. No matter how much we stand up and no matter how many people speak out about it this country will never get what we truely need from our government because its too damn big. There are too many hands crippling the ability for the common man to make a difference.

I'll vote when the day comes where each and every important decision can be made on its own two feet. I'll vote when a bill can be voted on for its own merit and not a bunch of garbage attaching itself to gain a wider audience. How can we expect to ever break thru if every single defining moment has to have other lesser important issues attached. I'll vote when the size of the government shrinks down to a level where smaller groups or singular people can be easily isolated when something has to be accounted for. I'll vote when they establish a system that designed to work for the working people rather than be exploited.

I'll probably never vote.

I SURE AS HOPE YOU DO NOT ABOUT THE STATE OF AMERICA THEN