The OFFICIAL 2004 Presidential Election thread

Who will you vote for?
Do you always vote for a specific party?
What persuades you?
What do you look for in a candidate?
Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
What views do you feel strongly about?
Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?

Feel free to speak here- your opinions, views, thoughts can be discussed here. Let's respect, though.

[ARTelevision]

I'll vote to reelect the President.
I don't always do anything. But I can't see myself voting Democratic, either.
I am persuaded by the needs of our nation and my assessment of qualities of leadership toward meeting those needs.
I look for realism and pragmatism in leadership.
The President has made the world a safer place. That is priority one as far as I am concerned.
I feel strongly about a realistic assessment of the state of the world and our country's place in it.
Yes, a sense of humor is important.
Don't care about a candidate's gender or race.
Don't care about religion.

[mb99usa]

I don't know who I'm voting for yet. I know who I'm not voting for. I hope enough people are smart enough that Bush does not get re-elected.

I don't only vote for a specific party. I prefer to look at what each candidate is saying and vote based on what I think they can realistically follow-through on.

I feel strongly that our environment needs better protection. I am not an eco-warrior but I enjoy nature and feel that the oil companies and auto makers have had too much say in the past.

I am willing to vote for anyone regardless of race or gender if I think they are the right person for the job. That said it is extremely difficult for anyone other than a rich politician/celebrity to make a legitimate run because of the cost involved. Until there are some serious campaign finance changes I don't think the candidate demographic will change.

Personally I would love to see someone under 45 take office. I think a more youthful leader would be a great change.

[Endymon32]

I will vote for Bush.
I have never voted Republican before, I voted Democrate, Green, Democrate in the last three presidential elections.

Bush's successess persuade me, and the democrates poor choices of canditates.

I look for a candtiate that will do what is best for America, not the party.

I want Bush relected due to his stance on Terrorism and his unflinching reslove to do what needs to be done.

I feel strongly about living in a safe nation. I feel strongly about being able to defend myself. I feel strongly about keeping my money that I worked for. I feel strongly about KEEPING these things.

I dont care if the president has a sense of humor, its the results that matter. Hell I am voting for a president that can barley speak!!

I think a colored person or a women would be good, but if and only if they could do the job. Not because they are colored or a women. Show me that man or woman, and I will vote for them. I dont vote for skin tones.

I dont care about the presidents religion. As long as he can seperate his religon from his duty.

[mb99usa]

Endymon I'm curious to what you are considering Bush's successes. And the comment about his being able to separate religion from duty.

As for separating religion from duty Bush has a horrible track on this. His "faith based" programs are proof enough he wants a more religious nation.

I too want to be safe but not at the expense of my freedoms. We are already seeing our civil liberties taken away. What will happen with another 4 years headed in this direction?

He has no respect for the environment and actively pursued drilling in a wildlife refuge.

I'll agree with you that the Democratic candidates do not look real strong right now but I think that will change once the in-fighting stops.

[Peetster]

Probably Bush
No
I vote for the person that will likely get out of my shorts
Less federal involvement
I'll weigh Bush's platform against the other canidates
Liberty
A sense of humor is not required
I care more about a candidate's agenda than gender or skin color
Not required, but it doesn't disturb me.

[Rekna]

I'll probably vote against Bush. Bush has done a lot of good but I fear the US world opinion couldn't handle another 4 years with him at the helm.

[lordjeebus]

I will vote for whoever is nominated by the Democratic party. As much as I dislike their politicians, I dislike the Republians even more right now.
I have voted for Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian candidates for various offices in the past. I voted for Harry Browne in the 2000 Presidential Election.
I am persuaded to vote for whoever has the best chance of beating the President because I am fearful of the current administration.
I do not want Bush to be relected because I believe he is financially reckless, too closely tied to big business and the religious right, signed the Patriot Act and other forms of civil rights limiting legislation, and has a foreign policy vision that I think is likely to have dangerous ramifications in the future. I also feel he is too detached from the public (few press conferences, doesn't read newspapers, etc.)
I feel strongly about civil rights, an end to the war on drugs, and the establishment of sustainable financial policy. I believe that accessible health care is a good idea from a public health perspective, but not necessarily from the perspective of entitlement to such care. I also feel strongly about the reduction of corruption in various forms such as gerrymandering and eminent domain abuse.
A sense of humor would be nice but I am more strongly drawn to people who say what they believe.
Policy trumps a candidate's demographic status.
I am highly skeptical of any candidate who claims religion is behind their policies, whether or not that statement is genuine or simply intended to win over a particular voter base.

[Mehoni]

Originally posted by ARTelevision

The President has made the world a safer place. .

s/world/USA/g

[Rhab]

Originally posted by mb99usa
I hope enough people are smart enough that Bush does not get re-elected.

Maybe I'm stupid, but I'm voting for Bush.
No, but the Democrats are making me feel like it.
Logic.
Someone who leaves me alone, is stong on defense, and doesn't want to tax me more.
Yes, because no one else has the cajones needed for this time in history, plus I hate taxes.
Taxes, liberty, threesomes.
Yes but only if I'm hanging out with them.
Rice in 2008!
No, but it doesn't hurt much either.

[mml]

Barring anything crazy happening, like Kucinich getting the Democratic nomination, I will vote for the Democrat. (Hoping it is Kerry)

I generally vote Democratic, but I have voted for Republicans as well (Bush '88, McCain for Senate several times).

I look for someone who's views are similar to mine, but they must also be someone who I think can get things done.

I sincerely hope the President Bush does not get reelected. I have serious concerns regarding his domestic, environmental and economic policies and I do not believe in the docrine of preemption. I truly feel that if there had been no 9/11, Bush would be in serious trouble. He did handle the attack and ensuing invation of Afganistan well, but he rushed into Iraq before we were done in Afganistan.

I feel very stongly about health-care issues, I think this is the next big problem we are going to have to face. I also would like to see us really address the immigration/border issues and obviously the U.S. is the only remaining super power, so our handling of foreign policy is a vital concern for me.

If I had my choice, yes, I would prefer someone with a sense of humor. That, however, would not be a major factor in my decision. Although, likable people tend to have an easier time getting elected.

I really don't care if the person is black, white, blue or green. Nor do I care if it is a man, woman, hermaphrodite(sp?) gay or strait. Can they do the job, do they have good ideas?

I think that a person's religion will inevitably have an effect on their decisions, but I would be concerned if they made their decisions based upon their religion. I am not concerned if my President is religious or not. I do not care if he or she believes in God or not.

Let's all hope for a vigorous election this year, were ideas and solutions are discussed and mudslinging is at a minimum.

[theusername]

I will most likely vote for Bush

No, I am an Independent.

I dont feel Dean will adequately protect our country, I dont want an angry man as Pres. If someone else besides Dean gets the nomination I will totally reconsider my choice at that point.

Confidence and an upbeat attitude. Also one that does not disagree with his opposition just to simply disagree

I disagree with Bush on the environment, his statement on the importance of human rights in Iraq but refusal to act in other places, and dont think we're focusing enough on Afghanistan and the Taliban. Despite this I will cast my clothespin vote for Bush.

Our country's foreign policy and a Pres. whos willing to comprimise and work with both parties, not too conservative and not too liberal.

Sure nothing wrong with a sense of humour as long as he takes his job serious.

As long as she is qualified and isnt a Clinton.

Absolutely not, religion plays a role in people's individual beliefs but first and foremost his policy with the priority on the lives of americans should be his backbone. One who believes in God can be just as radical as one who does not and vice versa. But this country will NEVER elect a President that openly admits he does not.

Despite all this mumbo jumbo, I will support the President we elect. I think there are many out there that do not support Bush and will raise doubt to whatever he does. For example, i respect those that oppose the war but at the same time there are some that still wish to see us fail so Bush is not re-elected and thats simply sad, those people dont deserve to be called americans

[Tophat665]

Who will you vote for? Dean in the Primary, and, if that works out, Dean in the election, if not, whoever the Democratic nominee is. Now in answer to those who say thatDean is unacceptably angry, I say that any person who looks at the state of the world to day and isn't furious isn't perceptive enough to be running the country.

Do you always vote for a specific party? I have always voted for the Democratic candidate for President. I have voted for Republicans twice since 1992, once for John Warner for Senate (never again) and once for some nameless fellow who was running against a Green for a State assembly seat.

What persuades you? If I they aren't Bush and don't support him, they have my vote. Unless they're Green.

What do you look for in a candidate? An intelligent take on the world's problems and the country's. A willingness to say what's on their mind. Mostly, though, at this point, they need a heartbeat and the ability to beat Bush.

Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Hell No!

Why/why not? Without rehashing all the arguments I have made over the last 4 yers, I think he's dishonest, criminally fiscally irresponsible, corrupt, cowardly, unable to consider consequences when taking action, a closet theocrat with a hypocritical theology, holier than thou, self righteous, unscrupulous, and, if not actually evil himself, possessed of a penchant for surrounding himself with evil men. Which I'm sure convinces no one of anything. His words and actions demonstrate to me that he either cares not a whit for this country and its people, or what he believes to be the right things for this country are at best pointless or at worst ruinous in my view. I believe he is leading us into the 20th century again, and we've done that already. His fiscal policy (if selling the country to ones cronies can really be called such) is going to bankrupt this country, and, even if stopped in January, may well set us up for the kind of economic collapse this country hasn't seen in 75 years. Those campaign promises he hasn't blown off as too expensive are either indicative of a deeply selfish and flawed vision, or designed to fail. Enough! If you can think of anything else bad to say about him, feel free to consider that I said it. He is the wrong man at the wrong time for all time.

What views do you feel strongly about? Basic fairness. Social Justice. A person's right to do as they wish with their body. That the first Amendment should be no more limited than it is now, and perhaps strenghtened, the fourth and fourteenth have been raped, and the second could us a bit of limitation (say, on par with the first.) I believe pollution is slow murder, that health care should be a federal service, that drugs are a health issue, not a criminal one, that welfare reform is all fine and well so long as it applies to businesses as well as poor people, that money is not speech, corporations are not legal persons, and that the group that miscalls themselves the religious right is neither, but is entirely too powerful.

Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor? Irrelevant. A president's sense of humor can only come through in a thoroughly sanitized way, and if that is the sense of humor that actually resides in the individual, I want no port of it.

Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position? In principal, yes. In reality, there is not a single female politician with even a whisker's chance of winning that I would want running the local dog catcher's office, let alone the country. Including Hillary.

Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions? No, and I think that a president who drags his god into the Whitehouse to the degree that it dictates his policy (rather than informs it - I can live with that) is de facto establishing his religion in direct contravention of the constitution, and therefore should be taken out back and crucified by the Supreme court with the secret service driving in the nails.

George W. Bush was not elected president, and should not be elected a first time. And I don't believe he will be, however, I would be ruefully unsurprised if it turned out he did it anyway, just like he did last time.

I may or may not argue this post. If you want specifics, start a thread on something specific, and if it interests me I'll post there.

[intecel]

Well, I was going to post a nice long post, but Tophat just said everything I would have said but better... Nice post man!

[matthew330]

Endymon 32, you're a hard one to figure out.....

Originally posted by Tophat665
What do you look for in a candidate? An intelligent take on the world's problems and the country's. A willingness to say what's on their mind. Mostly, though, at this point, they need a heartbeat and the ability to beat Bush.

I am with you, there.

I have never cared for politics and the way that the Govt. flows, but for some reason, this year it's become very important to me. Maybe it's because I am quite more mature now (I am only 24). Been desiring to do what I can to find and support a really decent candidate.
I never vote for a specific party, but it's never Republican. I prefer Democratic views, as well as the Green Party, although it's sad to see that Green Party candidates never make it.
I don't want to have my doubts.
I watched a debate of the Democratic party and was really surprised at their spirit, team support, views, and speaking from their hearts- or so it seemed. They all said really great stuff- and I am making sure it's not just stuff we want to hear. My husband & I were quite intrigued with Kerry. He seemed strong, honest, confident, yet not leading on.
I also enjoyed Braun and her toughness. Oh, I just want to hear a black woman bring it!
But, I am not done researching- I won't be until election day.

funny thing is, we just watched Head of State last night (I know, we're so behind)- but besides its little cheesy silly parts, that movie's message portrayed so much of what an Ideal president should be, in my opinion. Not afraid to be different, not afraid to speak his/her mind, really being genuine about caring for the people, being funny, yet taking the job seriously. That movie, he spoke so much truth in what the world's and the US' state really is in.
Just if there was someone out there who really had the balls to do it- he would have my vote. That's what I look for in a president. genuinity. It's hard to find- but I know someone will bring it better than the rest.

[Superbelt]

Who will you vote for?
Dean in the Primary (Pa), like it'll do me any good in Pa... Democrat in the general election.

Do you always vote for a specific party?
No. I voted for my congressman, Todd Platts, a Republican, this last round. I would have voted for John McCain over the 'final four' of the 2000 election as well.

What persuades you?
Environmental issues primarially, then fiscal responsibility. My new hot issue is railing against Governmental support for human rights abusing dictators.

What do you look for in a candidate?
Intelligence, honesty and humility. The kind of man who will look for a broad range of opinions before he makes any important policy decisions. Someone who is well read, articulate and has good people skills. A good diplomat.

Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
Never. I could never support him for president. He is environmentally destructive. He gives way too much weight to corporate concerns. He is fiscally unsound, supports brutal dictators, seems to be disingenuous, is proud of his ignorance and comes off to me every day as a spoiled rich boy.

What views do you feel strongly about?
Strong, pro-active environmental protection. Liberty: marry who you want, say what you want, (ex. No to FCC ban of Fuck..)... Censorship is bad.

Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
Yes, I think that is important as a sense of humor shows a man is approachable, kind, and bright.

Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
Yes, but only if she is the most qualified candidate.

Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?
No, facts the american peoples wishes should be the backbone of all a Presidents views. This is a secular nation and the President should run it as such.

[Mojo_PeiPei]

Originally posted by :::OshnSoul:::
Who will you vote for?
Do you always vote for a specific party?
What persuades you?
What do you look for in a candidate?
Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
What views do you feel strongly about?
Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?

1. Throwing it down for Dubya. Would consider Liberman.
2. I could be swayed either way, but I feel the democrats of today are morally bankrupt and completely non-sensical.
3. Defense, tax plan and other economic ideas, abortion, more times then not the small things.
4. I would like to see Bush re-elected. I think he has restored dignity to the White House. He knows what needs to get done, and its not always easy, but he has the balls to do it.
5. I would like some one who isn't a robot, or looks like they have a stick up their ass i.e. Dean.
6. Condi seems decent enough, like others said though, if they are qualified I'd consider it against the other options.
7. I don't think it should be the backbone. I see no problem with a president being religious, and unlike Superbelt I view America as a theist nation. God shouldn't be the focal point of politics or someone's presidency, but a nation devoid of him is due to fail.

[lordjeebus]

Originally posted by Mojo_PeiPei
God shouldn't be the focal point of politics or someone's presidency, but a nation devoid of him is due to fail.

I have a question about this statement.

How would a successful, non-Christian country fall into your system (eg. Japan)? Would you say that failure is just a matter of time? Would you say that such a country could function as long as they have some sort of spiritual basis? Or are you just saying that the United States in particular is a theist nation requiring God?

Or something else?

[Mojo_PeiPei]

I'm not saying we are a nation requiring God. We are (or at least WERE) a nation that was founded on the belief that our rights can not from origin of man, but from a higher power. To quote one of our founding fathers and Abraham Lincoln...

Ben Franklin:
I have lived sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in sacred writings, that "except the lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this...

Abraham Lincoln:
We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven. We have been preserved these many years in peace in prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multipled and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficent to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

For reference Ben Franklin's words came in 1787 at the drafting of the constitution and is the reason with the house and senate still to this day pray before meetings.

Lincoln's word's were from his proclimation regarding a national day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer in april of 1863.

****Sorry to hijack, completely not my intention, just answered a question.

If people wish to discuss this lets make another thread****

Go Dubya

[dami³]

I'm not a US citizen so I can't actually vote in november but I'll aswer "as if"

Who will you vote for?
Whoever will get the democrats nomination - just hope that it won't be Leiberman - Dean or Clark or a combination of both with one running as the other one's Vice president would be my first choise. Btw there are elections for the EU parliament this year as well: I'll vote for a ELDR party -> European Liberal Democrats

Do you always vote for a specific party?
No they have to earn my vote

What persuades you?
The historical legacy, short term achievements and policy in the past and basic ideology of the parties

What do you look for in a candidate?
A program that makes sense and "fits" my own political perspective

Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
No - he's done an awfull job internationally and his domestic US agenda stinks aswell

What views do you feel strongly about?
To me everything is "political" and I hold strong views on almost everything

Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
I think any balanced man or woman needs one, but it's not my number one preoccupation when giving my vote to someone

Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
Sure if she can handle it and has gotten ideas I can "work" with

Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?
Not at all - in fact I'de never vote for someone who takes his/her religion as a starting point for governing - I'm a firm "believer" in the seperation of church and state - and any countries souvereign should be as neutral in that respect as possible

[mml]

Originally posted by Tophat665

Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position? In principal, yes. In reality, there is not a single female politician with even a whisker's chance of winning that I would want running the local dog catcher's office, let alone the country.

OUCH!!! That's a bit extreme. While not everyone in the Arizona loves her, our Governor is a woman and is running a 60%+ approval rating. This says a lot, since she is a Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican state. I am not saying she should run for President, but there are some very capable women out there.

[Strange Famous]

I cant vote, if I could, I would probably vote Green

[james t kirk]

I can't vote.

But if i could, i would vote for whomever was running against Bush.

Too bad Clinton couldn't run again. I think he would win.

[MSD]

Who will you vote for?
-Whoever the Democrats nominate, unless I have serious issues with them. Most likely, this will be a vote for Dean, for lack of a better choice. I wouldn't be too disappointed with Dean/Clark
Do you always vote for a specific party?
-No. I vote for whoever I think would do a better job (lots of "lesser of two evils" going on now)
What persuades you?
-I would vote for almost anyone over Bush, who I believe should have been impeached and removed by now
What do you look for in a candidate?
-Someone who shares a lot of similar opinions with me, someone with a good personality, someone at least reasonably honest, (very important someone who understands that there is more to issues than Republican vs. Democrat.
Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
-No. He has violated US and international law repeatedly, he threatens the stability of the world and international relations, and his "don't mess with Texas" attitude about running the country is harmful to us and to the rest of the world. It's absurd to refuse foreign aid (AIDS relief funding) to countries that don't fit his religious beliefs (those that allow abortion,) and the consistent erosion of our civil rights and freedoms is unacceptable.
What views do you feel strongly about?
-Education, civil rights, civil/individual rights (including womens' rights, gun ownership rights, free speech,) human rights, free trade (the new evil empire,)
Do you want someone who has a sense of humor?
-It would be a whole lot better than someone who doesn't have one, although it's not the top priority.
Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
-I've liked what I've seen when women and minorities have been involved in local government, so I think that the same would be true for federal government (insert joke about war every month here )
Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?
-The best interest of the most people in the country should be the backbone of motives and actions. Religion should not be stifled, and it doesn't bother me if the president mentions God in a speech, but if his or her religious beliefs take priority over the best interest of the nation, then something is wrong.

[legolas]

If I vote, it would be for a third party canidate. I don't like Bush. And Dean and Kerry don't seem that great either.

[theusername]

I agree legolas, i think most people do. But the fact is 3rd party's do not win so i figure i might as well let my vote count and vote for who i believe is the lesser of 2 evils.

[Tophat665]

Originally posted by mml
OUCH!!! That's a bit extreme. While not everyone in the Arizona loves her, our Governor is a woman and is running a 60%+ approval rating. This says a lot, since she is a Democrat in an overwhelmingly Republican state. I am not saying she should run for President, but there are some very capable women out there.

With all due respect to some exceptionally capable congress women and female governors, none of them have a chance of winning the whitehouse. The list of women with any chance at all is really short: Hillary and Elizabeth Dole.

That's it. Those two.

[Man/Amazing]

Who will you vote for?
Most of the time i dont vote because i really dont feel like my vote matters(2000 election), but if i do vote it will most likely go Democrat. I just dont think i can handle anymore of Bush's lies.

Do you always vote for a specific party?
Most of the time if i voted i would vote for Democrat but i would probably vote for Bush senior if i could have voted then.

What persuades you?
Nothing about the Democratic party persuafe me, its just that i dont want to see bush in office again.

What do you look for in a candidate?
Someone who will tell me what i want to hear and who has a pretty good track record.

Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
I cant stand the lies anymore, yes im glad he cought Saddam but i think it was totally unnecessary. Actually i think it was a kind of distraction from the real problem Al-Qaeda.

What views do you feel strongly about?
Health care and Protecting the Environment.

Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
Just as long as they get their job done, i dont care about their 1 liners.

Would you like to see a woman - even a coloured woman take the position?
Actually i was kinda hopeing that that black chick was still in the race, but yeah.


Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?
No, everything should be based on facts.

[Evil Milkman]

Originally posted by Man/Amazing
Most of the time i dont vote because i really dont feel like my vote matters(2000 election), but if i do vote it will most likely go Democrat.

You and thousands and thousands of others. Voice your opinion.

[powerclown]

Who will you vote for?

Democratic.

Do you always vote for a specific party?

Now I do; In the past I made the mistake of voting Republican.

What persuades you?

The fact that Republicans do for Republicans, and Democrats do for Democrats. I think Democrats are better suited to creating a more harmonious society, within and without.

What do you look for in a candidate?

I'd like my President to be intelligent, charismatic, and have a good sense of humor. Like my barber.

Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?

Wrong man for the job, imo. Stupid, dull, and boring.

What views do you feel strongly about?

I think a President should concern himself with 1) diplomacy, 2) domestic issues, such as education, health care, civil rights, et al., 3) security, both internal and external, 4) environmental issues.

Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?

Yeah, and not a condescending one..

Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?

Why not? History has shown it makes no difference, man or woman. Woman have proven they can be competent leaders. see Britain, Israel, India, Finland.

Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?

I think a President should have a pragmatic take about how 'things work'. Call it common sense.

Some things I observed yesterday.
I tried watching/listening to the SotU address, but it all sounded so familiar, like those same words already came out of his mouth. Like promises he made when he became president he is still saying he is making them, holding to them, yet...when will take action with those promises?
How is our economy and job pool getting bigger and better? Barely. I'm still searching for a job since early last year.

One thing I did hear about Edwards was that he believes in the "speak no evil of other running candidates" mantra, which I totally support. I get so turned off by candidates bashing each other and speaking negatively towards them. So, I don't like Bush, but saying that he did a bad job, that his decisions have been wrong, and saying that he is a mistake to the US, that is harsh.
I watch for backlashing and I will not vote for anyone who does.
Gore- no way. His speech last night turned me off. He was a slight consideration until yesterday. I sensed a lot of defensiveness and angst in his voice as he spoke. I sensed fear, not determination and confidence.
I am now focusing on Kerry and Edwards.

[FoolThemAll]

Originally posted by :::OshnSoul:::
Who will you vote for?
Do you always vote for a specific party?
What persuades you?
What do you look for in a candidate?
Do you want Bush to be re-elected? Why/why not?
What views do you feel strongly about?
Do you want soemone who has a sense of humor?
Would you like to see a woman- even a coloured woman take the position?
Do you feel that religion/beliefs should be the backbone of a President's views/motives/actions?

1. Bush, most likely.
2. This will be my first time voting. But, no, I vote for a candidate and not a party.
3. A strong stance on national defense, fiscal conservatism, a right-wing economic outlook, a pro-life position, an anti-affirmative action position, and an otherwise socially liberal stance. Being a major candidate is also a major consideration.
4. See 3.
5. Yes. Check all that apply in 3 and that's my answer. (Not all apply.)
6. Social freedom, abortion, national defense.
7. Sure, that'd be nice. But not at the cost of anything in #3.
8. If it were to happen that no woman or black person ever was strongest on the criteria in #3, then no. Otherwise, yes.
9. Motivation isn't as important as results. Answer: It depends on how well s/he fits the criteria.