Mikado

I've never been a very politically minded person, probably because neither of my parents ever held the issue in high reguard, but this year's election has really sparked some new found interest in me. I've been motivated to read more about each candidates views and positions they stand within our government. I've started conversations with peers over politics and try to see their side of issues and reasonings. However, one thing I don't really understand is the need for two seperate parties. There are so many issues that I can't firmly say I'm for or against. There are too many issues that I honestly don't know which stance is the better of the two. If I were to classify myself as Republican or Democrat, it would be on the basis of picking the "lesser of two evils." I'd go with the party that had the closest views to my own, but neither comes close to agreeing with me in full.

Is this how most people classify themsevles? What about the people at the RNC/DNC that are cheering, waving, displaying signs, and going nuts over their incumbant? Are they 100% in agreeance on every issue presented? If so, I just don't see how someone could be so much in favor for one side compared to the other.

Let's take abortion for instance. I can't honestly say I'm pro-life or pro-choice. I think every situation could be handled differently. I think there are several factors when it comes to making the choice to be all for one or the other. Same applies to gun control. I don't see a clear answer. I agree and disagree with points from both parties. The list goes on and on.

I can see the fundamental reasoning behind dual parties, and why we discuss politics on a whole, but is there really a right answer? Is electing one incumbant over another really going to solve all our problems? Won't the nation essentailly be divided down the middle forever, with the few like myself who are "on the fence" so to speak?

I'm interested in what you all have to think about policitcs and their place in our society. Will it ever provide a clear, concise solution to all our nations problems? In essence, won't our country's views and policies change with every new president placed in office? What stands out as the primary benefit behind our nation's policital environment?

onetime2

People choose the issues that are most important to them (could be one or two or twenty or thirty) and try to find a match within the parties (including those that are not Republican or Democrat).

Each party has segments with a variety of vastly different beliefs (look at the Log Cabin Republicans as an example) from what most consider the "core" of the party. IMO the other parties in our system revolve around just one or two primary issues and don't really have a broad appeal.

There are also plenty of people who don't prescribe to "party" politics at all and act as true independents. They can sway from one to another based on the strength of the candidate and/or platform of the moment.

In essence, there is no "right" answer. And there's absolutely no reason to feel that you must choose just one. I am most closely aligned with Republicans in the majority of my beliefs but will certainly go outside party lines if I feel it's best for the country, state, or local election I'm voting in.

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Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

Seaver

The two party system was a natural occurance in the battle for political power. Just as individuals turned into families turned into militias turned into armies were a natural progression of warfare and self defense, so were parties an evolution of politics.

First it was Federalists and Anti-federalists. Groups of like-minded people would form up along common ideals and would mutually support each other. While they dont agree with each other on everything, the power granted by the mutual support was too great to simply leave. So while you were in the same party as someone, you would support their bills even though you didnt necissarily agree with every part of it. This is where the internal politics of the political parties hammers out details, supporting a bill you dont necissarily support would make them in debt to you in the future.

Really complicated yes I know, but our founding fathers made sure to keep the political process slow (slow means less crap gets through usually). So now it's extreamly hard to get the funding required to get elected, and enough support if you do as an independant. So while people say they're a Rep/Dem it doesnt mean they believe everything the "party" line does.

nottwood

Seaver pretty much nailed it. My advice, if you can't decide, vote THIRD PARTY....its really a vote for none-of-the-above. It would take one hell of a grass roots campaign, and tons of money for a third-party to get established, but they would be one vote closer.