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Election and politics
Dec. 2nd, 2007 09:43 amFor the first time ever I'm considering registering as a Democrat so I can vote in the February primary. While I've never voted nationally for anyone other than a Democrat (I've voted for others in smaller elections) I am on principle against the two party system. I ideologically wish to reserve the right to vote for whichever is best candidate regardless of party affiliation. Also, I think the Democratic National Party is as out of touch and industry run as the Republicans. I despise the partisan, divisive dialog in this country and think it alienates most average Americans - especially those in the "fly over states" (that phrase is constantly used by people here in the ultra-liberal Bay Area. I loathe it. It is condescending and rude).
However, I don't want Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate for president. There seems to be this aura of inevitability around her. I suspect that many liberal, progressive, independent, and/or Democrat voters will choose her only because they think she's already got the nomination in the bag. Plus, the Republican candidates are a disappointing, backward bunch. I long for the day when each party puts forth a candidate that makes me actually choose. Wouldn't it be amazing if most voters had two good choices?
Right now, I'm leaning toward John Edwards. I've liked him from the beginning, but he doesn't seem to stand a chance. But I heard him speak last night, on some NPR thing, and his discussion of energy policy, poverty, the economy and other issues really impressed me - again. I think he has the most sound policies out of all the Democrats. He's well-spoken. I like his voting record. I respect his honesty and consistency with his issues, even against gay marriage (I am completely for it, but he has repeatedly said he struggles with this issue, yet his voting record shows a great level of compassion - for example, as Senator, he voted yes to make violence against transexuals a hate crime).
I like Obama, more or less. He has similar experience to Edwards, he's a great speaker, but his policies are..... enh. I think a lot of people are fixated on him because he's charismatic, the first great black candidate for president, and because he stands a chance of beating Hillary. I think he'd be better than Hillary. I doubt very much that Hillary would be much of a change. She's a party Democrat, through and through, a life long politician, and basically part of a dynasty. The last thing I want is the White House to become entrenched in Bush-Clinton policies for another four years, and possibly eight.
I don't want flashy, I don't want big money, I don't want empty promises. I want some one smarter than me, with solid policies, ready to get on with the daunting tasks of running this country.
Anyway, I am going to register as a Democrat for the primaries and probably vote for John Edwards. And then switch back to undeclared.
However, I don't want Hillary Clinton as the Democratic candidate for president. There seems to be this aura of inevitability around her. I suspect that many liberal, progressive, independent, and/or Democrat voters will choose her only because they think she's already got the nomination in the bag. Plus, the Republican candidates are a disappointing, backward bunch. I long for the day when each party puts forth a candidate that makes me actually choose. Wouldn't it be amazing if most voters had two good choices?
Right now, I'm leaning toward John Edwards. I've liked him from the beginning, but he doesn't seem to stand a chance. But I heard him speak last night, on some NPR thing, and his discussion of energy policy, poverty, the economy and other issues really impressed me - again. I think he has the most sound policies out of all the Democrats. He's well-spoken. I like his voting record. I respect his honesty and consistency with his issues, even against gay marriage (I am completely for it, but he has repeatedly said he struggles with this issue, yet his voting record shows a great level of compassion - for example, as Senator, he voted yes to make violence against transexuals a hate crime).
I like Obama, more or less. He has similar experience to Edwards, he's a great speaker, but his policies are..... enh. I think a lot of people are fixated on him because he's charismatic, the first great black candidate for president, and because he stands a chance of beating Hillary. I think he'd be better than Hillary. I doubt very much that Hillary would be much of a change. She's a party Democrat, through and through, a life long politician, and basically part of a dynasty. The last thing I want is the White House to become entrenched in Bush-Clinton policies for another four years, and possibly eight.
I don't want flashy, I don't want big money, I don't want empty promises. I want some one smarter than me, with solid policies, ready to get on with the daunting tasks of running this country.
Anyway, I am going to register as a Democrat for the primaries and probably vote for John Edwards. And then switch back to undeclared.