Are we taking this election seriously?

[LittleBlue]

I've seen members try to say that the support of a homophobic pastor reflects Obama somehow. I've seen people post pics of Hillary with Murdoch and Giuliani, implying that she has the same philosophy.

I've seen a few saying they'll vote for candidate X just to shut up candidate Y's supporters. This is shocking to me. It's almost like football; like some sort of game the Republicans play (McCain cosponsers McCain-Feingold, therefore he's persona non grata).

I would never let the candidate's supporters, or their crazy followers on DU, influence who I want to lead my party and country. This is a life-and-death struggle. You're voting for lives in the third world and Middle East, for God's sake. Please take a dispassionate look at the candidates beyond the ability to buy LCD's, the economy (which the President has little influence on anyway), and "experience", for which no correlation can be found with performance.

People aren't taking this seriously. They focus on issues they have little understanding of. They know nothing about how the economy works, haven't studied it a lick in their lives, know nothing about tax policy, have never been President and have no clue what type of experience is needed if any at all, and yet that is the extent of the debate. What a bunch of fools.

If there's one thing the last few elections have taught me, it's that the media and the politicians know the peanut crowd well.

[Bicoastal]

1. I was worried you would endorse somebody at the end, and since you didn't...

....K & R!!

[1corona4u]

2. NO, it's American Idol...or Survivor....

maybe more like survivor.

[crikkett]

3. It's in NOVEMBER

and even the Republicans I talk to think that Hillary will work for them better than any of their candidates.
Fait accompli.

[LittleBlue]

7. Could be. I was just shocked that people chose the economy in exit polls

as their #1 issue. Ever taken an economics class before? 95% no. Read a history book? Doubt it.

They know nothing about the subjects on which they are basing their decisions.

[demnan]

4. It's hard for some of us to take it seriously

when it won't be decided by us. My first vote in the primary will be so late that it won't matter. My second vote in the general election will most probably be negated by the fact that I live in a red state. Therefore, I have no real way to legitimately register a vote in this election.

I did one thing, the only thing I could. I helped get Kucinich on the ballot in the Virginia primary.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

5. Whom do you favor? nt

[LittleBlue]

8. Obama

But I don't really base my decision making on some fiction that he or Hillary will be life-or-death for the economy. Or even have any influence. Both will re-nominate Bernanke, who has a far greater impact on the economy than the WH. Congress passes the tax laws, so that is a misconception. Experience? I've never been President, and there is no correlation between experience and performance. Nixon was experienced, Reagan had experience, and JFK had little experience.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

9. Ok thank you for answering. And yes, I agree. It's the issues that should be looked at. nt

[LittleBlue]

10. I'm starting to think the issues make little difference

Bush claimed he would pull us out of these worldwide military bases.

I think the best way to evaluate a candidate is by his past before he/she had any aspirations to office. Obama has some good qualities. He is also a Constitutional law expert, which really counts for me. He doesn't always sound certain, which is good; I don't want a person who doesn't give a thoughtful answer.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

11. The media manipulates us terribly, and they're our only source of news. :(

It's a shame.

[eileen_d]

6. I'm here for the peanuts

I need the protein.

[bunnies]

12. After the last 3 days here in NH... not so much. Sadly. nt