Stance on issues vs. Other

[Fidzy]

As I read these threads, I see an alarming amount of people who are voting for candidates, not based on their voting record or their stance on issues, but because of rumors, personality, or other traits. Is it just me, or does that seem a little... insane?

Do the little things (i.e. church pastors, spouses, hair color, race, gender) really matter that much? How many of you vote on the issues?

[Berkley]

I admit I'm not voting for hilary based on an other and nope I don't feel crazy or bad about it. I simply think she would be a bad candidate and IMO I don't owe anyone an explanation as to why.

[flangl18]

Originally Posted by Fidzy As I read these threads, I see an alarming amount of people who are voting for candidates, not based on their voting record or their stance on issues, but because of rumors, personality, or other traits. Is it just me, or does that seem a little... insane? Do the little things (i.e. church pastors, spouses, hair color, race, gender) really matter that much? How many of you vote on the issues?

Hmmm...nope. I think that voting records, stance on issues and PLANS for the future are what weighs most for me. The little things can add up and make you question character, etc and in my opinion character is a big deal, but for me, I can't sit here and in good faith vote for somebody who doesn't have a clear plan and moral values that are close to my own - at least as close as you can get - they aren't going to be point by point the same.

[amazinggrace]

Originally Posted by flangl18 Hmmm...nope. I think that voting records, stance on issues and PLANS for the future are what weighs most for me. The little things can add up and make you question character, etc and in my opinion character is a big deal, but for me, I can't sit here and in good faith vote for somebody who doesn't have a clear plan and moral values that are close to my own - at least as close as you can get - they aren't going to be point by point the same.

I agree 100%.

[fridayheather]

Oh, you know I'm voting for Obama because I think he's the cutest (not because his stance on most issues most matches my own plus I think he's the least corrupt and I could go on ).

I agree with you though, I feel that many people go vote without researching their preferred candidate.

[Fidzy]

I agree, sometimes it feels like the little things are distracting people from the big picture, kwim? Yeah, I disagree with some things my candidate has done.. but at the end of the day, he has a record of supporting the issues that mean the most to me.

[CocoaGoddess]

Well ... I mean, I'm not going to even pretend that it doesn't ENRAGE me when I hear see or read some poll that states that 2 in 10 Democrats believe that Barack is a muslim--and it's used pejoratively no less.

*angry sigh*

But on the other hand, policy wise, there really isn't much of a difference between Barack and Hillary, and their rabid supporters need to stop pretending otherwise. Bottom line, it really does come down to personality and a certain willingness to embrace one candidate over the other, regardless of their flaws.

Aunt Hill and Uncle Bill, I see them as dishonest, corrupt, and desperate. My best friend thinks these are qualities that are needed as a politician.

Guess what I'm saying, is that I don't like nor do I respect willful, unapologetic ignorance. But I do understand that some politicians will rub someone the wrong way, without even trying, and it's a valid reason not to support them.

[Berkley]

Just for the record I'm very knowledgeable on all candidates. I just cannot vote for her.

[brandewijn]

I vote on the issues, how the candidate carries themselves and their past records. Of course, I don't know every single thing about every candidate but who does? I try my best to keep myself educated. I definetaly don't vote blindly and when I hear a rumor I don't believe it until I find out for myself whether it is true or not.

As wrong as it may seem, I think people should have to take IQ tests before voting.

[sweetheartjess]

well, we all know i'm voting for Obama bc he's Muslim...