Politics has become a very confusing game. Very rarely does a politician speak truthfully about any of their beliefs. We have become so wound up in the republican v. democrat game that we have lost sight of the real reason for politics and politicians. I'm personally tired of half truths and vague responses. Presidential politics and presidential hopefuls may be the worst offenders, even if only because of the powerful position they are working towards. In the recent past, we've heard Hillary Clinton speaking with a southern drawl in order to appeal to the southern christians. We've heard Barack Obama speak entire ads in spanish. The press focuses on what a poor example Giuliani would be because he has made mistakes in his personal life and Mitt Romney is under scrutiny because he has changed his mind on some issues. We need a presidential hopeful who, from the start "says this is what I believe in and this is what I want to do". Then, and only then, will we truly be able to elect someone who the majority feels is the best candidate. Enough with the games. Stop trying to be something you're not. If you were meant to truly be a leader, your true stance on issues will appeal or at least be acceptable to the masses. If all politicians were honest about their positions, we would have a much better chance moving in a forward, effective direction. With that being said, what would your platform be? What positions and/or beliefs do you hold that would make you an effective leader?
I'll likely be attacked for this, but it is for these exact reasons that I have never voted. It may sound like a cop-out, but how can one be expected to make an educated decision when there are no honest sources of information--bias in the media, inconsistencies and blatant lies from the candidates, etc. I could do all the research I want and I would never trust any of it to be accurate. So what, should I simply vote for the hell of it? Because it's the "American" thing to do?
It makes sense that candidates would want to appeal to as many people as possible, however I believe that an effective leader should not be wishy-washy, but rather chose a position and stand by it. I didn't really answer the question, but that is something that has been on my mind, and frustrates me when I am being pressured from every angle to "rock the vote."
I too have never voted but may this year for the first time. I think that the important thing to consider when casting your vote is who shares the values that are most important to you. Personally, I don't care about a candidates personal life. I don't care if Giuliani was a bad father or a bad husband. What I care about is whether or not he can successfully do the job. I don't care if a candidate smoked pot when they were younger and I don't care if they were arrested for some minor offense in the past. I don't care if a candidate is Christian, Mormon or Buddhist. So many people feel that the president on the United States needs to be morally superior to the average american and that they have had to make the "right" and "moral" decision every time. I don't think that this is the case though. What we need is someone who can deal with foreign countries. We need someone who can address issues regarding our security and economy and immigration. We need someone who is capable of effecting change on a large scale, who can redeem the reputation of the United States domestically and abroad. So, I guess what I'm saying is that despite the lies and the misinformation, you need take the information you are given and determien who has the most in common with you. Chances are, it is this person who will best address your needs when in office.